Monster Cookie Dough Bites

Monster cookie dough bites are way out of this world!  So yum.  You could call them energy bites, as I have referred to them at times, but let’s get real…they taste so good because they are full of sugar, they aren’t exactly a healthy energy snack.

 

I am trying to be mindful of my sugar intake recently.  I have always known that I eat way more sugar than the average person but it’s been a real problem for me lately.  I can’t go cold turkey on sugar though.  That’s why these bites are great, I can just have a small nibble without going completely nuts and eating a whole bag of Starbucks jelly beans or 2 sleeves of Chips Ahoy or those devilish boxes of Girl Scout cookies (I may or may not have done all the above recently).  There is something about opening a whole bag of something that makes me out of control versus something that I spent the time making therefore I want to savor it and make it last longer.  These bites are just that.  They really don’t take a lot of effort to throw together either!

Several things come to mind about this recipe.  First, no oven heating required!  Secondly, they are super quick to mix up and enjoy immediately.  Third, I see this recipe as a good one that kids can join in on.  No flour here to make a mess out of!  You could even make it a lesser sugar version easily by cutting back the measurements of the sugary ingredients (kinda wish I would have considered that before I made them!  Will do next time.)   And the best part of all… you can freeze them, hence more control over how many I eat at once.  I don't see a lot of cons here. 

   Monster Cookie Dough Bites  

Yields: 30-36 cookie dough bites, depending on size

3/4 cup chunky peanut butter
1/4 cup butter, softened
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon baking soda (optional, but it adds a distinct "dough" flavor)
3/4 cup light brown sugar
1 cup quick cooking oatmeal
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
1/2 cup mini m&m candies

Stir together the butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, baking soda, syrup and vanilla until creamy. Add the oats and stir again. Add the chocolate chips and m&m candies and stir once more. Scoop into 1" balls and smooth with your hands. Refrigerate until ready to eat. Bring to room temperature before serving, if desired. The cookie bites will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a week or in the freezer for 3-4 months. Enjoy!