OK, so I feel slightly ashamed calling this a recipe but honestly these little bite sized no bake balls came out so delicious that it then made me feel guilty keeping it all to myself. I mean, who doesn't love being able to have exactly what you want within ten minutes, especially in the form of dessert. Instant gratification- this is America right?

Now that we are in full holiday mode, I am sure everyone has a "to-do" list longer than those coupons that prints out of the CVS machine. (Or maybe, I am the only one that receives over 50 coupons at once since I am in there every single day....anyone else?).  Anyways, one thing on that list I am sure is holiday baking. Even though baking is my favorite thing to do around the holidays, I don't always have the time and find that it can be an all day affair or even requires a week to prepare all those delicious batches of cookies.  

So, I wanted to re-create one of my favorite holiday cookies- the sugar cookie- in the form of a no bake ball. Why? because it seriously only takes ten minutes and I am sure that you have these ingredients already on hand. Did I mention that you don't even have to turn on the oven? You just throw every thing into the food processor and let it do its magic.

These balls are bursting with a peppermint-y flavor, are naturally sweetened with dates, and made with other healthy ingredients such as coconut oil and cashews. This is definitely one sugar cookie you can feel good about eating afterwards or every time you walk by the fridge and pop one in your mouth.

This recipe is really simple and is perfect if you do not have a lot of time on your hands to make some holiday treats. If you do not have any cashews you could try using oats and if your really feeling it you could add some crushed candy canes into the mix. Trust me, you are feeling it.

Healthy dessert / Snack
Yields: 15
Prep time: 5 time
Total time: 10 minutes [because they are NO BAKE !]

Ingredients:

1 cup cashews
1 tbsp. unsweetened shredded coconut flakes
sea salt to taste
5 medjool dates [soften]
1 tbsp. coconut oil
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. of peppermint (or to taste)
1 tbsp. of water

Optional add ins:
Crushed candy canes
1/2 tbsp. Coconut sugar

Toppings for rolling:
Crushed candy canes
Unsweetened coconut flakes
Coconut sugar

Directions:

[side note: I added peppermint extract to half the batch and the other half I kept plain. If you are planning to add crushed candy canes I would suggest not adding the peppermint extract at all or a smaller amount, but it's totally up to you and your taste buds!]

Add the cashews to a food processor and pulse until chopped. [2 or 3 minutes.]

Add the dates and pulse until the dates are completely mixed and reaches a dough consistency.

Add the remaining ingredients: coconut oil, sea salt, vanilla, peppermint, unsweetened shredded, coconut flakes, and crushed candy canes if using. Pulse until combined. If the dough is not sticking together add water- start off with a small amount- 1 tbsp. If you add too much water the dough will be "greasy" and harder to roll. If this does happen, you can put the dough in the fridge for 30 minutes to set.

Roll into 1'' balls and in desired coating!

Store in fridge or freezer!