Pumpkin Cookie Dough Bites

I truly adore pumpkin.  It's low calorie, high in vitamin A and provides fiber and protein, so it fills you up.  If you prefer, omit the 2 tablespoons of mini nondairy chocolate chips for a truly clean and whole food treat.

This is basically like eating delicious pumpkin infused chocolate chip cookie dough...without fear of raw eggs.  Or inhaling mass amounts of sugar or butter.  For a healthy way to fill that cookie dough craving, reach for a food processor or blender and this quick no-bake recipe:

Pumpkin Cookie Dough Bites
yields about 2 dozen little cookies

Ingredients:

1 cup gluten-free oats
1/4 cup raw unsweetened shredded coconut
1/4 cup sunflower seeds
2 tablespoons hemp seeds
5 medjool dates
1/4 cup pumpkin
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
2 tablespoons nondairy mini chocolate chips*

* optional: omit or use raw cacao nibs for a cleaner version

Directions:

1.  In a food processor, pulse the oats, coconuts and sunflower seeds until they resemble a coarse flour.
2.  Add the remaining ingredients and process/blend, adding the nondairy chocolate chips last.
3.  Roll into tablespoon or smaller sized balls and enjoy or refrigerate in an airtight container.  Keep chilled.