Cosmic Brownie Bites (Healthy & Gluten-Free)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Cosmic Brownie Bites are a great option for anyone who enjoys a delicious and guilt-free snack. They’re easy to make, requiring no baking or fancy equipment—just a food processor. With medjool dates as the base, they provide natural sweetness and a chewy texture that pairs perfectly with the crunch of almonds and walnuts. Plus, the addition of colorful, candy-coated chocolate chips makes them both fun and festive. These bites are ideal for a quick snack, a post-workout treat, or even as a party dessert. Best of all, they come together in just 10 minutes!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 and 1/2 cups medjool dates, packed

• 1 cup almonds

• 1 cup walnuts

• 1/4 cup shredded coconut

• 1/4 cup cocoa powder

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 1–2 tbsp maple syrup (only as needed)

• 1/3 cup candy-coated chocolate chips

Directions

1. Add medjool dates, almonds, walnuts, shredded coconut, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and salt to a food processor.

2. Blend until a sticky dough forms. If the mixture is too crumbly, add 1-2 tablespoons of maple syrup to help it come together. Blend again until the dough is smooth and sticky.

3. Transfer the dough to a bowl, and then fold in the candy-coated chocolate chips.

4. Using clean hands, scoop the dough and roll it into bite-sized balls.

5. Enjoy immediately, or refrigerate for later!

Servings and Timing

• Yield: 20 bites

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Total time: 10 minutes

Variations

• Nut-Free: If you have nut allergies, you can substitute the almonds and walnuts with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free version.

• Coconut-Free: Omit the shredded coconut if you prefer a smoother texture or don’t like coconut.

• Sweetness Level: You can adjust the amount of maple syrup according to your sweetness preference. If you prefer less sweetness, you can skip it entirely.

Storage/Reheating

• Store the cosmic brownie bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

• If you want to store them for an extended period, freeze the bites for up to 3 months. Just allow them to thaw for a few minutes before enjoying.

FAQs

1. Can I make these brownie bites without a food processor?

If you don’t have a food processor, you can use a high-speed blender or chop the ingredients finely by hand. However, the food processor will help you achieve a smoother, stickier dough.

2. How do I know when the dough is ready?

The dough should be sticky and hold together when you press it. If it’s too crumbly, add a tablespoon of maple syrup and blend again until it forms a dough.

3. Can I use different nuts in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can substitute the almonds and walnuts with any other nuts you prefer, such as cashews, pecans, or hazelnuts.

4. Are these cosmic brownie bites really gluten-free?

Yes, these bites are completely gluten-free since they don’t contain any wheat-based ingredients. Be sure to check that your chocolate chips and other ingredients are labeled gluten-free.

5. Can I make these bites ahead of time?

Yes, these cosmic brownie bites are perfect for meal prep. You can make them a few days in advance and store them in the fridge or freezer for an easy snack throughout the week.

6. Can I use dried apricots instead of dates?

While medjool dates provide the best texture and natural sweetness, you could substitute dried apricots in a pinch. The flavor will be slightly different, but they’ll still work well.

7. How can I make these cosmic brownie bites sweeter?

If you want the bites to be sweeter, you can add an extra tablespoon or two of maple syrup or even a little honey or agave syrup to taste.

8. Can I add other mix-ins to these bites?

Yes, feel free to add other mix-ins like chia seeds, flaxseeds, or dried fruit. Just make sure the dough remains sticky enough to form into balls.

9. How long do these cosmic brownie bites last in the fridge?

They will last up to 1 week in the fridge when stored in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze them.

10. Can I make these cosmic brownie bites without chocolate chips?

Yes, you can omit the candy-coated chocolate chips if you prefer, or replace them with dark chocolate chips or carob chips for a healthier version.

Conclusion

These Cosmic Brownie Bites are a fun, healthy, and satisfying snack that you can feel good about eating. Packed with wholesome ingredients like medjool dates, almonds, and walnuts, they provide natural energy and a satisfying texture. With minimal effort and just 10 minutes of prep time, you can enjoy a treat that’s both nutritious and indulgent. Make a batch today and enjoy them throughout the week!

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