Chocolate Chunk Energy Cookies

I had some time yesterday to go through my stats from last year and identify our 25 Top Recipes of 2013. I put all of them on a handy Pinterest board if you're interested to check them out and try them (and share, if you want!) if you haven't had the chance. What I've discovered time and time again is that you guys like homemade energy bars.

So do I!

We make them often, but I don't always share the recipes because they're gobbled up quickly. This particular recipe I'm sharing today is something I like to eat before/after my runs. Sometimes I even use it as a healthier alternative to dessert. Energy bars aren't always low in calories, but they have a good mix of natural sugars and good protein sources to keep your body feeling strong and your hunger at bay.

This batch features 85% cocoa chocolate chunks from Aldi.

CHOCOLATE CHUNK ENERGY COOKIES
vegan + gluten-free recipe, makes 24

What you'll need . . . 

• 1 cup raisins
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/3 cup smooth peanut butter
• 1 cup raw walnuts
• 1-1/2 cups rolled oats (uncooked -- use GF if you are gluten-sensitive)
• 2 tablespoons flax meal
• 2-3 ounces dark chocolate, pulsed 

Method . . . 

1. Place all ingredients -- except 1/2 cup of the oats, flax meal, and chocolate -- into your food processor and pulse until it sticks together.
2. Then pour into a large bowl and add the oats, flax meal, and chocolate chunks. Mix with a spoon or by hand until well incorporated.
3. Then scoop out by the tablespoonful and form into "cookies" in the palm of your hand. 
4. I store mine in the fridge in an air-tight container for easy grabbing.

Nutrition info: 125 calories each, 13g carbs, 7g fat, 3g protein, 7g sugar

// SIMILAR RECIPES

• Chocolate Almond Butter Energy Chunks
• Cookie Dough Balls
• Double-Chocolate Granola-ish Bars
• Nutella Balls
• Cocoa-Hazelnut Energy Chunks
• Maple-Walnut Energy Chunks
• Marathon Chunks
• Chocolate-PB Energy Chunk
• Cacao Energy Chunk
• Runner's World Energy Bars
• Choc-PPB Energy BARS

PS: There's a great sale on Athleta dresses and activewear today on Zulily. I ordered this dress with the last of my Christmas money (Yes, I still had some! Even I can't believe that!). Can't wait until summer. Seriously. 

As the ice starts to fall outside. Ughhhh...

Like what you just read? You can subscribe to the feed of these posts or follow us on Twitter or Facebook to be the first to know what the (never home)makers are up to. And we’ll love you forever!