Ingredients:

12 to 18 Medjool dates

1 tsp vanilla

Pinch of Sea Salt

1 to 4 Tbsp date soaking water (as needed)

1 cup Organic Raw Cashews

3/4 cup Organic Gluten Free Oats

1 to 2 Tbsp Dark Maple Syrup (optional)

1/2 cup Dark Chocolate Chips or Cacao Nibs

Assembly:

1. Place dates in a bowl and cover with water. Let soak for 2 hours or overnight. It depends on how dry your dates are. The drier the dates the longer you may choose to soak them. Once done soaking (reserve soaking liquid) remove pits from dates and place dates in a food processor fitted with an S blade, add vanilla, and pinch of sea salt, processes. Stopping to scrape down sides until desired consistence is reached. If the dates are too dry you may want to add 1 tbsp of soaking liquid to help achieve a creamy paste texture.

2. Once dates are blended add the cashews and oats to the food processor. I like a creamy cookie dough texture so I let the food processor run, stopping to scrape down the sides until the desired texture is achieved this can take typically 5 to 8 minutes. If dough is dry, add either more soaking liquid or maple syrup, 1 Tbsp at a time to get the cookie dough consistence you like. Once desired consistence is achieved add chocolate chips or cacao nibs and pulse to incorporate. Your cookie dough is ready!

3. Raw Chocolate Chip Cookie dough can be stored in an air tight container in the refrigerator up to 5 to 7 days. Mine never last that long, so it might go longer depending on your refrigerator. You can always freeze to prolong the life span up to 3 months.

Health Notes:

Dates are a super alternative sweetener loaded with fiber, potassium, and magnesium. On top of being among the most alkaline foods. Dates contain a special type of soluble fiber called beta-d-glucan. Which decreases the body’s absorption of cholesterol and therefore delays the absorption of glucose in the small intestine; helping to regulate blood sugar levels. In addition dates are loaded with antioxidants and anti-cancer compounds, which help protect against free radical damage. My favorite brand is DELREAL they can be found at farmers markets, and your local grocery store. Look for Medjoool dates, there are also other varieties of dates which are good. You want dates with a smooth skin, glossy, and plump for the best flavor profile.

Cashews lower and higher in fat than most nuts. The fat that cashews do contain is mostly oleic acid, a monounsaturated oil with proven benefits in protecting agains heart disease and cancer. Cashews are a good source of protein, magnesium, potassium, iron and zinc. When shopping for cashew look for whole chasers of the pieces they are typically fresher therefore you are getting more nutrient dense food for your dollar.

Chocolate chips, be selective when purchasing chocolate of any kind. Quality is the Ruperts here for me. If I’m going to indulge in this sweet bitter treat I want the most nutritional benefits I can get. Looking for chocolate with the highest content and the least amount of added sugar. I like to control my sugar and salt intake, in order to best take care of me.

This recipe is offered as a treat. It is one of my kids favorites and a great alternative sweet treat. Like any treat Raw Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough should be enjoyed in moderation.

I was introduced to the original “Raw Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough” recipe by a fellow classmate at Bauman College, and since that time my family and I have played around with the recipe and other variations. It is always a fun recipe to pull out and try with different ingredients such as adding bananas, or using walnuts and carrots to create a carrot cake type cookie. Have fun with this recipe and let me know how it goes.