These festive Peppermint Fudge Energy Bites are an indulgent tasting yet healthy treat you can feel good about eating. These make a great edible gift as well as a healthy dessert for a holiday potluck. They are made by blending simple ingredients like dates, almonds, peppermint extract, cocoa powder, and candy canes.

Or, simply use them for yourself as a healthy snack or pre-workout energy bite – they will be sure to get you in the holiday spirit!

These are gluten and dairy free. If you are making these for someone with a nut allergy, the almonds can be substituted for sunflower seeds.

Peppermint Fudge Energy Bites with Candy Canes

Healthy treat!

Ingredients

1.25 cup (packed) pitted dates
1 cup raw almonds
1/4-1/2 tsp peppermint extract
1/4 cup cocoa powder
2-3 mini candy canes
1-2 tsp water (if needed)

Instructions

Unwrap the candy canes and blend in a food processor until they are broken into small pieces. Remove and place into a shallow bowl. Rinse and dry the food processor.
Place dates and almonds in the food processor. Pulse until they break up into small pieces. Blend until they start to form a thick dough that sticks together.
Add the peppermint extract and cocoa powder and blend. If the mixture is too dry and crumbly, add cold water 1 tsp at a time until the mixture begins to stick together. You should not need much more than 1-2 tsp for this.
Then, remove dough from the food processor and roll into 1 inch balls (about 16). Roll the balls in the crush candy cane.
Store in the fridge in an airtight container for a week or the freezer for 1-2 months. Enjoy!