My sweet tooth, it’s been a-callin’.

Actually, scratch that. It’s been SCREAMING AT ME.

As I’ve mentioned before, I’ve been training to become a certified Nutritional Therapy Practitioner and it’s been great. I’ve been learning a ton and putting it all to good use… on myself, of course! So since we recently finished a module on detoxification, I decided to do a mini 4-day cleanse. Then I took 2 days to healthfully and slowly transition out of it… and then I was very ready for an indulgent celebratory treat.

Homemade and healthy “cookie dough” truffles seemed like the best possible option here.

I mean… come on.

Needless to say, it was an excellent choice indeed.

Ingredients:

• 8 pitted medjool dates soaked for 2 hours
• 1.5 cups raw cashews soaked for 4 hours
• 1/3 cup sweet cacao nibs* (you could also use these allergen-free chocolate chips which are sweeter)
• ¼ cup cacao powder (optional)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

*This was the first time I have used these sweet cacao nibs and I really enjoyed them! They’re definitely harder and a bit more bitter (like dark chocolate) than chocolate chips, so you will have to decide which you would prefer.

Directions:

Strain the dates and cashews, then put them in a food processor/blender/mixing device of choice with vanilla extract. Blend for 1-2 minutes or until an even consistency. Transfer the “dough” to a bowl and stir in the cacao nibs. Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for 4+ hours to cool.

After the “dough” has cooled, roll table-spoon sized amounts into balls. Roll the balls in the cacao powder (it is best to spread it out on a plate). This last step is optional, but I recommend it since it will help the truffles keep their shape and keep your fingers from getting too sticky. if you are a dark chocolate lover like myself, you will love the cacao powder! If not, you may find it too bitter and perhaps would just like to much on some naked cookie dough truffles — either way, they’re sure to please.

Last but not least, eat and enjoy!

This is a great recipe for those with kids/partners/friends who are reluctant to eat more healthily.

Chances are, they won’t even realize it’s not regular ole cookie dough from the store.

WIN!