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Toy Drive Energy Bites

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Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup Medjool dates , pitted about 10–12, packed
  • 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats gluten-free if needed
  • 1/2 cup nut butter peanut, almond, or cashew
  • 1/3 cup ground flaxseed
  • 2 tablespoons chia seeds
  • 1/4 cup mini dark chocolate chips optional but highly recommended
  • 2–3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • Pinch of fine sea salt
  • 1–2 tablespoons water only if needed for binding
  • For coating optional; unsweetened shredded coconut, crushed freeze-dried berries, or cocoa powder

Method
 

  1. Soften the dates. If your dates are firm, soak them in hot water for 5 minutes, then drain well. Soft dates = smooth blending and better texture.
  2. Pulse the base. In a food processor, add dates, oats, flaxseed, chia, cinnamon, and salt. Pulse until it looks crumbly and evenly mixed.
  3. Add the glue. Spoon in nut butter, honey or maple, and vanilla. Pulse again until the mixture clumps. If it's too dry, add 1 tablespoon of water at a time.
  4. Fold in the fun. Stir in chocolate chips by hand so they don't melt, because we're making bites—not chocolate paste.
  5. Roll it out. Scoop tablespoon portions and roll into 18–22 balls. If it sticks, lightly oil your palms or chill the mix for 10 minutes.
  6. Optional coating. Roll the bites in coconut, cocoa, or crushed berries for a bakery-level finish and easy flavor cues.
  7. Set and store. Chill for 20 minutes to firm up. Then store as noted below. Try not to eat them all in the process (no promises).