Nut Butter Cookie Bites – Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Paleo and Vegan

Easy little treats that kids and adults alike will enjoy!  I start with a base of oats, but for a paleo option, use unsweetened shredded coconut.  Nut butter – either peanut butter or almond butter – binds the dough together with a boost of protein.  You can fold in raisins for an oatmeal raisin cookie bite, or dairy-free chocolate chips for a totally different flavor.  Or both!

My boys love these, without ever suspecting how healthy they really are.  They are nutrient-dense, bite-size and cute.

Look, this one is looking at you!

The dough is a cinch to whip up in a food processor.  Then, simply pinch off ping-bong ball size amounts and roll them into balls.  You can refrigerate them for a firmer texture.

Nut Butter Cookie Bites

1/2 c. whole oats or unsweetened shredded coconut (Paleo)

1/3 c. peanut butter or almond butter (Paleo)

2 t. maple syrup or 1 soft date

1 t. cinnamon

a pinch of salt

2 t. coconut oil, melted

2 oz dairy-free chocolate chips or raisins(or both!)

 

Combine the oats, nut butter, sweetener, cinnamon, salt and coconut oil in a food processor.  Pulse until blended into a dough-like consistency, pausing to scrape down the sides once or twice.

Fold in the chocolate chips or raisins.

Pinch of ping-pong ball size amounts and roll into balls.  Place on a piece of parchment paper in the refrigerator to chill.  They will be soft at room temperature.