These no bake oatmeal cookie bites are loaded with cranberries, orange and mini chocolate chips. A healthy snack that tastes just like a cookie!
It’s been a minute since we had a new ball/bite recipe up in here. I think the last ones were these dark chocolate kahlua coffee bites and that was back in March. 9 months! I could’ve grown and birthed a human between now and then.
Blasphemy.
*This post is sponsored by Saucony.
These kinds of snacks are my absolute favorite. They’re easy to make (as opposed to a granola bar that you’re constantly worrying about falling apart), the flavor possibilities are endless, they’re portable and usually make an excellent pre or post workout snack (ok, maybe not those kahlua bites because of that whole alcohol thing but ones like these chia cherry crunch bites or these peanut butter chocolate chip balls definitely do!).
Any time I make these kinds of things, I’m inspired to run. I’m not really sure why as they make just as good a snack before or after a CrossFit workout as they do a run but for some reason, they make me want to lace up my shoes and head out for a couple of miles.
I think it’s because back when I legit ran (as opposed to the sporadic mile or two I do here and there now) and was training for half marathons and such, these type of snacks would be shoved in my Camelbak pockets and eagerly eaten somewhere between mile 7-10 on long runs for a boost of energy and a mental break. There were some training runs where these little balls of granola were literally the only thing that kept me going.
I look back at those days now and wonder why the heck I did that whole running thing when I’m somehow in better overall shape now, can run a 5k just as fast and happily eat cranberry orange oatmeal cookie bites without having to torture my legs for 7+ miles. Hindsight…
That’s not to say the running urge doesn’t strike from time to time and with these oatmeal cookie bites setting up in the freezer, I decided to take advantage of the perfect “almost winter” weather and head out for a quick run.
It was the perfect time to try out my new Saucony Guide 10 running shoes.
It’s been almost 4 years since I got new running shoes and after a slow death from too much yard work and not enough running, my old pair were pretty much shot.
The Guide 10 is the perfect lightweight running shoe for those that need a little stability help. If you pronate or have had injuries, this shoe is what you want. You get that added support without the usual bulk and weight so many others tend to have. They literally felt like clouds on my feet for the *almost* 3 miles I squeaked out.
I’m a big fan of the material as well. Made of marl, a knit cotton fabric that gives them a super comfortable feel and that grey color, they’re definitely one of the more aesthetically pleasing running shoes I’ve seen and worn.
I also got to try out the Kineta Relays and I might be even more in love with those as a fun all-around shoe, perfect for light workouts or just regular out and about things. They almost feel like wearing slippers!
We’ll see how long this running stint lasts but, I can say with confidence that as long as these cranberry orange oatmeal cookie bites are around, I’ll be itching to lace up for a few miles!
Love this Cranberry Orange Oatmeal Cookie Bites recipe?
Try other no bake treats like: No Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Balls, No Bake Oatmeal Raspberry Sandwich Cookies and No Bake Brownie Fudge Balls.
Or stick to a more classic dessert with the same flavors in these cranberry orange biscotti.
Cranberry Orange Oatmeal Cookie Bites
Ingredients
- 50 grams pecans, about 1/3 cup
- 100 grams rolled oats, about 1 cup
- 50 grams dried cranberries, about 1/3 cup
- 1 tablespoon orange juice
- zest from 1 orange
- 40 grams mini chocolate chips, *see notes for vegan
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- pinch of kosher salt
- 75 grams cashew butter, about 1/3 cup
- 15 grams maple syrup, about 1 tablespoon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Roughly chop the cranberries and place in a shallow bowl with the orange juice. Toss until combined and let them sit for 5 minutes.
- Place the pecans in a food processor and pulse until finely chopped. Add to a large bowl.
- To the bowl with the pecans, add the oats, orange zest, chocolate chips, cinnamon, salt and cranberries. Stir to combine.
- Add the cashew butter, maple syrup and vanilla extract and stir until well combined.
- With wet hands (makes the rolling process easier), roll the mixture into about 1 1/2 inch balls and place on a parchment lined baking sheet. You should get about 15 bites out of the mixture.
- Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about 20 minutes to set. Store bites in a ziplock bag or airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
I made these this week in an effort to snack better in the new year. All I can say is…wow, these are DELICIOUS. Honestly better than some cookies I’ve had. I had some clementines on their last leg, so I replaced the orange with those – just as perfect. I was also pretty generous with my cashew butter measurements making these chewy and sweet! The recipe is a must-make. My favorite thing about them is you probably have all these ingredients in your pantry…no need to make a trip to a health food or specialty store. Amazing!
I’m so happy you liked them! I made a huge batch and literally just finished the last one yesterday, time to make more!
Gina! I don’t know when you changed your blog design, but I’M IN LOVE WITH IT. So fresh and clean and makes your photography pop. And these little bites are perfect for my life right now, xx.
Thank you! It just went live yesterday, so excited to have it done :)
Is there anything better than snack food to go in ball-form? I vote no.