For the first time, maybe ever, I am totally prepared for Christmas.
I bought many of my gifts online in October (check), our house is decorated with lights, wreaths, and Santa's crew (check, check, check), and we have our Christmas tree up and rocking (check!).
Usually, I'm the poster child for Christmas 'procrastination', especially in the present department, but this year, online shopping saved my rear! I've been able to find nearly everything I wanted without having to brave the crowded malls or stores but once! Bless you Amazon.
With all of my holiday ducks in a row, it's given me a bit more time to focus on the sweet treats so common to this time of year.
Along with the typical fruitcake, yule logs, and boozy eggnog, peppermint is a major player in the dessert game, which works out beautifully in my favor because chocolate and mint is my absolute favorite combination of flavors!
Boasting a number of trendy health titles, including paleo, gluten-free, and grain-free, these minty spheres will absolutely WOW you!
They are solely sweetened with dates, and have NO added oil or butter of any kind, as the walnuts provide all the 'buttery-ness' needed to satisfy.
I love the freshness the mint provides, and they bake up with a fudge-like texture that is completely irresistible.
Sprinkle a few chocolate chips or crushed canes atop each one to make them extra festive and fun! 🙂
Fudgy Flourless Chocolate Mint Cookies (Paleo)
Ingredients
- 1 c. raw walnuts
- 5-5 ½ ounces large soft dates (about 12)
- ¼ c. cocoa powder
- ¼ t. sea salt
- ¼ t. baking soda
- 1 egg
- 1 t. vanilla extract
- ½ t. mint extract
- 2 T. chocolate chips optional
- crushed candy canes optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Pulse the walnuts just until they form a meal consistency.
- Remove them and process the dates until they are broken down and have a paste-like consistency.
- Add back the walnuts, along with the remaining ingredients (minus the chocolate chips and candy canes).
- Process the mix until smooth and well combined.
- Place a sheet of parchment paper onto a baking sheet and spray a light layer of oil atop the paper.
- Drop the cookie dough onto the paper, making about 10 cookies.
- Use lightly damp hands to mold the cookies into flatter circles.
- Top with a few chocolate chips, if desired.
- Bake 10-12 minutes until the tops look set.
- Cool and sprinkle the crushed candy canes onto the tops, if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Adapted from this recipe
Notes:
Omit the mint for a regular double chocolate chip cookie.
Add in more chocolate chips, if desired.
Mix the chocolate chips into the actual batter, if desired.
Stay healthy everyone! You can still have your treats and eat them too, just make recipes like this one. 🙂
Are you ready for Christmas?
Gina
Ohmygawd, these look incredible. I got an air fryer recently and am thinking I could make my healthier versions of cookies in there, including these.
I'm obsessed with making non-breaded zucchini "fries" and lately, the BEST kale chips I've ever had.
Btw, I always look fwd to your recipes. Thank you for the inspiration!
Ceara @ Ceara's Kitchen
These cookies sounds like perfection! I cannot wait to try them, Lauren 🙂 Pinned!
Lauren
Thanks Ceara! I'm hoping to make your brownies this weekend! 😀
Kari Peters
Oh the fudgy-ness! I love that you've created something so holiday decadent that's still healthy - thanks for the great recipe! 🙂
Mike @TheIronYou
These are honestly fantastic. Walnuts, dates and chocolate has to be one of the best combos ever!
Isabe,
I am egg-intolerant. could I substitute flax or chia seeds? Instead of baking, could I dehydrate them?
Lauren
Hi Isabe,
I'm not sure about either option, as I've never tried. Sorry!
Isadora
I feel the complete opposite about Christmas this year! I am so unprepared and have done absolutely no Christmas shopping at all! However we do have our tree up and some lights outside, so I guess it isn't all bad! I think I just need some of these cookies now and I will feel completely prepared 🙂
resha
Just made these...they are SUPER DELISH!!
Lauren
Hurray, I'm so happy Resha! Thanks for the feedback. 🙂
Lori
I so wish that you had a cookbook for all of these great recipes all in the same place. love them
Lauren
Aw, thanks so much Lori! Maybe someday! 🙂