No-bake Cocoa Tahini Gems

By the Gracious Vegan

I love having a container of these little bars in the refrigerator. I grab one when I need a little sweet pick-me-up. I also love the combination of cocoa and sesame. There’s a depth of flavor you just don’t get with most snacks. And these are super-easy to make.

Makes 12-15 cookies

Process the dates in a food processor until they form a ball.

• 1 cup pitted Medjool dates (about 10 large dates), each cut into a few pieces

Add the following ingredients and process until the mixture has a sticky consistency, even though it might not be holding together like a dough.

• 1/4 cup nuts (raw or roasted, your choice; almonds, walnuts, pecans, and/or cashews – or 1/3 cup almond flour or meal)

• 3 Tablespoons raw cacao powder (regular cocoa powder is fine too)

• 2 Tablespoons tahini 

• 2 teaspoons chia seeds or flaxseed meal (or a combination)

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 

You can make the bites in one of two ways from here:

• Method 1: Roll out the dough between two pieces of wax or parchment paper. Keep it small and thick, about 3/4”. Cut the rolled dough into squares or diamonds. 

• Method 2: Scoop up small amounts of the mixture with a teaspoon, then roll the mixture with your hands into a small ball. 

Put the bites in the refrigerator for about an hour, at which time they will be ready to enjoy.

Timing: About 15 minutes

Gluten-free