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Day-After-Thanksgiving Energy Balls

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

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats or quick oats if that's what you have
  • 1/2 cup natural nut butter almond, peanut, or cashew; sunflower butter for nut-free
  • 1/3 cup honey or pure maple syrup adjust to taste
  • 1/4 cup leftover cranberry sauce (whole-berry works best; sub 2–3 tbsp dried cranberries if needed)
  • 1/3 cup chopped nuts pecans or walnuts—leftover pie nuts are great
  • 2 tbsp ground flaxseed or chia seeds
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut optional, plus extra for rolling
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon plus a pinch of nutmeg for holiday vibes
  • 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
  • 2–3 tbsp protein boost whey, plant-based, or collagen; optional but recommended
  • 2–3 tbsp mini dark chocolate chips optional, but why not?
  • 1–3 tbsp liquid as needed water, almond milk, or strong brewed coffee for extra kick

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, combine oats, flaxseed, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir well so the flavor's even—no spice hotspots.
  2. In a microwave-safe bowl, gently warm nut butter and honey/maple for 15–20 seconds to loosen. Stir in vanilla.
  3. Pour the nut butter mixture over the oat mixture. Add cranberry sauce. Mix until it's evenly coated and clumpy.
  4. Stir in chopped nuts, shredded coconut, chocolate chips, and protein powder. If the mixture feels dry, add liquid 1 tablespoon at a time until it holds together when pressed.
  5. Pop the bowl in the fridge for 10 minutes. This step makes forming balls less sticky and more pro.
  6. Scoop 1–2 tablespoons of mixture and roll into 1-inch balls. If you're feeling fancy, roll in extra coconut or finely chopped nuts for a finish.
  7. Place on a parchment-lined tray. Chill for 15–20 minutes to firm up before transferring to an airtight container.
  8. Enjoy now or freeze for later. Either way, you're winning.