These delicious, raw Cookie Dough Balls are great for getting kids in the kitchen to both help AND eat! They are easy to make, healthy, and fun to nibble along the way.
Miki just had her third birthday, can you believe it?
She's getting so big, and she sure isn't shy about letting me know what her favorite foods are. Number one on her list is cookie dough!
I created these yummy little treats as something to keep on hand for her, but they were such a hit with all the kids, I knew I had to post them.
They are lower in added sweetener, which is always a plus for my kids' sensitive blood sugars. I made them filling by adding foods with fiber and good fats, so that the kids would be both energized and satiated.
Ingredients needed
Oat flour and oats - These two ingredients make up the base of this recipe and provide fiber and good carbohydrates.
Cinnamon, sea salt, vanilla - I like to flavor my balls (hah!, sorry) with a combination of cinnamon and vanilla. Sea salt makes everything better!
Baking soda - Why oh why when they're not baked, you're asking? I feel it gives it more 'punch' as a cookie dough when I taste a little baking soda. Omit, if you like.
Coconut oil - This delicious oil provides those medium chain triglycerides, which are great for energy.
Maple syrup - Just a tablespoon lends enough sweetness for the batch.
Applesauce - In lieu of more maple syrup, I like using my Homemade Applesauce for a bit of natural sweetness and fiber.
Water - This brings the mixture all together.
Chocolate - Chopped chocolate is my favorite to use here, and it mixes better than chips.
How to make cookie dough balls
As I said above, this recipe is very easy. My oldest daughters are able to follow the directions to make these on their own.
The first step is to mix together all of the dry ingredients.
Next, you want to stir in the wet ingredients, only adding water as needed. The amount of water will depend on how you measure your oat flour. More flour will require more water. And because oat flour is so absorbent, it's important to let the dough sit for a minute to absorb the liquid to see how wet or dry it is.
Last, you stir in your chocolate. I like using a chopped chocolate bar for this, as the smaller pieces mix in better and create a better look for the balls.
Substitutions/Additions
Substitutions
The oat flour is pretty crucial, so I wouldn't try to substitute it. If all you have is oats, you can make your own oat flour easily.
Use regular butter for the coconut oil, if you prefer.
Maple syrup can be swapped for honey, though keep in mind, honey has a stronger taste.
For the applesauce, you can try pumpkin, though the dough balls will be less sweet.
Additions
Some ideas for you to create your own flavor include:
-Sprinkles
-Nuts/seeds
-Dried fruit
-Coconut
Storage tips
This recipe makes a relatively small batch, especially if you have multiple people to feed!
The best way to store the cookie dough balls is in an airtight container in the fridge.
While you can freeze them, the defrosted texture is not as good as it is freshly made. I truly don't think you'll have a need for freezing.
Other cookie dough recipes
Pumpkin Seed Cookie Dough Bites
Cookie Dough Balls
Ingredients
- ¾ cup oat flour 90-95 grams
- ¼ cup quick oats
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- dash baking soda optional
- 2 Tablespoons soft coconut oil
- 1 Tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 Tablespoon applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-2 Tablespoons water
- 2 Tablespoons chopped chocolate or chocolate chips
Instructions
- Begin with room temperature ingredients. Coconut oil clumps when mixed with something cold.
- Stir together the dry ingredients (flour, oats, salt, cinnamon, baking soda (if using)) in a medium-sized bowl.
- Add in the wet ingredients (oil, syrup, applesauce, vanilla) and mix until combined.
- Gradually add in water, as needed. I use between 1-2 tablespoons. Once added, give the dough about 15-20 seconds to absorb the liquid to determine if you need to add more.
- Stir in the chocolate.
- Roll the dough into balls (I usually make about ten).
- Enjoy or chill until ready to eat.
Notes
Nutrition
If you have a chance to try this recipe, please leave a star rating and a comment below letting me know how you liked it!
Shared with: Full Plate Thursday
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