These no-bake quinoa energy bites are a healthy, nutrient-packed snack that tastes like dessert! They'll remind you of the rich caramel and chocolate flavors of turtle cookies!
No bake energy bites that taste like cookies?
I'll take a million, please. And then maybe a few more.
It feels like energy bites have taken over the world, or at least my Pinterest feed, but how can I complain when these little balls are typically gluten-free, packed with goodies and super healthy? It's more like picture after picture of snack-spiration (you know, snack + inspiration) which is totally okay with me because I am a full-blown snacker.
When I snack, I almost always reach for something sweet, especially in the afternoon.
If I'm lucky, I'll have a batch of my Gluten-Free Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies or some Spiced Coconut Yogurt Quinoa Muffins around, but when don't, I know that I can turn to my freezer for energy bites.
Because one of the things I struggle when it comes to snacking is making sure that I'm not overindulging. By that I mean, turning my snack into a full-blown meal where I'm then not hungry for lunch/dinner.
That's just another reason why I'm head over heels for these quinoa energy bites.
I've been making my own energy bites for years now, but I tend to stick to the same thing. My chocolate chip peanut butter energy balls, the snickerdoodle energy bites and even my salted dark chocolate energy balls are some of my favorites, and I almost always have some on hand in my freezer. (You can also check out my Ultimate Guide on How to Make Energy Balls.)
In reality, they're the ultimate snack: small, quick, pack a powerful nutritional punch, and satisfy my craving while still giving me energy.
But the same recipes over and over and over again can get a little boring. Which is why I'm seriously loving that there are so many amazing energy ball creations out there!
It's honestly inspiring me to majorly up my own game in energy bite department.
Say hello to my newest creation: turtle cookie quinoa energy bites!
My version of these healthy little morsels is packed full of nutritional goodies – like raw pecans, nut butter, cocoa powder, dates, maple syrup and quinoa crisps. They're the perfect thing to carry with you on the go, keep in your office or to just have on hand when that cookie craving hits.
Because they totally have the sweet, caramely, chocolatey flavor of turtle cookies in every single bite. They're just so dang tasty!
Turtle Cookie Quinoa Energy Bites
Ingredients
- 1 cup pitted medjool dates about 10
- 1 cup raw pecans
- 2 tablespoons nut butter
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 - 2 tablespoons water only if needed
- 1 cup quinoa crisps
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- In the bowl of a food processor combine the dates and pecans. Process until they resemble a coarse sand.
- Add nut butter, syrup, oil and cocoa powder and process until a dough forms. If the dough does not come together, add some water, 1 tablespoon at a time until the dough sticks together when you press it between your fingers.
- Pulse in the quinoa crisps and chocolate chips.
- Form 1" balls with your hands and place on a parchment lined plate. Freeze for at least 30 minutes and then enjoy.
- Keep in a covered container in the freezer for best results, but they will also keep in the fridge.
Video
Nutrition
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Follow along and share your recipes with me! Upload your photos to social media and tag @simplyquinoa or use #simplyquinoa so I can see everything you’ve made!
I have puffed amaranth, I am guessing I can use that instead?
Definitely!
Hi , i am wondering if i can rrplace the quinoa with oatmeal ?
Sure!
Some of your energy ball recipes call for quinoa crispies and others call for puffed quinoa. Can I use them interchangeably?
You can!
These turtle cookie quinoa energy bites are so Instagrammable and adorable! As you know I made them a short while ago and it was lovely! Thx for sharing!
Thank you!! They’re really my favorite ever 🙂
These are great, thanks for sharing! They just the perfect balance. The kids loved these so much they wanted to take to school so I subbed nut butter for tahini and the pecans for sunflower and peppita seeds and it worked well. Great versatile recipe. Well done!!
YAY! So glad you enjoyed them 🙂 would love for you to give it a star rating if you have a moment! xo
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Where do I get quinoa puffs
I get them on Amazon or Nuts.com!
How many of these balls is in a serving? I’m trying to figure out the nutritional info. Thank you!! 🙂
Just one!
As several people have already asked, what are quinoa crisps?????
