Dark Chocolate Coconut Bites

I just spotted this recipe online, and made it for the boys: a big hit, and super easy. This would be a great snack after school, sure, and also a nice treat after a meal (for both big and little people; you don't have to share if you decide not to).

This is an easy recipe that kids can even make on their own.

A number of changes, but original recipe found on Shewearsmanyhats.com
Yield: 18 - 20

Ingredients:

1/2 cup (4oz) coconut oil
1/2 cup dark cocoa powder
1/8 cup maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 3/4 cup unsweetened finely shredded coconut, lightly toasted

1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 cup almond flour

Directions:

Heat a medium saucepan over low heat. Add coconut oil and cocoa powder. Stir until smooth and all coconut oil has melted. Remove from heat. (My coconut oil is already liquid, so I skipped the step to heat everything and just started mixing in a smallish bowl.) Whisk in maple syrup and vanilla extract. Add toasted coconut, cinnamon and almond flour; stir until combined well. Cover mixture and place in refrigerate until firm enough to easily form balls, about 20 to 30 minutes. More chill time may be needed.

Line a plate with wax paper or baking parchment. Shape chilled coconut mixture into 1-inch balls (I used a small cookie scoop to make sure each one was the same size, and then rounded them in my hand. It’s a little messy but the kids might like to help.) Place on prepared surface. Chill in fridge at least another hour. If you’re in a hurry to eat them, put them in the freezer instead. Once they are fully hardened, you can store them in an airtight container for up to a week. Balls may also be frozen in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.