Since becoming a new mom, I snack way more than I used to. Maybe it’s because nursing makes me extremely hungry, or because when you have a little one you can never count on eating full meals all the time. I am constantly raiding my kitchen for healthy snacks throughout the day. I started making little energy balls at the beginning of the week and storing them in the refrigerator so I have a healthy snack to grab when I am craving a cookie or brownie. These cranberry chocolate cashew balls are full of nuts and dried fruit, but with the addition of chocolate and cocoa powder I’m convinced they taste similar to a chocolate truffle. (I originally shared this recipe on my instagram, where I am also doing a cool giveaway with Ocean Spray!)
All you need is a food processor to crush up the cashews and break up the dates. Then, you add in the rest of the ingredients and use a small cookie scoop or a spoon to roll into balls. I store them in the refrigerator to have an easy chocolate-satisfying snack anytime!
Cranberry Chocolate Cashew Balls
makes 12 - 15 balls
Ingredients
1 cup raw cashews
15 pitted medjool dates
1/3 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/3 cup chocolate chips
1 tsp vanilla extract
Directions
Blend cashews in a food processor until crumbly but tiny pieces of cashew bits remain. Pour into a bowl and set aside. Add dates and pulse until a sticky ball forms. Add in the cashew bits, dried cranberries, cocoa powder, chocolate chips, and vanilla. Pulse until a sticky dough forms. It can still be a little loose, you will be packing it down with your hands. Using a 1 1/2 tablespoon scoop, shape into balls. Refrigerate until ready to eat! (optional: roll a few into cocoa powder)