Pop in your mouth perfection.

That’s how I would describe these cookie dough balls.

I only remember making oatmeal cookies once with my mom when I was a kid. Sure, my mom loved cookies (and I mean loved), but with three young girls to handle, she barely found time to actually make them. So this single oatmeal-cookie-making experience definitely stands out in my memories.

Above all, I remember how just plain yummy the dough was. I mean, combine oatmeal, sugar, butter, and cinnamon and you’ve basically got yourself a party in your mouth.

Of course, looking back I can only imagine how unhealthy the decision to eat half the bowl together “as a family” was, especially with all the butter, sugar, etc. included in the recipe. Sure, it may have been an unforgettable experience (especially the part where I drank a glass of milk after, spun around the kitchen, and got sick to my stomach), but couldn’t the experience have been replicated with ingredients just as yummy, just not so unhealthy?

Apparently the answer to this question is YES.

These cookie dough balls taste exactly like the Oatmeal Cookie Dough of my memories, but aren’t made with any highly processed flour, white sugar, or butter. Instead, each is made with cashews (healthy fats), oats (whole grains), coconut butter (all natural), and honey (again, all natural). Plus, each “ball” is only 66 calories, which I guarantee is about 1/10th of the calories each of my family members consumed from the cookie dough that day.

And even better, these babies are the perfect size to serve at a party or bring to school/work in a cute little Tupperware. And since each is made with cashews and coconut butter, they’re rich enough to satisfy you with just one.

Do I wish I could go back in time and change that cookie-making day? No. But in the future, will I choose to snack on these healthy, guilt-free babies?

YES.

Oatmeal Cookie Dough Balls

• 1/2 c cashews
• 1 c old fashioned oats
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbs coconut butter
• 1 1/2 tbs honey
• 1 tbs coconut sugar
• 3 tbs mini chocolate chips

Blend 1/2 c oats in a food processor or blender until they’ve reached the consistency of oat flour. Pour into a small bowl. Add cashews to the blender and blend until they’ve reached the consistency of flour. Combine with oat flour. Add cinnamon, 1/2 c oats, vanilla extract, coconut butter, honey, and coconut sugar. Stir in chocolate chips.

Nutrition Information (from myfitnesspal.com)

Calories: 66

Fat: 3g

Carbs: 8g

Protein: 1g

(Yields 18 cookie dough balls)