Grain-free Peanut or Almond Butter Balls

Peanut butter balls are a pretty popular American snack. There are two main kinds: the kind that are more dessert-y and often coated in chocolate (often known as Buckeyes), and the kind that is more snack-y with a saltier flavor. My version here is a healthy remake of the snack type of peanut butter balls. 

The thing about peanut butter balls is that they pretend to be healthy, but are loaded with powdered sugar in most recipes. The snack kinds often have so much honey added they are still sickeningly sweet to me. Now, I do admit to being sensitive to super sweet stuff. But still, do all our snacks in this country have to be loaded with sweetener, even healthy ones??? Mini rant over :-).

These peanut butter balls have proven to be a great snack for me for when I am getting a little hungry in between meals. I am constantly on the go with my little one year old and sometimes haven't planned real well for a quick snack for either of us.

The coconut flour makes them more easy to digest than those with grain-based filler, I don't always do well with grains and would prefer my little boy not have too many either. Thus they are suitable for gluten-free and grain-free diets. With the choice of almond butter they are also suitable for paleo and primal diets.

Grain-free Peanut or Almond Butter Balls

2 Tablespoons coconut oil, softened or melted
1/2 cup creamy, natural peanut or almond butter
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon salt
2 Tablespoons honey
 6 Tablespoons coconut flour

About 1/3 cup finely shredded coconut, or finely chopped nuts for rolling, optional

In a small bowl mash together the first five ingredients. Stir in coconut flour until thoroughly combined. Shape into about 16-18 one-inch balls and roll in coconut or nuts, if desired. Store in the refrigerator.

Makes 16-18 balls, with about 3 per serving.

{This recipe is linked up at Whole Foods Wednesday, Tasty Traditions, and Gluten-free Fridays.}