I planned on posting a salad recipe today…Then I came to my senses. Maybe I’m wrong in this assumption, but I figured no one wants to see salad the week before Christmas. Don’t worry, I’ll share the salad recipe soon (it’s a goooood one). But once I had THIS epiphany, I was absolutely, positively SURE postponing the salad was the right thing to do. I mean, salad or peppermint almond joy quinoa balls? I rest my case.
The past few weeks have reminded me how much I love baking. At times, baking seems to produce far less failures than cooking. Even though I started this blog with the goal to produce tons and tons of easy and healthy meal recipes, I’m slowly realizing sometimes dessert must come first. I’m sure as I continue my little blogging passion project, my meal recipes will far exceed my sweets recipes.
The holidays are ALWAYS an exception. For everything. Spending $25 at the dollar store on random Christmas decor I don’t need? Yes. Sporting elf pjs all day because I only have a few weeks to wear them? You bet. Playing N’Sync’s Christmas album reminiscing how giddy I felt before the eighth grade Christmas dance? Duh – it’s a classic.
Just because we allow ourselves so many exceptions this time of year, doesn’t necessarily mean we can’t make desserts that are healthy-ish. Combine protein and fiber-rich quinoa with unsweetened coconut flakes, cocoa powder, almond butter, and a ‘lil raw honey, and you have yourself a winning ball. Drizzle some melted chocolate on top with crushed candy canes? A ball more famous than the one dropped on New Years Eve.
These peppermint almond joy quinoa balls are a serious show stopper. Not only are they REALLY pretty, but surprisingly light – not your typical dense chocolate balls. The shredded coconut gives them a similar texture to a coconut macaroon, yet the quinoa gives them some serious depth. With the drizzled chocolate and crushed candy cane topping? That’s one FINE looking ball. Just when you think it can’t taste any better than it looks, prepare for an explosion of chocoaltey, almondy, coconutty, pepperminty flavor.
If you are a fan of desserts that basically taste like Frosty the Snowman invented them, you HAVE to give this one a whirl. Plus what could be prettier? Nothing is prettier. NOTHING.
Craving a few more holiday treats? Try these soft and chewy paleo gingerbread cookies or these Mexican hot chocolate almonds!
PrintPeppermint Almond Joy Quinoa Balls
- Yield: 8-10 balls
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup quinoa
- 1/2 cup water
- 3/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons coconut flour
- 1 tablespoon almond butter
- 1/2 teaspoon honey (or more if you want a sweeter ball)
- 1 egg white
- 1.5 ounces chocolate (milk chocolate or dark)
- 6 mini candy canes or peppermint candies, crushed
Instructions
- Preheat oven 350 degrees.
- Combine quinoa and water into a small pot. Bring the pot of water to a boil then reduce to a simmer. Cook for around 10 minutes, until quinoa is soft (add more water as needed). Be careful not to overcook the quinoa, as it can get mushy.
- Let quinoa cool slightly.
- Combine the coconut, cocoa powder, coconut flour, almond butter, honey, and cooled quinoa in a medium bowl. Mix well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk egg white until it become frothy. This should take a minute or two.
- Fold the egg white into to the mixture.
- Using your hands, form into small balls, condensing the mixture by pressing together first, then gently rolling into a ball.
- Place the balls into the oven for 10-12 minutes.
- Using a double boiler on medium/low heat, melt the chocolate, stirring frequently to avoid burning. You can also use a wider pot to simmer water and place a smaller pot on top of the water to sub for a double boiler if you do not have one.
- Drizzle the melted chocolate on top of the cooled balls then immediately sprinkle with the crushed candy canes.
- Store at room temperature.
I <3 salad, but this looks wayyyy better!
I agree! It’s just hard to think ‘salad’ this time of year!
True story – I totally spent $30 at the dollar store yesterday! That place is like a pit for me, one item leads to another! And girl – these peppermint balls sound so so good! I love that they use quinoa. Pinning and trying these out for sure!
It’s soooo addicting right?! Also addicting (probably more so) are the Target One Spot bins. My credit card always takes a hit when I have time to browse those! Thanks so much Kat!
