Raw Cookie Dough Balls

I have tried a lot of recipes that advertised cookie dough using chick peas and the results were consistently awful.  I decided to give it one more try with this modified recipe and was so happy that I did.  These cookie dough balls are a staple in our house and taste a lot like my childhood memories of eating it raw straight from the bowl!

This cookie dough alternative is packed with nutrients.  Raw local honey is full of vitamins and minerals and can help with seasonal allergies, garbanzo beans contain fiber, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory properties, and sunflower seed butter is high in magnesium and healthy fat, allowing you to absorb other nutrients. 

A few things to consider when purchasing chocolate (unless you make your own).  Dr. Andrew Weil recommends using chocolate that is over 70% cocoa in order to receive the benefits without the high sugar content.  Also consider using chocolate that does not contain milk or cream, as the dairy can block the absorption of antioxidants that is found in dark chocolate.  

Recipe:

1 Cup garbanzo beans (soaked and cooked, or rinse and drain from a can)
1/3 Cup sunbutter (you can use other nut butters, but I prefer sunbutter for this recipe)
2 Tablespoons raw honey, preferably local
2 Tablespoons dark chocolate chunks + extra for chocolate shell (about 1/2 of a chocolate bar total) 

*Combine the garbanzo beans, sunbutter, and honey in a high power blender and mix until smooth.  Scoop into a bowl and mix in 2 tablespoons of chocolate chunks.  I chop up chunks from a chocolate bar.

Divide the dough into balls (it will not yet be a firm "dough" consistency) and place on a place in the freezer for 30 minutes until firm but still malleable.  Then use your hands to roll them into more ball-like shapes.

Melt the remaining chocolate in a pan on medium/low, stirring until smooth.  

Dip the frozen dough balls into the chocolate to form a light shell around the outside.  I use my fingers to "paint" the chocolate on so that they are well covered. 

Store in the refrigerator so that the inside will soften and the shell will stay hard. 

*you can order raw honey through my Amazon affiliate links or find the ingredients at your local grocery store!