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Craving chocolate but want to keep it pretty healthy? These cosmic brownie bites are my top pick for guilt-free snacking. They've got real throwback vibes like Little Debbie treats, but you don't even need to bake anything. Plus, they're totally gluten-free and vegan—all you need are a bunch of pantry staples and less than ten minutes.
The first time I made these was with my niece while it poured outside. Now they get requested for every birthday and picnic with the family.
Tasty Ingredients
- Maple syrup: gives extra sweetness and helps the bites hold together if your mix needs it just reach for pure maple for the best taste
- Candy coated chocolate chips: sprinkle in for those signature pops of bright color and crunch pick a type that works for your needs
- Cocoa powder: brings all the rich chocolate flavor you love choose your favorite kind natural or Dutch process
- Vanilla extract: rounds out the sweetness and pumps up the chocolate flavor real vanilla always smells better
- Salt: just a pinch makes everything taste bolder go with fine sea salt so it mixes in easily
- Shredded coconut: adds a tropical vibe stick with finely shredded and unsweetened for best results
- Walnuts: blend in creamy nuts and healthy fats just make sure they're not bitter or old
- Almonds: crunchy and mild these work best raw and whole
- Medjool dates: sweet and sticky—grab ones that are soft and shiny for easy blending
Simple Instructions
- Enjoy and Store:
- Eat them right away, or pop into a sealed container for later. They're tasty chilled or left on the counter.
- Shape Each Ball:
- Pinch some dough, roll it between your hands, and make about twenty bite-sized rounds. Place them on a tray while you go.
- Add the Fun Bits:
- Move the dough to a bowl, then toss in the candy chocolate chips. Gently fold them in so they're spread everywhere.
- Check Your Dough:
- If your mix is kind of dry, pour in some maple syrup a tablespoon at a time. Blend it all again until you can easily shape balls.
- Blend It Up:
- Into your food processor goes the dates, almonds, walnuts, coconut, cocoa, vanilla, and salt. Blend or pulse until it turns into a sticky dough you can press together with your fingers. Scrape the sides if things get stuck.
- Get Ready:
- Pit the dates so you don't blend seeds. Collect all your ingredients and have them lined up for the food processor.
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Swirling in those rainbow chips is my favorite part. Makes me think of my grandma's baking days—colorful sprinkles on everything! Every time, those little pops just make everything happier.
Storing Made Easy
On the counter, these will stay fresh for three days—perfect if you want to leave them in a jar. Want them to last? Keep in the fridge for a week, or freeze them for up to three months in a zipped bag. Just thaw at room temp and snack whenever.
Easy Ingredient Swaps
If walnuts aren't your thing or you've got an allergy, use cashews or pecans. Want more antioxidants? Try cacao powder instead of cocoa. You can throw in peanut butter chips or other allergy-friendly chocolates instead of the usual candy colored ones.
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How to Serve
Drop them into mini cupcake liners for parties or stack them on a platter. Throw them in your gym bag for a power-up or sneak into school lunch boxes. Feeling a little fancy? Drizzle on warm melted dark chocolate and chill before serving.
Nostalgic Origins
Back in the nineties, cosmic brownies were everywhere in lunchboxes—fudgy and full of colorful bits. This easy no-bake treat is all the happy childhood energy, just healthier and without weird extras. It's a sweet way to get that throwback feeling without the junk.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why do these brownie bites taste sweet without sugar?
The magic is in medjool dates. They bring a soft bite and keep it all sweet, so you won’t need any added sugar.
- → What if I want to swap the almonds or walnuts?
Go for pecans, cashews, or hazelnuts. It’ll give the bites a slightly different taste or crunch, but it totally works.
- → How can I make sure these bites stay fresh?
Just store them in a sealed container for 3 days at room temp, chill them in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze up to 3 months easy.
- → Are these good for vegans and folks who eat gluten-free?
Yep! All the stuff that goes in these treats stick to vegan and gluten-free diets, so everyone can snack easy.
- → My dough came out kind of dry. What should I do?
Try adding a spoon or two of maple syrup. It’ll help bring the dough together and make it sweeter.
- → Are the rainbow chocolate chips gonna melt if I leave them out?
They mostly stay solid, but if your kitchen’s really warm, pop the bites in the fridge so you don’t get a melty mess.