Growing up, I readily admit my eating habits were pretty bad. I grew up eating traditional processed foods, tv dinners and other notoriously bad foods. I didn’t read labels and just assumed that an item would not be sold if it had any health risks……ahh the naivete of youth. But I digress……Samoa cookies were one of my favorites and they were not made with the healthiest of ingredients. Having a sweet tooth means I am always looking to eat something with healthier ingredients. Hence this version of Samoa’s which are grain, dairy and gluten free.
I’m all in for fast and easy desserts and no bake cookies are one of my favorites. This delicious recipe uses five commonly found pantry ingredients, three if you decide to skip the chocolate. Before we get to the recipe, let’s take a brief look at the three main ingredients.
Medjool Dates– Medjool dates contain fiber and a variety of minerals and vitamins including high amounts of calcium, magnesium, B vitamins, vitamin C, copper, potassium and iron. Dates are also a wonderful source of antioxidants.
Almonds -A powerhouse of nutrients are packed in this little nut. Almonds contain gamma tocopherol, a potent antioxidant. They also have been found to have a consistent LDL lowering effect in both healthy individuals and individuals with high cholesterol.
Coconut–Coconut is high in fiber and a good source of essential minerals, including selenium and manganese. Both of these minerals activate enzymes that our cells need to protect the body from free radical damage.
Tools Needed
You will need the following equipment for this recipe:
A food processor, sharp knife to cut dates, measuring cups, measuring spoon or cookie scoop, cookie sheet, parchment paper, cookie cooling rack
The Recipe Ingredients
This recipe made 20 cookies using a 1 Tbsp . cookie scoop.
1 ½ C. Organic Medjool dates, pitted
1 C. Organic unsweetened coconut, shredded
½ C. Organic Almonds, raw
Topping:
1/2 C. Chocolate chips
2 tsp. Coconut oil
Recipe Directions
slightly. Place cookies in freezer to firm up.
Return to parchment lined cookie sheet and place in freezer one more time till chocolate solidifies.
These are simply delicious and I try not eat them all at once! These cookies are best kept in refrigerator or freezer.
Some recipe notes:
If your dates are dry consider pitting them and soaking them in hot water until they soften, about 20 minutes or so.
If you prefer, you can process almonds, remove them and then process the dates till smooth and creamy. Add back in remaining ingredients and follow recipe.