They are the same as rice crispies but made from quinoa 🙂 I’ll link my homemade tutorial shortly!
What are quinoa crisps?
Left out the coconut oil as another commenter suggested, added 2 tablespoons of ground flax seeds for extra fiber, and used 3/4 cup quinoa puffs and 1/4 cup chocolate covered quinoa puffs in lieu of chocolate chips. These turned out amazing, they really do capture the essence of a Turtle chocolate in an energy ball. Certainly a recipe to repeat! Thanks a lot!
So glad you enjoyed them! Thanks for sharing your tweaks with us 🙂
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Why have I never put quinoa in energy bites before??? So smart!
Would love to see more nut free bites. In Toronto – we have to pack nut free lunches for our kids. Thx
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So can anyone tell us what quinoa crisps are? Please help us out!!
I make quinoa crisps without oil… Crisps come from roasting leftover quinoa… However, if you are making a fresh batch of quinoa, here’s the best method:
Rinse and drain quinoa if buying from bulk bin. Quinoa has a natural coating called saponin that will taste soapy and astringent. Many packaged quinoa may have been “pre-rinsed”, which will save you an extra step.
In a small pot, add 1 cup quinoa + 1.75 cups water. The normal ratio for quinoa is 1 part quinoa: 2 parts water, but we’re looking for a slightly drier texture. This will make it easier for the quinoa to dry out while roasting to produce a crispy texture. Cover simmer 15 minutes. Immediately uncover pot and spread out the quinoa on a baking sheet to let cool, and to let all the steam escape. Preheat broiler and set rack to upper 1/3 position. Roast the quinoa for 5 minutes, stir quinoa and rotate baking sheet. Roast another 3 minutes, but check occasionally. The quinoa should be darkened, crispy but not burnt. Let cool
Yes! Exactly how I do it too 🙂
Can I bake the quinoa in the oven? If yes, at what temperature, please? Thanks.
Here’s a tutorial! https://www.simplyquinoa.com/how-to-make-quinoa-crispies/
I have made these twice now. Everyone that has tried them has loved them. I did not need to add the water. The second time I made them I left out the coconut oil, it made them extra greasy. I bought my quinoa crisps on nuts.com. Thanks for the recipe!
I’m sure what Quinoa Crisps are either, however, in the photos they look very much like what we get here in Australia labelled as Puffed Quinoa…
Just wondering what I could substitute for pecans?
Hi…. What are the quinoa crisps ???? would love to try this recipe !
What are quinoa crisps?
I love anything that has been dessert turtled. These little energy bites look fabulous!
These look sooooo delicious. I`m a big fan of energy bites and especially with dates and chocolate!!!
This looks so great! I love how you make these so quickly 🙂
I don’t have a food processor and my Vitamix seems a little big for this task. Should I give it a try anyway or is there another way to do this?
Yes, just made them in my vitamix!!
So glad to know they work!
Is there a good place to get the quinoa crisps from? Can someone post a link?
I snack all the time! I don’t know why I never thought of making energy bites!
Oh you have to try them! They’re so easy and oh so tasty 🙂
I love the health factor in this snack! No guilt!
Omy amazing!! Love love love energy bites and the turtle – my fav!!
I love all these energy bite recipes that have come out over the past few years. Because I need them! I make them. I eat them. I love them. I love that you’ve developed one that incorporates quinoa. Genius!
I love energy bites because I often do not feel like eating much before a workout, but need a little something. I am also a snacker 😉 I have always loved the flavors of turtle (ha!), pinning these to try soon, thanks!
YES! That’s totally why I love energy bites. They’re quick, easy and small and they actually give you energy (go figure…). Perfect for a pre-workout snack. Would love to know how these turn out for you!
Yes, I’ve seen so many energy bites recipes and I’ve even made a few myself but this is the first one with quinoa! I can’t wait to give them a try!
Make sure to stop back and let me know how they turn out, Tonia!
Ah, these look so good! Need to make some energy bites! I never do!
Energy bites are the greatest 🙂 And the fact that these taste like cookies make it so much better!