No Bake Chewy Truffle Cookies

These chewy sweet cookies start with dried dates for a natural sweetness, instead of the traditional combination of milk and sugar, and then get mixed with some cocoa, reduced-fat peanut butter and ground whole wheat graham crackers for a quick satisfying treat.
Directions

1 cup dried pitted dates, 4-ounces, chopped

1 cup water

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

2 tablespoons honey or agave syrup

2 tablespoons reduced-fat or no-stir natural chunky peanut butter

2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

8 full sheets whole wheat graham crackers, finely ground, about 1 1/4 cups

1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats, not instant

Cooking spray

For coating: unsweetened coconut flakes, crushed graham crackers, finely chopped peanuts, low-fat granola, about 1/2 cup of each, optional

1. Combine the dates, water, and lemon juice in a medium saucepan. Simmer over medium heat breaking up any large pieces of dates with a spoon, until the mixture resembles a thick paste, 15 to 20 minutes. Stir in the honey, peanut butter, cocoa powder, butter and salt until evenly combined. Stir in the graham crackers and oats. Remove from heat.

2. Lightly mist a baking sheet with cooking spray. Drop level tablespoons of the cookie mixture onto the prepared pan. Refrigerate until just chilled and set, about 20 minutes.

3. Put desired optional toppings in small bowls. Roll each cookie in desired topping and flatten slightly into a plump disk. Cover and refrigerate until firm. Serve chilled.

Nutritional analysis per cookie (does not include optional coatings)

Calories 67; Total Fat 1.5g (Sat Fat .5g, Mono Fat 0g, Poly Fat 0g); Protein 1g; Carb 13g; Fiber 1g; Cholesterol 1mg; Sodium 59mg