A chocolate lovers dream! Rich and decadent chocolate cookie dough balls with no added sugar! They’re naturally sweetened with dates and a touch of maple syrup. The secret ingredient and powerhouse in this easy recipe is black beans! They add texture and pull everything together and also contribute to the protein and fiber content which is a huge factor in satiety.
When chocolate is calling….how do you answer? This healthy snack recipe for no bake cookie dough balls is the perfect solution to your afternoon chocolate cravings. Super chocolate-y and delicious…..exactly what’s needed to hit the spot!
Ingredient Notes
How to make them
This is a super easy recipe to make with a food processor. First add the rolled oats and process into a coarse meal. I like to use Thrive Market Organic Oats or One Degree Organic Sprouted Oats. Whatever brand you use, be sure they are non-GMO and glyphosate free.
Next, add in the peanut butter, dates, black beans, ground flax, cacao powder, maple syrup, vanilla and sea salt. Basically, everything but the chocolate chips. You’ll want to stop a few times to scrape down the sides to be sure everything is totally incorporated and your cookie dough batter is smooth.
At this point, transfer to a bowl to stir in the mini chocolate chips by hand. I used an offset spatula because the dough will be “heavy” and hard to stir with a flimsier spatula, though a wooden spoon would also work well. If the dough is too sticky to work with, place the bowl in the fridge for 30 minutes and then proceed.
Use a small scoop or two spoons to scoop the edible cookie dough out onto a parchment lined rimmed tray.
You should get 24 golf ball sized cookie bites from one recipe. Once they’re all scooped onto your parchment, you can roll them into smooth balls. It’s easiest to do this with slightly damp hands.
Now is the time to add in any optional toppings. I like to roll my chocolate bliss balls in hemp seeds. What a tasty way to get some extra protein, fiber and fatty acids.
Debra’s Pro Tips
- Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before scooping into balls…not mandatory if you’re pressed for time, but they’ll be easier to work with.
- Wet your hands to make rolling into balls easier.
- Get creative with the toppings….coat them in sesame seeds, chopped nuts, coconut or even crushed freeze dried fruit. More chocolate? Why not….use mini chips, cacao nibs or even shaved chocolate for a decadent coating.
- Going for a hike? Pack a granola bar instead….these will get crushed in your backpack (been there, done that….learn from my disappointment!)
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📖 Recipe
Chocolate Cookie Dough Balls
Ingredients
- ½ cup old fashioned rolled oats
- 1 15-oz can black beans rinsed and drained
- ½ cup peanut butter
- 8 medjool dates
- ¼ cup raw cacao powder
- 2 Tablespoons ground flax seeds
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ cup mini dark chocolate chips
OPTIONAL
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
Instructions
- Place rolled oats in food processor and turn on until broken up into a coarse flour.
- Add remaining ingredients, EXCEPT FOR CHOCOLATE CHIPS and process until the "dough" comes together. You may need to scrape down the sides a few times, and then continue to process so everything is well incorporated.
- Stir in mini chips by hand and then place the "dough" in the fridge for a minimum of 30 minutes. This will make them less sticky and easier to handle.
- Use a small scoop or 2 spoons to portion out 24 golf ball sized cookie balls onto a small baking sheet lined with unbleached parchment paper. Then, wet hands and roll them into smooth balls.
- Roll into toppings*, if desired. Pop into the fridge to solidify. After 30 minutes, transfer to airtight container.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 2 weeks or in the freezer for 3 months.
Notes
Nutrition
Note
The nutrition calculations were done using online tools. To obtain the most accurate representation of the nutritional information in any given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients you used. You are ultimately responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information is accurate, complete and useful.
Kim Koons
I love this recipe! Today I’m trying it with soaked dried apricots and dates.
Debra Klein
Ooh…the apricots sound like a great addition…please report back!
Peggy
This looks very yummy, and I am ready to prepare. One question: There is an asterisk (*) next to the peanut butter and date ingredients, and also the ‘roll in toppings’ direction. I have looked for the corresponding reference throughout the recipe for some detail to these areas, but have found none. Just checking to to if there are additional pieces of advice I missed.
Debra Klein
Oh, sorry you were confused. For those items that have an * next to them, there is additional information in the “notes” section. The peanut butter it was to suggest a sub if needed, and the dates info is about buying them with the pit in to retain their moist and fresh status as long as possible and then remove the pit before using.
Brianna May
I love this recipe! So yummy.
Elizabeth
These really are bliss! So delicious and simple to make. I’ll definitely be making these again!
Debra Klein
Thank you….weekly meal prep must in this house!
Alexandra
These were absolutely fantastic – a delicious sweet treat and perfect for when those cravings hit! Easy to make also!
Debra Klein
Yes….exactly why I keep a stash in the freezer!
Amanda
These turned out delicious! They were perfectly chocolatey with such a nice creamy texture.
Debra Klein
Right? So delish. We love them.
Addie
I loved these for an easy healthy snack!
Katie Youngs
I love that these have no added sugar! They were so good!
Jeri
These were delicious! My kids had no idea there were black beans in them, lol. Love it! Thanks for sharing!
Chef Dennis
My wife really loved this!
Raquel
We love cookie dough but never knew how to make these. Thank you!
Oscar
Loved this cookie dough recipe.
Amanda
I can’t believe these little bites have black beans! You would’ve never guessed it, but they added such a nice, creamy texture.
Emily Flint
I love the black bean addition, so clever!
Anaiah
These chocolate cookie dough balls were tasty
Teresa Sklenicka
What a fun snack! And I love that they’re also healthy!