These look absolutely incredible! I love the idea of using quinoa, and that they are small enough to enjoy just a few!
Gorgeous photos as well!
Love it!
Thanking you!
Krista
http://www.hundredblog.com
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Krista, thanks so much for the kind words! Trying to up my photography game 😉 It’s easy to do with pretty baked goods like these!
Quinoa bites are where it’s at!! As soon as Dave adds grains back in (quinoa being one of the easiest for him to digest) we are making these!! They sound amazing
I used to use quinoa a TON, then for some reason I sort of stopped and forgot about it. Silly me. Had to bring the quinoa back in style. Thanks Sam!
So, so yum! I’ve never tried quinoa balls, but this recipe definitely reminds me of the chocolate peppermint stick Luna bars that I love. 🙂 But hey, I would have been happy with a salad recipe, too. Looking forward to that one soon…for the New Year, perhaps?! Have a great week, Chrissa!
You got it Blair! January = salads and healthy meals. December = baked goods. It’s just the way the world works, right? Those chocolate peppermint Luna bars sound REALLY good!
You just combined my favorite candies…anything mint chocolate (junior mints/ andes/ york peppermint patties and almond joys!!) Goodness!
A girl after my own heart. I am totally obsessed with mint and chocolate. It’s pretty much the best combo ever invented!
Chrissa these look DELIGHTFUL!! “Just because we allow ourselves so many exceptions this time of year, doesn’t necessarily mean we can’t make desserts that are healthy-ish. ” << LOVE. It is funny how everyone just gives themselves tons of excuses to be unhealthy this time of year. Not to say we shouldn't enjoy ourselves. But there is a difference between being mindful and enjoying, vs. making it an excuse to eat everything and anything in sight, and then feeling sick to our stomachs and mad at ourselves for what just happened. lol does that make any sense?! 🙂
XOXO I totally agree. I actually have a post coming soon about this. I totally admit that I indulge this time of year, but I try to do it mindfully. It’s tough, but worth the extra thought! I TOTALLY have ate so much that I felt sick and it’s SO not worth it! Totally tracking girlfriend. I wish we lived closer!!
Looks super delicous! I never tried quinoa balls before but I bet yours taste delicious. Pinned!
I haven’t either Ros – until I made these. Ha! Sometimes some experiments just work, REALLY well. And for that I celebrate (by eating like 4 in a row).
These look so yummy – your photos are great! These would be perfect for neighbor gifts. And I can’t wait for the salad recipe, too! 😉
I want to be neighbors with YOU! What a sweet idea! Glad you are looking forward to the salad recipe. Not many people would say that this time of year 🙂
Wow these look absolutely fantastic. I neeeed to make these asap!
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Thank you so much Julia! Yes, please make asap! You won’t be disappointed!
Those look so yummy! I’ve never heard of anything like it but I HAVE to try it!
I agree, you HAVE to try it Kaci!
These look amazing! I’ve been looking for a healthy, yet delicious Christmas cookie recipe, so thank you! Pinned!
OF COURSE! So glad you’re digging this Shann!
These look awesome! Saving for Christmas next week!
Whoo hoo! Good idea, because if you make them NOW, they may not make it until Christmas!
These Peppermint Almond Joy Quinoa Balls look absolutely scrumptious! What a great treat to bring to a holiday party. I love discovering little recipe gems like this one!
Awww thanks Denay! “Recipe gems” – love that these balls are gems in your book!
YUM! That sounds so good!
Thanks so much Angie!
These loo so yummy, and perfect for the season!
Thanks Leah! Love this time of year!
Ummm…these are perfection.
Perfection?! Strong word but I’ll totally take it!
OMG those look delicious and so festive and right for the holidays 😀
Just my thoughts too!
Yummm! Look so good!
Thanks Kimberly!
Pinned! Making these to take to an office party!!
Ooo good idea! You’ll be soooo popular 😉
It’s great when I can have desserts that don’t make me feel terribly guilty after. I love the ingredients in this recipe. What a terrific idea! 🙂
Thanks Christine! I agree – anything made with coconut (like macaroons) are typically so much lighter than other dessert options. Plus I love coconut!
