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Apple Cinnamon Energy Balls

Print Recipe
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup pitted Medjool dates about 10–12, soft and sticky; soak if dry
  • 3/4 cup rolled oats old-fashioned, not instant
  • 1/2 cup raw walnuts or pecans for extra “pie” flavor
  • 1/2 cup dried apples (unsweetened, chopped; or 3/4 cup finely diced fresh apple, see notes)
  • 1–2 tablespoons nut butter almond or cashew; peanut works but shifts the flavor
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg optional but recommended
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of fine sea salt
  • 1–3 teaspoons water as needed for texture
  • Optional add-ins 2 tablespoons chia seeds, 2 tablespoons hemp hearts, 2 tablespoons mini white chocolate chips, or a squeeze of lemon for brightness

Method
 

  1. Prep the dates. If your dates feel dry, soak them in hot water for 5–10 minutes, then drain well. Soft dates = easier blending and better texture.
  2. Pulse the dry base. In a food processor, add oats and walnuts. Pulse 6–8 times until the mixture looks like coarse sand with tiny nut bits. Don't overdo it or you'll make nut butter—nice, but not today.
  3. Add flavor. Toss in dried apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Pulse 3–4 times to disperse evenly.
  4. Blend in the sticky stuff. Add dates, nut butter, and vanilla. Process until the mixture clumps together and forms a dough that holds when pinched. If crumbly, add water 1 teaspoon at a time and pulse again.
  5. Test and tweak. Pinch a tablespoon of mixture. If it cracks, add another teaspoon of water or a touch more nut butter. If it's too wet, pulse in 1–2 tablespoons oats.
  6. Roll 'em. Scoop about 1 tablespoon per ball (a mini cookie scoop is clutch) and roll between your palms. You should get 16–20 balls.
  7. Optional coatings. Roll in extra cinnamon, crushed pecans, or a dusting of oat flour to prevent sticking. Feel fancy? Drizzle with melted white chocolate.
  8. Set and store. Chill on a parchment-lined plate for 20–30 minutes to firm up. Then move to an airtight container.