This HuffPost Canada page is maintained as part of an online archive.

Easy No-Bake Gingerbread Cookie Dough Balls

One of my favourite ways to consume ginger is in cookie form, although I don't always want to go to the trouble of making them. Don't get me wrong; I love making gingerbread men -- is there a cuter cookie in existence?? -- but sometimes I just want that taste but don't have the time to go all out.
This post was published on the now-closed HuffPost Contributor platform. Contributors control their own work and posted freely to our site. If you need to flag this entry as abusive, send us an email.
Cork, Ireland
Wavebreakmedia Ltd via Getty Images
Cork, Ireland

I just LOVE ginger! It's not only delicious, but it's really good for you too (more on that later.)

One of my favourite ways to consume ginger is in cookie form, although I don't always want to go to the trouble of making them. Don't get me wrong; I love making gingerbread men -- is there a cuter cookie in existence?? -- but sometimes I just want that taste but don't have the time to go all out.

I mean, there's the whole rolling them out, then cutting them and carefully transferring them to a baking tray...not to mention decorating them! It's an afternoon project, not something you whip together. So when time is limited, making them just isn't feasible.

But, here is the solution!

No Bake Gingerbread Man Cookie Dough Balls are one of my absolute favourite healthy holiday hacks! You'll understand why the moment you take a bite.

The caramel notes of the pecans combine perfectly with the cinnamon and gingerbread spices to give your taste buds their own personal holiday celebration!

They're also a great option for a last minute party or potluck contribution. They're so easy to make, but a huge crowd pleaser as well. They are also made without refined sugar - using healthy and nutrient rich medjool dates. So easy, and so delicious!

No Bake Gingerbread Cookie Dough Balls

Makes 16- 18 balls

Ingredients:

  • 1.5 cups of pecans
  • 7 fresh Medjool dates (you can find this in the produce section at the grocery store)
  • 2 Tablespoons of molasses
  • 1.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon of ground ginger
  • pinch each of allspice, nutmeg and cloves
  • ½ teaspoon of sea salt
  • ½ cup of crushed pecans, almonds or walnuts (for rolling the balls)

Directions:

  1. Combine all of the ingredients (except the nuts for rolling) in a food processor and pulse.
  2. Stop pulsing when the ingredients start to stick together when you press them together. You will see small bits of pecans in the mix.
  3. Moisten hands and form into balls and then roll in the crushed nuts.

These cookies are gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan.

The Benefits of Ginger

Ginger contains potent anti-inflammatory compounds called gingerols. It's believed that they're the reason why so many people with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis experience reductions in their pain levels and improvements in their mobility when they consume ginger regularly.

I've personally dealt with rheumatoid arthritis for more than a decade, and I have found that adding ginger into my diet has really helped improve my inflammation. I also LOVE to make ginger tea when I feel my tummy is upset or I feel bloated.

I make ginger tea by putting 3 Tablespoons of fresh ginger in 2 cups of water and boiling it for five minutes, then adding a bit of honey. This also works wonders for a sore throat.

The Magic of Dates

Dates don't look like much, but man do they ever pack a nutritional punch! Some people are scared off by them because of their sugar content, and they are indeed sweet. But they are also loaded with both soluble and insoluble fiber and amino acids. Medjool dates are great to control addiction for sweet foods. Their high fiber content keeps you full for longer, hence curbing the cravings.

Dates also contain minerals like copper, potassium, zinc, magnesium, calcium phosphorous, and iron, as well as B vitamins (especially B6), vitamin K, and vitamin A.

Follow HuffPost Canada Blogs on Facebook

Close
This HuffPost Canada page is maintained as part of an online archive. If you have questions or concerns, please check our FAQ or contact support@huffpost.com.