These thin mint energy bites don't really need an introduction, but I'll go ahead and give you one just in case you're longing for some descriptive adjectives this morning.
Thin mints are probably one of the most consistently lusted after cookie flavors. That rich chocolate and cool mint combination just can't be topped by any others in the cookie world. However, as with most cookies, they are delectable little treats to be enjoyed in moderation, right? Well, what if I told you that you can have that amazing thin mint cookie flavor as often as you'd like because I've come up with a super healthy version filled with good-for-you stuff?!
It's true! These thin mint energy bites are created by tossing dates, raw cacao, oats, hemp seeds, and peppermint extract into a food processor. The mixture is then rolled into bite-size portions and chilled in the fridge. The result is an addictive thin-mint flavored snack that will boost your energy in a pinch, and they have this amazing ooey, gooey, sink-your-teeth-in texture. We can't get enough of them at our house and literally devoured an entire batch within a 24-hour period of time. Happiness in thin mint form.
- 1 ½ cups packed medjool dates, pitted
- ½ cup rolled oats
- 2 tablespoons hemp seeds
- ¼ cup raw cacao powder
- 1 teaspoon pure peppermint extract
- Add all ingredients to a food processor and pulse 5-7 times before letting the processor run.
- Process until one large energy ball forms and rolls around the blade.
- Remove ball from processor and roll into 12-14 small, bite-size energy balls.
- Pop in freezer or fridge for 15 minutes to set.
- Enjoy and store leftovers in refrigerator or freezer.
Watch out Girl Scouts!
The taste of thin mints, but made with whole foods?! Yes, please!! These sound great, Ashley!
Are we using RAW CACAO POWDER or NIBS or what?
Thank You!
ALY
Hi Aly, great catch! It's supposed to be raw cacao powder. Thanks for pointing that out; I just updated the recipe! :)
hi, what makes the cocoa powder raw? I bought an unsweetened kind so I don't know if it's the same thing.
Also, I tried these last night and my boyfriend loved the consistency and the minty taste. I couldn't find peppermint extract, so I bought mint extract instead which has both peppermint and spearmint. I might have to adjust the quantity so the taste is not as overpowering.
Great recipe! Thanks for sharing :)
Hi, Nicole! Cocoa powder is actually different than raw cacao powder, but both are unsweetened. It's kind of confusing because they're so very similar in terms of name and taste; however, they are different. Cocoa powder is processed and not raw. It also has a more subdued chocolate taste than raw cacao powder. Raw cacao powder is essentially just a ground up version of cacao beans, so it's considered to be an unprocessed (except for grinding), whole food, and it's packed with antioxidants. Raw cacao powder also has a very rich, chocolaty taste so you need less of it than you would if you were using cocoa powder. Typically you'll need to double the amount of cocoa powder in a recipe to get the same pop of chocolate flavor as you would if you were using raw cacao powder. I hope this helps clarify. I was so incredibly confused on the difference before I started using cacao powder. Oh yes, and cacao powder tends to be pricier; however, the nutritional and flavor punch is worth the added cost (in my opinion).
I'm so glad you gave these a try and that your boyfriend loves the consistency and flavor! Agreed about scaling back on the mint extract as needed as I always find spearmint to be a bit overpowering. Also, I'd up the amount of cocoa powder to make sure you're getting the same chocolate flavor as you would if you used raw cacao powder.
I hope this helps, and thanks so much for sharing your feedback!
This has become the most frequently made treat at my house. Works perfectly wvery time, and i still get to have choc mint without all the nasty ingredients. Delicious, thank you for sharing! What a great recipe :)
This makes me smile, Tina. I'm so happy that you're enjoying the energy bites and that this has been an easy, reliable recipe in your home. Thank you for sharing your thoughtful feedback!
Can you tell me what the nutritional content of these are, please? They look and sound delicious, and I've been trying to find a recipe for energy bites with medjool dates. I love mint and chocolate, so I will definitely be trying these soon! Thanks :)
Hi, Krystal! I'm so sorry, but I don't have the nutritional info for these but they are packed with micronutrients and antioxidants!
Thin mints were my FAVORITE girl scout cookie!! I love this healthy, vegan version :)
I liked the fudginess of this recipe, but I think there are a few things I would tweak for next time. My food processor really struggled with the whole dates, and I didn't care for the chunks in the finished product, so I would probably soak them overnight and then chop them before adding them to the mix. Also, a whole teaspoon was way too much punch-in-the-face peppermint for my taste; I think I'll cut it in half next time around. Awesome site and awesome recipes! Keep up the great work!
Hi, Cynthia! I will add a note in about the medjool dates, because unless they are very moist/tender it really is helpful to soak them. Thanks for sharing your results/feedback and kind words. I really appreciate it!
These sound amazing! If I needed to swap out the oats, what would you recommend using instead?
Thanks!
I’d use raw buckwheat groats in place of the oats if needed! Enjoy!