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Christmas Tree Decorating Energy Balls

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Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 cups rolled oats quick oats also work; use certified gluten-free if needed
  • 1 cup pitted Medjool dates about 10–12; soak in warm water if dry
  • 1/2 cup nut or seed butter peanut, almond, cashew, or sunflower for nut-free
  • 3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 2–3 tablespoons mini chocolate chips optional, but kids will stage a coup if omitted
  • 1–2 tablespoons milk dairy or plant-based, as needed for binding
  • Decoration station
  • Shredded coconut for “snow”
  • Green matcha or spirulina powder to tint coconut “tree green”
  • Crushed freeze-dried raspberries or strawberries red “ornaments”
  • Chia seeds or hemp hearts tiny “lights” with omega power
  • Colored sprinkles optional, for the festive effect
  • Mini pretzel sticks to make “tree trunks,” optional

Method
 

  1. In small bowls, set out coconut, matcha-tinted coconut (mix 1/2 cup coconut with 1/2 teaspoon matcha), crushed freeze-dried berries, chia/hemp, and sprinkles. This is your decorating buffet.
  2. In a food processor, pulse oats to a coarse flour. Add dates, nut/seed butter, honey, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Process until it forms a sticky dough that clumps when pressed.
  3. If crumbly, add milk 1 teaspoon at a time. If too sticky, pulse in 1–2 tablespoons oats. Aim for play-dough vibes.
  4. Fold in mini chocolate chips with a spatula so they don't melt into oblivion.
  5. Scoop 1 tablespoon of dough and roll into balls. For trees, roll into cones. Yes, tiny cone trees. Your kids will lose it.
  6. Roll cones in green coconut for tree bodies, then press on berry bits, sprinkles, and seeds as ornaments. Poke a mini pretzel at the base for a trunk if you're feeling extra.
  7. Chill on a parchment-lined tray for 20–30 minutes to firm up. This makes them snackable and less sticky for little hands.
  8. Present on a platter during tree decorating time. Watch the peace and productivity unfold, IMO.