date cashew cookie dough protein balls

I created my own nut butter! a recipe & a giveaway 🍪

It’s finally here!! 🎉

Behind the scenes, I’ve been working up something really goood with Ground Up—a small business that has an incredible mission to uplift women in Portland, OR. I got to develop my very own nut butter flavor with them from scratch! After many rounds of testing and making changes, we landed on the one: date cashew cookie dough!! This is a limited flavor, so grab your jars now and use code JENN for 10% off!!

It’s sweet, salty, nutty, and so gooo on everything—or straight from the jar. Here’s what makes it so special: cacao nibs bring a satisfying crunch and cookie dough look, dates have a natural caramel-y sweetness that hits just right, and of course, cashews are the silky, buttery star of the show (and the namesake for our girl, Cashew! 🐾).

Today’s newsletter includes a brand new protein ball recipe using the nut butter, and a few other ways to enjoy it—aside from straight out of the jar!!

As a female-led and staffed team over here at JEG—Cashew and Copley included—it means a lot to me to partner with Ground Up. They not only create quality nut butter with delicious, real ingredients, but are built on the foundation of uplifting women who are overcoming adversity. Learn more about their incredible work here. Every jar is more than a delicious snack, it’s a way to give back.

🎉 GIVEAWAY🎉

We’re sending jars of date cashew cookie dough nut butter to five lucky winners!! Go enter now by clicking below!

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While I believe the best way to enjoy this nut butter is with your favorite spoon right out of the jar, it’s also a delicious addition to breakfast, desserts, and snacks. One of my favorite quick and easy snacks is protein balls—try them out!!

date cashew cookie dough protein balls

makes 18 protein balls | prep time: 15 minutes | chill time: 30+ minutes

gluten-free, dairy-free option, vegetarian, vegan option

INGREDIENTS

• 1 1/2 cups blanched almond flour

• 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder

• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

• 1/4 cup Ground Up Date Cashew Cookie Dough Butter

• 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup

• 2 tablespoons unflavored milk of choice, additional as needed

• 1 teaspoon almond extract

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips

• flaky salt for topping, optional

• For dipping chocolate (optional): 1/3 cup chocolate chips, 1 tablespoon coconut oil

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Whisk the almond flour, protein powder, and salt together in a large mixing bowl.

2. Add the cashew butter, maple syrup, milk, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the bowl and mix to incorporate into the dry ingredients until there are no dry pieces left (this will take some effort since it’s a thick mixture).

3. Fold in the chocolate chips until evenly dispersed. The mixture should be thick like cookie dough—depending on what kind of protein powder you use, you may need to adjust with either more almond flour or more milk to get the right consistency. Don’t be afraid to make those adjustments! It’s very forgiving.

4. Transfer the bowl to the refrigerator to chill for 30 minutes.

5. Using a 1-tablespoon cookie scoop, scoop the chilled dough into 18 to 20 evenly sized balls. Alternatively, use clean hands to roll the chilled dough.

6. For the dipping chocolate: In a small bowl, microwave 1/3 cup chocolate chips and 1 tablespoon coconut oil in 30-second increments, stirring in between until smooth and evenly mixed. Once melted, coat each protein ball in chocolate and place back on the small sheet pan or plate lined with parchment paper. If using, sprinkle with flaky sea salt over top. Chill until hardened.

7. Transfer the protein balls to a sealed container with a sheet of parchment in between each layer and refrigerate for up to 7 days.

STORE IT: Refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 7 days.

recipe notes

• Using unflavored protein powder? Add 2 extra tablespoons of maple syrup for sweetness.

• Almond extract is the key to the cookie/cake flavor, don’t skip it!

• To make dairy-free + vegan protein balls, use a plant-based protein, nut milk, and dairy-free chocolate chips.

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Six other easy, delicious ways to enjoy your jar of nut butter!

• Toast it: spread it on a slice of toast topped with bananas, cinnamon and honey

• With fruit: make hitting your daily fruit + veg goal easy!! Pair the nut butter with apples, strawberries, or banana.

• Stuffed dates: A delicious one-bite dessert or snack!! Slice a pitted date down the center length-wise, fill with nut butter, then drizzle with melted chocolate and sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Chill before serving! *chef’s kiss.

• Over your favorite breakfast: elevate your morning oats or yogurt with a drizzle of sweetness, drizzle over pancakes or waffles. I’ve been drizzling over top of my cookie dough overnight oats (from DTAD) for a double-cookie-dough situation.

• On ice cream: end the night with a crunchy-creamy sweet treat!

• Straight out the jar: my personal fave, just right out of the jar with a spoon.

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Let me know how you enjoy your jar!!

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Find me here!

instagram: @jenneatsgoood

tiktok: @jenneatsgoood

facebook: @jenneatsgoood

youtube: @jenneatsgoood

pinterest: @jenneatsgoood

my cookbook: get it here

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I can’t wait for you all to try out this flavor! Let me know if you grab a jar and how you use it! And as always, share your pictures in the chat. 💕

Much love,

Jenn

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