A festive vegan holiday treat made in only 5 minutes! Let’s Indulge in a one of my favorite combos…peppermint and chocolate. This 6-ingredient treat is simple, quick, and the ultimate holiday treat!
Since it’s Christmas I thought I had better bake at least one batch of holiday treats. It’s not that I am against baking at Christmas time or having a treat now and than, but when you have no kids, or grandkids that live close by, or even family members visiting, it’s just not the same.
But when you’re in the middle of a snowstorm, it just seemed like the perfect day to turn up the Christmas carols and whip up one of my favorite holiday treats. I think I can say that chocolate and mint are one of my top flavor combos.
Thankfully I found a healthier option for these bites since it’s impossible to have just one! So basically, these contain all whole food ingredients. That is until you get to the crunchy candy cane filler. But wait, don’t leave! I have a healthy option! Drum roll….Cacoa nibs?.
Trust me, it works. The candy cane pieces are awesome and please, no judgement from me if you want to use them. I just didn’t have them on hand and since we are in the middle of a snow storm, I used cacoa nibs. I did have Ghirardelli Dark Chocolate Peppermint squares so I used a couple of these too but they are totally optional.
You’re right….what about the peppermint flavor? Easy, all you need to do is up the peppermint extract to account for the loss of flavor from the missing candy canes and you have a similar feel and taste without the sugar.
Plus these are SUPER easy! All you need to do is dump your ingredients in a bowl, stir, roll into balls, devour!
Speaking of candy canes, I got to run down Candy Cane Lane again but this time with my friends. We managed to meet up at my friend Sarah’s home for a socially distance run down Candy Cane Lane. It was nice!
I also enjoyed spreading some Christmas Cheer by delivering sourdough bread to a few of my friends. It may become my new thing…all I need is a bigger oven and kitchen?.
Merry Christmas!
Double Chocolate Peppermint Protein Bites
INGREDIENTS:
- 10 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 6 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup almond butter, or your favorite nut butter
- 1/4 cup Rich Chocolate Pea Protein Powder (I use this one)
- ¼ – ½ teaspoon peppermint extract, use more if not using the candy cane option
- 1/4 teaspoon pink Himalayan pink salt
- 2-4 tablespoons crushed candy canes, or cacao nibs for a healthy crunchy option (plus more to top for presentation if wanted)
- 2-4 tablespoons dairy free chocolate chopped, I used Hu Gems
- 2-4 tablespoons water optional
DIRECTIONS:
- Put everything except the candy cane or cacao nibs, Hu chocolate gems, and water into a bowl and mix well.
- Slowly add water if needed. You may not need any water if your almond butter is runny. Start with a teaspoon and slowly add until you get a well mixed batter. If you add too much then the batter will be too soft to roll.
- Add the candy canes/cacao nibs and chopped chocolate gems and mix again.
- Allow to chill in the fridge while you clean up, then roll into balls.
- You can then top with more crushed candy canes for presentation if you want. I just rolled them in my chopped peppermint chocolate square or sprinkled them on top.
Do you have a favorite Christmas treat you make every year?
Are you a peppermint and chocolate fan?
Favorite Christmas tradition?
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