Cookie Dough Energy Balls

What is a Cookie Dough Energy Ball?

Cookie Dough Energy Balls are a healthy snack made with coconut flour, nut butter and chickpeas - no dairy and no gluten!

The texture is like a soft cookie, but it's made from real foods and has no added sugar or preservatives. It's a simple recipe that comes together quickly and makes a tasty snack the whole family will love!

Chickpeas are a great source a plant-based protein that’s also low in calories. High in fibre and vitamins, they play an important role in our diets. Rich in iron, calcium and potassium, they also have anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer.

Coconut flour is naturally gluten-free and contains beneficial fats that help reduce inflammation and promote heart health. It’s rich in antioxidants and supports digestion by maintaining a balance of good and bad bacteria in the gut.

Peanut butter contains healthy fats and protein to keep you feeling full for longer. It’s a tasty, healthy alternative to use to make your snacks unlike other store-bought snacks that are high in sugar or fat.

Dark chocolate chips are loaded with antioxidant-rich flavonoids and contain a range of vitamins and minerals. They’re a good source of fibre and magnesium which is essential for heart health and blood pressure regulation.

Maca Powder aka Peruvian ginseng has powerful antioxidants that help fight free radicals and regulate hormones. It’s also known to improve fertility and energy levels. Read more about maca here.

More on Chickpeas!

Chickpeas are the only legume in the Fabaceae family of plants, which include beans, peas, lentils, peanuts and soy beans. They are high in protein, high in fibre, and are high in folate, manganese, iron, copper, vitamin B6, zinc, phosphorus, and potassium. They are also low in saturated fats and a good source of omega-3 fatty acids. There are many delicious ways to enjoy chickpeas in your diet.

You can add them to salads and roasted vegetables for extra crunch, mash them and serve them topped with salsa, or simply sprinkle them over your salad for a healthy, protein packed snack.

Try a few of my favourite chickpea recipes below

• Indian Coronation Chickpea Chaat Sandwich Filler (thevegannutritionist.co.uk)
• Greek Cucumber Noodle Salad (thevegannutritionist.co.uk)
• Slow Cooker Butter Chickpeas with Pumpkin (thevegannutritionist.co.uk)
• Red Pepper Hummus, vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free (thevegannutritionist.co.uk)
• Sweet Potato Peanut Stew (thevegannutritionist.co.uk)
• Vegan Buddha Bowl (thevegannutritionist.co.uk)



How To Make These Cookie Dough Balls

Cookie Dough Energy Balls Recipe

This recipe makes a perfect mid-morning snack or a mid-afternoon pick me up to help keep you going throughout the day. It’s also a great post-workout fuel option if you’re trying to meet your daily protein intake. Enjoy!!

Makes 12 balls

INGREDIENTS

• 400g tin of chickpeas, in water (if salted water do not add the additional salt)
• 1/3rd cup peanut butter
• 4 tbsp coconut flour or sub almond flour
• 3 tbsp coconut nectar
• 1/4 tsp ground salt
• 1 tsp vanilla paste
• 1 tsp maca root powder
• 2 tbsp plant-based milk
• 1/2 cup vegan chocolate chips

METHOD

1. Drain tin of chickpeas, and add to your food processor with the S blade.
2. Add the remaining ingredients - peanut butter, coconut nectar, salt, vanilla, and plant-based milk.
3. Blend on high speed for 30 seconds then scrape the sides down, then add the coconut flour.
4. Process another 30 seconds, before scraping down, and repeating this process, add more plant-based milk if too thick or more coconut flour if too thin.
5. Once you have your cookie dough, transfer to a bowl and stir in the chocolate chips, then roll into balls and store in the fridge or freezer until serving.

Stores in the fridge 4 days or frozen 2-3 months.

Defrost before consuming.

Enjoy!

Thanks for reading!

Blog Post by Rose Wyles - The Vegan Nutritionist

For professional assistance in adopting a healthy and nutritious plant-based diet, kindly reach out to me using the form provided below. I can help you address any possible nutrient deficiencies or health concerns and ensure that your nutritional needs are met through the consumption of plant-based foods.

Additionally, use my services to create a customised plan for reaching your health and wellness goals which includes personalised meal plans, nutritional advice, tasty plant-based recipes, and more.

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