These no-bake quinoa energy bites are a nutrient-packed snack that tastes like dessert! They'll remind you of the rich caramel and chocolate flavors of turtle cookies!
No bake energy bites that taste like cookies?
I'll take a million, please. And then maybe a few more.
It feels like energy bites have taken over the world, or at least my Pinterest feed, but how can I complain when these little balls are typically gluten-free and packed with goodies? It's more like picture after picture of snack-spiration (you know, snack + inspiration) which is totally okay with me because I am a full-blown snacker.
When I snack, I almost always reach for something sweet, especially in the afternoon.
If I'm lucky, I'll have a batch of my Gluten-Free Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies or some Spiced Coconut Yogurt Quinoa Muffins around, but when don't, I know that I can turn to my freezer for energy bites.
Because one of the things I struggle when it comes to snacking is making sure that I'm not overindulging. By that I mean, turning my snack into a full-blown meal where I'm then not hungry for lunch/dinner.
That's just another reason why I'm head over heels for these quinoa energy bites.
I've been making my own energy bites for years now, but I tend to stick to the same thing. My chocolate chip peanut butter energy balls, the snickerdoodle energy bites and even my salted dark chocolate energy balls are some of my favorites, and I almost always have some on hand in my freezer. (You can also check out my Ultimate Guide on How to Make Energy Balls.)
In reality, they're the ultimate snack: small, quick, and satisfy my craving while still giving me energy.
But the same recipes over and over and over again can get a little boring. Which is why I'm seriously loving that there are so many amazing energy ball creations out there!
It's honestly inspiring me to majorly up my own game in energy bite department.
Say hello to my newest creation: turtle cookie quinoa energy bites!
My version of these healthy little morsels is packed full of nutritional goodies – like raw pecans, nut butter, cocoa powder, dates, maple syrup and quinoa crisps. They're the perfect thing to carry with you on the go, keep in your office or to just have on hand when that cookie craving hits.
Because they totally have the sweet, caramely, chocolatey flavor of turtle cookies in every single bite. They're just so dang tasty!
Turtle Cookie Quinoa Energy Bites
Ingredients
- 1 cup pitted medjool dates about 10
- 1 cup raw pecans
- 2 tablespoons nut butter
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 - 2 tablespoons water only if needed
- 1 cup quinoa crisps
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- In the bowl of a food processor combine the dates and pecans. Process until they resemble a coarse sand.
- Add nut butter, syrup, oil and cocoa powder and process until a dough forms. If the dough does not come together, add some water, 1 tablespoon at a time until the dough sticks together when you press it between your fingers.
- Pulse in the quinoa crisps and chocolate chips.
- Form 1" balls with your hands and place on a parchment lined plate. Freeze for at least 30 minutes and then enjoy.
- Keep in a covered container in the freezer for best results, but they will also keep in the fridge.
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