Chocolate Chip Cookie Energy Bars
These Chocolate Chip Cookie Energy Bars are a healthy blend of natural ingredients. They’re gluten-free, vegan, and naturally sweetened.
If you’re like me and love the classic chocolate chip cookie, then you’re going to love these energy bars. They taste like the sweet, buttery cookie, only they’re healthy, full of protein, and naturally sweetened with maple syrup and dates.
My dad was recently diagnosed with being borderline diabetic, so I set out to make him a snack he can feel good about. When I tell you the guy is picky, I mean it. That being said, I handed him the bag of bars and purposefully forgot to mention the ingredient list.
I love dates, but I know they can be a little intimidating for the date newbie, so I walked away after I handed him the bag before he could ask me how I made them.
The next day I received a text from my mom telling me how much he loved the bars. So much, in fact, he ate three bars in one sitting. Sure, that’s a lot of bars, but there’s no reason to feel bad; after all, they’re healthy and full of good-for-you ingredients.
These bars make a great grab-and-go breakfast and mid-afternoon or post-workout snack.
Chocolate Chip Cookie Energy Bars
These protein packed energy bars are gluten-free, vegan, and naturally sweetened. They taste like a chocolate chip cookie.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup raw cashews
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup pitted dates
- 1/2 cup almond butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips
Directions:
- Line a 8-inch-by-8-inch square baking pan with parchment.
- Add cashews and old-fashioned oats to the bowl of a food processor; pulse until they become a fine crumb.
- Add the dates, almond butter, vanilla extract, and maple syrup. Pulse until the mixture looks like wet sand and begins to form a ball.
- Add the mini chocolate chips and pulse until just combined.
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan. Cover the pan and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours. Cut the bars into slices. Individually wrap or place them in an airtight container between layers of wax or parchment paper and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
13 Comments on “Chocolate Chip Cookie Energy Bars”
I just made some similar to these this weekend for a hike. The dates add so much moisture and sweetness, it’s hard to believe they are so healthy! :)
The dates make these bars what they are. I love ’em! Thanks.
Ohhhh momma, these bars would not be safe in my house. I’d do as your dad did and eat three bars…in ee’ery sitting! I could use some extra energy, so I had best make these beauties asap!
You’re right, they wouldn’t be safe. My dad just sent me a text this morning asking for more bars because he ate them all. It hasn’t even been a week since I hand delivered the goods. Thanks!
I’m all for a healthy snack that tastes like chocolate chip cookies!
Same here! I like to trick myself when it comes to healthy snacking. Thanks, Jess.
I think I could probably eat more than one in a sitting too! These bars sound so good!
Thanks, Ashley!
These look amazing! My dad was diagnosed as diabetic a couple years ago and I’ve loved finding delicious but healthy treats like these to share with him :)
Thanks, Medha! Your dad will love these!
here’s what i read:
chocolate chips, energy, gluten free.
BOOKMARKED. For like, a few hours from now, because i’m actually getting my grocery list and writing the ingredients i need down. this girl could use a little energy today, via chocolate.
YES! If your picky dad likes these, and if you tell me they taste like ccc’s, then I know these energy bars are for me!!! LOVE ‘EM
It’s so nice you made something just for your dad. I love making special treats for people to fit their needs.