Food Factor: Strawberry Oatmeal Cookie Balls

by Ms. Natasha Haynes, MSU Extension Center

Fresh fruit is a delicious and healthy snack, but sometimes you need something more portable and less messy. That’s when homemade snacks like these Strawberry Oatmeal Cookie Balls come in handy!

What makes these healthier than regular cookies? The ingredients are high in fiber, natural sugars and healthy fats. And they are loaded with flavor!

Whether you have kids at home who need a project to keep their hands busy or you simply want to satisfy your sweet tooth with a healthier option, I hope you will enjoy these cookie balls as much as I have.

Note: this recipe calls for Medjool dates, which are a variety of date that is large and sweet. You can usually find these in small containers in or near the produce section.

Strawberry Oatmeal Cookie Balls Ingredients: - 1 cup Medjool dates, pitted

- 4 medium ripe strawberries

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

- 1/2 cup old fashioned rolled oats, uncooked

- 3/4 cup whole almonds

- 1/4 cup unsweetened coconut flakes

Use a food processor to blend the dates, strawberries, vanilla extract, oats and almonds together.

Process until the almonds are in pieces but not completely ground.

Use a small scoop or 1 tablespoon measuring spoon to scoop mixture out of the food processor, and roll into balls.

Place on a cookie sheet lined with wax paper and chill in the refrigerator.

Clean the food processor and add coconut flakes. Process until broken down into small pieces.

Pour coconut onto a clean plate and roll chilled balls over the coconut, coating well.

Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to five days.

Thanks to our friends at Texas A&M AgriLife Extension for this printable recipe.

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