Chocolate Chip Cookie Hemp Energy Bites

Although there are tons of energy bars out there, it can be fun to make your own.  Also, that way you can tailor them to your own needs.  I like to include protein powder in mine, and also a good source of heart healthy omega 3 oils like hemp seeds or chia seeds (which also contain protein).  The recipe I am sharing with you today is one I make often to keep on hand for when I need a quick snack.  They are fruit sweetened, and taste like cookies, but they actually contain healthy ingredients that will get you through that mid-afternoon or morning hunger attack.  Don’t go for the chips or doughnuts, keep some of these delicious little guys on hand instead!  They have some fat and protein to keep you satisfied, carbs for energy, and some fiber to keep you full.

Author: Amy Lyons O’Neil

Amy has worked for Fresh and Natural Foods since 2006 contributing to the variety of healthful foods we offer. She graduated with a degree in studio art from Bethel University in 2007, but in her senior year of college, found that her passion was with the art of food. She later used her photography and culinary skills to create a vegan food and recipe blog, Fragrant Vanilla Cake. She has also written 3 cookbooks. She specializes in vegan and vegetarian recipes. Local, fresh and organic food has always been her focus in whatever she creates.

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Servings: 20 | Prep Time: 15 | Cook Time: 0 | Ready in: 1 hour

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup almond butter
• 1/2 cup coconut butter or coconut oil (warmed to liquid)
• 2/3 cup pitted medjool dates
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 cup shelled hemp seeds
• 1 scoop protein powder or about 3 Tbsp (I recommend Garden of Life Vanilla)
• 1 1/2 cups Bob's Red Mill gluten free rolled oats
• 3/4 cup Luv dairy free chocolate chunks

Instructions

In a food processor, combine the coconut butter, almond butter, dates and salt together, and blend until smooth, then add all other ingredients, and process until the consistency of thick cookie dough.  Place in a bowl, and knead in the chocolate chunks.  Press firmly into a 1 1/2 inch thick rectangle on a piece of foil or parchment, and use a sharp knife to cut into 20 pieces (or alternatively shape into balls). Place in the freezer for about 30 minutes until firm. Store in an airtight container for up to a month in the refrigerator.