Chickpea No Bake Cookie Dough Bites

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Introducing my no bake cookie dough bites, packed with fibre, whole grains, healthy fats and completely vegan. All thanks to the secret ingredient: chickpeas!

Have you ever wanted to make cookies just so you could eat the dough? Well, now you can! There's just something about raw cookie dough that's so good. Maybe it's how creamy it is? Or maybe it's the fact that you know you shouldn't be eating it that makes it so irresistible.

One of my most vivid memories as a child is sneaking cookie dough from the bowl whenever my mom turned away. I was obsessed with cookie dough as a kid. Like sneaking under the table with an entire roll of Pillsbury cookie dough obsessed. It wasn't the healthiest addiction... but it was good. So safe to say I'm somewhat of a raw cookie dough expert.

The problem is, raw cookie dough isn't always the safest (or healthiest) option when you're craving a snack. That's where these no bake cookie dough bites come in. That's right- no baking, 100% vegan, and completely edible raw.

It's also made from a secret ingredient: chickpeas! Check out the Frequently Asked Questions later in the post for all the details on this nutritious addition. Trust me when I say you'll want to give it a try.

Don't believe me? Make these cookie dough protein balls and see for yourself!

Ingredients for no bake cookie dough bites including chickpeas, protein powder and nut butter.

Nut butter

Maple syrup

Chickpeas

Oat flour

Protein powder

Mix-ins

Instructions

In a food processor or high powered blender combine chickpeas, maple syrup, nut butter, salt, vanilla, coconut oil, oat flour and protein powder.

Blending chickpea cookie dough in a food processor.

Blend until combined. You may need to stop and stir every now and then.

Adding chocolate chunks and mix-ins to chickpea cookie dough.

Scoop into a large bowl and add mix-ins of choice.

Fold in with a spatula or spoon.

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon scoop out cookie dough balls.

Rolling out no bake cookie dough bites on a tray.

Roll into smooth balls and freeze on a tray or store in the fridge. Enjoy!

Substitutions and Variations

To make gluten-free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, however you may need certified gluten-free oats and chickpeas if you have Celiac disease or a gluten intolerance.

Missing an ingredient? Try these:

Oat flour: I used oat flour, but almond flour will also work in an equal amount.
Nut butter: I like using cashew butter for the classic cookie dough taste, however almond and peanut butter both work well.
Maple syrup: Swap for another liquid sweetener like honey or date syrup. You can also try a sugar-free alternative like this one.
Chickpeas: These are the star of the show, but can be swapped with white beans in an equal amount.

These cookie dough protein balls are super versatile, so try out your favourite cookie flavors by switching up the mix-ins! Here are some ideas to get you started:

Confetti cake: Add ½ teaspoon of almond extract and sprinkles.
White chocolate macadamia: Add white chocolate chips and chopped macadamia nuts.
Kitchen sink: Add your favourite chopped nuts, candy bars, whatever you have on hand!

Equipment

Food processor
Spatula or spoon
Mixing bowl

Storage

These no bake cookie dough bites can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to a week. You can also keep them in the freezer in a freezer-safe bag. If storing in the freezer, microwave for 15 seconds to help soften or let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes.

Top Tip

The dough may be thick. For best results (and to get the creamiest dough) I recommend processing your chickpeas with the wet ingredients first and then mixing in the flour and dry ingredients after!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make my own oat flour?

Yes, you absolutely can! Blending your own oats into a flour-like consistency is a great way to use what you have and save money. I just recommend using an additional ¼ cup of oats in order to obtain the same amount.

Why are there chickpeas in this recipe?

If you've tried my chickpea blondies, then you know! The chickpea is a nutritional powerhouse, full of protein, fibre, folic acid and manganese. They are truly the perfect addition to any balanced meal or snack! Plus, they help give these cookie dough protein balls the BEST chewy texture.

Can you taste the chickpeas?

I promise you will not be able to taste the chickpeas (unless you really hate chickpeas). They really just act as a neutral base to hold everything together, add nutrients and absorb the flavour of the vanilla, peanut butter and maple syrup.

Are these a balanced snack?

Yes! One of the things I love the most about these little bites (other than their amazing taste) is that thanks to the fibre from the oat flour and chickpeas, the healthy fats from the nut butter, and the protein from the protein powder, these make a great filling and satisfying sweet snack!

Can I bake these?

I haven’t tried to bake these in the oven BUT I have tried to air fry them! I placed a few on an air fryer liner, gently press them down and baked at 330F for about 8 minutes. They were a little crumbly, but the chocolate melted and they tasted great! If you try baking these, leave me a comment and let me know how it went.

Do you have a favourite protein powder?

YES! My personal favourite plant-based protein powder is Nuzest creamy vanilla flavour (NOURISHEDBYNIC for 15% off). An unflavoured alternative is the Organika collagen powder (NOURISHEDBYNIC30 for 30% off)!

More Sweet Snack Recipes

If you liked this recipe, you'll love these other no bake sweet snacks on the blog!

I love seeing you make my recipes! If you make these no bake cookie dough bites, don't forget to tag me on Instagram- @nourishedbynic or leave a comment on this recipe below letting me know how it turned out!