Ooh, what a pretty treat these are! When I first saw the picture the colors reminded me of cherry blossoms! I love health-ish desserts and the fact that you can enjoy a sweet treat and still get a little extra protein and fiber in there! I also LOVE almond joy so I know these are a must-try! 🙂
You are so cute. I would have never thought of cherry blossoms but I totally see it now! If you love almond joys as much as I do, this is your treat! Thanks Joscelyn!
Your pictures are looking awesome!! And I’ve never considered using quinoa in a sweet dish. YUM!! I say there’s never a bad time to have dessert 😉
Funny story – my husband said, “did you try these before you posted this?” I laughed – OF COURSE. DUH. He was questioning the use of quinoa but really wasn’t sure when he didn’t see them at home. Well, it was because I ate all of them. 😉 Too good to share!
These look AMAZING! Loving that chocolate drizzle. Plus, any treat that makes me think I’m eating healthy is good in my book 😀
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It’s all about perspective!! 😉 hehehe
Haha yes I am sure these dessert treats will be much better received at this time of year than the salad! These sound yummmyyy and yes to going overboard on Christmas fun stuff at the Dollar Store! I’m with ya!
It’s so addicting right?! You think you are getting such a great deal but then when you can’t stop, you know it’s time to leave the store!
YUM! I love the addition of the quinoa… genius!! I have been baking up a storm and I am usually not a baker… I blame the holidays 🙂
I TOTALLY blame the holidays! It must be something in the air!
Oh my gosh, these look so good! I am seriously drooling over here. I love the addition of quinoa!
Thanks Brie. They are REALLY nummies!!!
Yummmyy!! I would have never thought to add quinoa into chocolate balls! These look delicious 🙂 Have a great weekend Chrissa!
Thanks Rachel! I feel like you could add chocolate to quinoa, grass, or diapers and it would be good. But I just like chocolate THAT much 😉
What a fantastic idea! I’ve used quinoa in chocolate bark before, as well as many other unconventional areas, but this is the first time that I’ve seen it in balls. Totally doing this.
You are the quinoa queen! It is such a versatile ingredient. I can’t wait for you to try these Susie!
These are so gorgeous and DELICIOUS looking!!! Can’t ever go wrong with combining delicious ingredients to make balllzzz! 😉
xx
Gotta love beautiful ballllzzzzz (sorry, had to) hehehehe. Thanks girlfriend!
I love that you used quinoa in a dessert! That means I can eat more of them, right?
OF COURSE. I mean, that’s a given, right?! I ate all these waaaaaay too quickly!
I’m not usually a peppermint person, but this recipe makes me want to give that a shot! Looks amazing, and I love honey and cocoa powder!! 🙂
Oooo I love me some peppermint. But if you aren’t into it, you can totally just omit the crushed candy canes. The ball itself doesn’t have peppermint, so you’re in luck! Thanks Julia 🙂
These look festive and healthier than most holiday treats! I love that you’ve been listening to NSYNC because I’m totally guilty of that as well. Spotify’s Christmas Pop playlist is currently on repeat 🙂
ME TOO! I start listening to Christmas music after Halloween. TOTALLY GUILTY. Gotta love retro JT though. Next time I have a throwback Christmas dance party I’ll be thinking of you!
YUM! These pictures are gorgeous, too! What a joyful little recipe to add to my Christmas baking list 🙂
Thanks so much Alexa! I’m glad this made your list – I know how competitive that list can get! 😉
Yum! I think you’re right, salad doesn’t really scream Christmas time haha! These quinoa balls look so great though! Thanks for sharing at the Welcome Home Wednesday party–I hope we can see you again this week!
Thanks so much Brittany. Salads are great and all, but not really this time of year. So glad you hosted the link up!
I have consumed waaaay too many sweets this Christmas. This looks like a great alternative if I want a healthier treat. I may need to try these in the New Year!
TELL ME ABOUT IT! I’m totally making these anytime I need a healthier treat (sans the peppermint, because that’s special just for Christmas). I hope you love them Emily!