Chocolate Chia Energy Bites

From hurry-out-the-door mornings, to afternoon snack attacks, everyone can use a quick & healthy recipe to lean on in times of need. These Chocolate Chia Bites are not only packed with healthy whole ingredients, they also satisfy a sweet tooth with decadent dates and a hint of yummy chocolate—these may just be the ‘two-bite brownie’ of the healthy-eating world! The following recipe is quick to make and, because no one likes to wait when they feel the hangry coming on, require no bake time; Just blend, roll, and have yourself a chocolate-chia feast.
 
For Mama-To-Be: Send your bump all kinds of love with this single-bite delight! The extra calories (and energy boost) are especially important during the third trimester. Take a few to work and enjoy with an afternoon tea. We promise it will feel perfectly indulgent. If you’re feeling generous, bring the entire batch to the office! A healthy snack is sure to be appreciated by all. That said, as an expectant Mama, you are entitled to keep these treats all to yourself—no questions asked.
 
For The New Mama: Rolled energy bites are THE BEST for new Mamas. Although it’s important to continue to eat well after Baby arrives, it’s common to miss regular meals when you’re busy caring for your newborn. Having a bowl of these treats within arm’s reach will be a lifesaver! If you don’t have time to make them yourself—any “free time” should really be spent putting your Mama feet up—ask friends and family to make them before visiting you & Baby.
 
For Your Littles: Kids just love to help in the kitchen. Ask your Littles to help measure the ingredients, watch the food processor in action, and then roll the dough into bite-sized spheres. Unlike cookie dough, this mixture can be eaten raw—no need to fret when they take a nibble straight from the bowl. Because this recipe contains nuts, you won’t be packing them into your Little’s lunch bag, however this is a great recipe to have up your sleeve on snow days or over March Break! Check out more Indoor Activities Your Littles Will Love this March break.

Chocolate Chia Energy Bites

Approx. 24 balls
 
Ingredients

• 2 cups pitted medjool dates
• 2 cups almonds and/or walnuts
• 4 Tbs chia seeds
• 2 Tbs coconut oil
• 2 Tbs hemp hearts
• 2 Tbs cacao powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ cup peanut butter
• ½ cup chocolate chips

Method

1. Blend the nuts and chia seeds in a food processor until flour-like, about 1 minute.
2. Add the remaining ingredients, except for the chocolate chips, to the food processor. Blend until a thick dough forms, about 1 minute.
3. Scoop the dough into a bowl and fold in the chocolate chips.
4. Use your hands to roll the mixture into little balls, place in an airtight container and store in the fridge.

Freezing
These energy bites are so good, you can be sure the entire family will want to gobble them up! We recommend freezing half the batch for later (call it Mama’s secret stash…shhh). Place the energy bites onto a cookie sheet with space between each one. Let the uncovered tray sit in the freezer for an hour or so. Once each ball is frozen through, you can move them into a freezer-friendly storage container.
 
Our Chocolate Chia Energy Bites are a hunger-busting sweet treat you can feel good about! AND they are also incredibly versatile. Swap in different nuts and seeds according to what you like and have on hand. If your dough is too crumbly, simply add a little more nut butter or coconut oil. Too sticky? Just add a few more nuts or sprinkle in some extra chia seeds. Totally fuss-free and 100% delicious—Enjoy!