Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Brownie Dough “Truffles”

For all of you fans of my dried fruit and nut “truffles”: I am sorry for abandoning you for so long. It’s been about two months since I posted the Ginger and White Chocolate Truffles, and it’s high time for another version.

Consider these truffles the more decadent, evil, dark chocolate cousin to those angelic white chocolate treats.

Of course, these two-bite brownie impostors aren’t as indulgent as they sound… or taste for that matter; they are actually quite healthy.

Ground peanuts and medjool dates comprise the bulk of these truffles; an ingredient combination that is delicious enough all by its lonesome… but when you add in cocoa powder and chocolate chips, you get a healthy snack that truly does taste like dessert.

So the next time you’re contemplating baking a pan of brownies, (which, don’t get me wrong, certainly shows up in my kitchen from time to time… in fact, I just made these), consider whipping up a batch of these truffles in the same time it would take to preheat your oven.

Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Brownie Dough “Truffles”

Printer-Friendly Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 cup roasted salted peanuts, (alternately, you can use unsalted peanuts + 1/4 tsp salt, or to taste)
• 6 large soft Medjool dates, pitted
• 2 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 Tbsp pure maple syrup
• 1/4 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 2 Tbsp grain sweetened chocolate chips, such as Sunspire, coarsely chopped

Instructions

Making the Brownie Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and cocoa powder.
2. In another bowl, cream together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, softened butter, and 1/4 cup of peanut butter until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3. Add the vanilla extract and milk to the sugar-butter mixture, and mix until well combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a smooth brownie dough forms.
5. Fold in the mini chocolate chips.

Forming the Truffles

6. Using your hands, shape small portions of the brownie dough into bite-sized truffle balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Place the tray in the freezer for about 30 minutes to firm up the truffle balls.

Coating the Truffles

8. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the semi-sweet chocolate in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval until it’s smooth and glossy.
9. Stir in 1/4 cup of peanut butter until fully incorporated.
10. Remove the brownie dough truffle balls from the freezer.
11. Using a fork, dip each truffle ball into the chocolate-peanut butter mixture, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Allow any excess chocolate to drip off.
12. Place the coated truffles back on the parchment paper-lined tray.

Finishing Touches

13. If desired, sprinkle crushed peanuts on top of each truffle while the chocolate coating is still soft.
14. Allow the truffles to set in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or until the chocolate coating is firm.

Serve and Enjoy

15. Once set, these delectable Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Brownie Dough Truffles are ready to be enjoyed. Share them with friends and family or savor them all to yourself!

Directions

1. In the bowl of a food processor, process the peanuts until finely crumbled – mixture will resemble coarsely sand. Remove from food processor bowl and set aside.
2. Place dates in the food processor bowl, and blend until sticky clumps from. Add in the cocoa powder, maple syrup, and vanilla extract and blend until a thick paste forms. Add the ground nuts to the date paste and process until the mixture comes together to form a crumbly “dough”.
3. Add in the chopped chocolate chips and pulse until incorporated. Remove mixture from food processor, making sure to scrape the sides of the bowl.
4. Form mixture into a large ball, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for about 5-10 minutes.
5. When the dough has chilled for a bit, take it out of the fridge and roll into 12 balls.
6. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Nutritional Information Per Truffle

• Calories: 120
• Total Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 10mg
• Sodium: 25mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 11g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 7g
• Protein: 2g

Please note that these nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients used and the size of the truffles.

It’s always a good idea to consult the packaging of individual ingredients for precise nutritional information if you have dietary restrictions or specific dietary needs.