No Bake Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookie Bites

I almost hate to describe these no-bake cookies as gluten-free, egg-free, dairy-free, vegan, and free of added fat (the only fat comes from healthy nut butter). That doesn't sound nearly as appealing as "Chewy apple-cinnamon cookies that taste like a warm bowl of oatmeal".

And, it's not like I had to try hard to make these gems without eggs, dairy, flour, and fat. Those ingredients simply aren't needed. Or missed. And get this, the food processor does ALL the work, in about 1 minute.

When I think about it, it's almost like you're eating cookie dough. Apple-cinnamon oatmeal cookie dough. And you can do that with reckless abandon since there are NO raw eggs or raw flour to worry about. Actually, it's not so reckless after all.

Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Bites

2 1/2 cups oats, regular or quick-cooking
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/4 cup peanut butter, almond butter, or any nut butter
2 tablespoons honey, or maple syrup for vegan cookies
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Combine all the ingredients in a food processor and process until the mixture is well blended and comes together. Shape the mixture into 30 balls (about 1 tablespoon each) and place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Press down gently with a fork in one direction, and then in the other direction, making a crosshatch pattern on top. Serve or store in an airtight container until ready to serve (either room temperature or refrigerated).

Makes 30 cookie bites