Chocolate Coconut No-Bake Balls

Perhaps it’s because I have 3 dogs, 2 of which like to go hunting for “chocolates” in the yard.

Perhaps it’s because my immaturity is fueled by a (sometimes) man-child known as Mr. Hausfrau.

Perhaps it’s because I’m just a thoroughly inappropriate person without a filter, but I think no-bake cookies are one of the most unappealing desserts for the one precise reason that they actually look like poopie.

The recipes always sound good and easy to make, but when I get to the part in the cooking directions where I have to drop those little chocolatey piles on a sheet of wax paper, I change my mind and decide to heft out the Kitchen Aid and make a traditional cookie instead.

Unless! Unless! How about I trick myself? What if I make those no-bakes and instead of dropping the cooked mixture into those, um, piles, I chill the mixture until it’s cooled and firm but pliable. And then I can take that dough and form it into little balls.

Oh geez, how cute is that? And portable, hello?! I’m totally okay with bagging up a few of these balls and busting them out in the car, in the movies, in the line at Walgreen’s.

I bet I would even inspire some snack envy from a few onlookers. They may even ask me WHAT is that? And WHAT is the recipe? And I would brag to them that it’s a no-bake recipe. I’d further impress them by admitting that I cleaned the recipe up, took out the highly processed junk, and made them healthy.

They’d walk away from the conversation totally convinced that A) they just had a life changing encounter and, B) the time for no-bakes is RIGHT NOW.

To which I would say, “Amen.”

Chocolate Coconut No-Bake Balls

1 1/3 cup agave
4 tablespoons cocoa powder
1 stick butter
1/2 cup milk
1 cup coconut butter
1 tablespoon vanilla
3 1/2 cups rolled oats
3/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
1/3 cup cocoa nibs

In a large saucepan, Bring the agave, cocoa, butter, and milk to a boil and allow the mixture to boil 1 minute.

Remove the mixture from the heat and stir in the coconut butter, vanilla, oats, coconut, and cocoa nibs until fully blended. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl and allow mixture to cool on the counter before placing in the refrigerator to chill for 2 hours.

Working with the chilled oat mixture, roll into 1-inch sized balls. Serve. (Keep the leftovers refrigerated)