I created these mini cranberry balls because I’m feeling super duper sweet this week.
Yes, it’s the New Year and the holidays are long gone but I’ve been hearing from many of you that you’re looking for healthy snack ideas and finger food recipes… along with alternatives to desserts and processed bars.
So, I listened.
Yup, I’m good like that.
And I created something amazing- that won’t involve your oven!
Want to know something?
Biting into these cranberry balls is like a little bit of heaven.
There’s something about the combo of almonds, sunflower seeds, oats n’ cranberries.
I don’t know quite what it is but they make a pretty gosh darn fabulous combination.
It’s a tiny party in your mouth.
Or a big party if you want to make these balls really big… but I rolled ’em nice and tiny so I could pop them into my mouth all day long.
I’m smooth like that.
These cranberry balls are my go-to when I’m traveling… they’re perfect for airplane rides and road trips… so make a note of that, k?
Good.
I’ve made a few variations of this recipe with dried chopped cherries and toasted pecans but this is the combo I like the most.
You can roll them in shredded coconut, too if you wanna. I toasted my coconut for an extra flavor boost!
Whatever floats your boat.
Whatever you do – make an extra batch so you can enjoy these babies all week long. They’re so fun to eat sliced in half with almond butter on top or chopped and tossed into your oatmeal or yogurt parfait. Now we’re talkin’.
Get your nuts n’ seeds n’ oats lined up and get rollin’
These balls are going to have you smiling all winter long. And no oven needed! Just roll, toss in your fridge to chill and enjoy!
Enjoy!
xo
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Ingredients
- 1 cup gluten-free rolled oats
- 1/2 cup well-stirred creamy almond butter
- 1/2 cup ground flaxseed
- 2 Tbsp. dried cranberries
- 4 Tbsp. sunflower seeds
- 2 Tbs. slivered almonds
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut flakes toasted
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup or honey
- 1 1/2 tsp. pure almond extract or vanilla extract
Instructions
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In a large bowl, combine all ingredients. Mix well to combine. If these are too dry, add more honey or maple syrup. If these are too wet, add in more ground flax seeds or nuts.
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Place in the fridge for at least an hour, then remove from fridge and roll into 1 inch balls. Serve. Store leftovers (if there are any!) in the fridge for up to 7 days.
Try to buy everything organic. Here’s why: The Benefits of Eating Organic.
Substitute for the almonds? Allergies here.
Hi Truth; you can use seeds like pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds instead! oxx
Yes you can use sunflower or pumpkin seeds Truth; enjoy! ox
I just made these and they are sitting in my fridge waiting to roll. They look wonderful and I look forward to eating them. Would you recommend using old-fashioned rolled oats or quick (not instant) oats? Thanks for your thoughts.
Thanks Jane; you can use old fashioned rolled oats! xoxx
love these! On my to-do list
Thank you Alison! oxox Hope you are great!!!
I just put this tasty mix into the refrigerator but had to taste the end product before I did. I love almond butter. Where have I been? I used maple syrup and vanilla and doubled the sliced almonds (that’s what I had) and dried cranberries. Delicious! Can’t wait to roll them after chilling. Did you then roll them in more coconut? You mentioned doing that in your blog above but not in the recipe. I should have doubled this recipe! Thanks, Amie
if I use regular unsalted butter, will that be okay? I don’t use almond butter. I want to make these soon. They look healthy but tasty. Phyllis Courtney
No, Phyllis almond butter is just ‘ground almonds’ so it is not the same thing as dairy butter. Almond butter is just like peanut butter so you can use peanut butter if you’d like instead! xo
Thanks! I’m making these little jewels today and I did buy almond butter. I have not used almond butter before but I am armed and ready now!
I JUST made something VERY similar – rolled them in Chia Seeds and Hemp Seeds. I put them in the freezer, and I feel like I’m having dessert. I’m definitely making your version and mixin it up a bit! MMmmmmm!
Love more healthy treats that address the sweet tooth almost everyone caves into at some point. I just made something so similar this week and they are awesome. I look forward to trying your version!
These look like the perfect snack! They’re healthy, delicious and take very little time to make which is super!
I just made these over the weekend and they are delicious! I’ve already shared the recipe with several friends. I might add chopped apricots next time I make them. Thank you!
Yay!!! oxxxxx
These are awesome!
These look so delicious! I can’t wait to try them. They look like the perfect little snack to satisfy an afternoon nosh-attack!
Can you post the calorie/nutritional content for these snacks?
Thank you for your posts. I always enjoy your recipes and your dialogue.
Greta
Hanover, MA
Thanks Greta; I don’t do nutritional info anymore because calorie counting tells you nothing about the nutrient density, which is the most important part of the food. ox