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Ugly Sweater Party Energy Bites

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Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Medjool dates pitted; 1 1/2 cups packed
  • Rolled oats 1 1/4 cups (use certified gluten-free if needed)
  • Almond butter or peanut butter – 1/2 cup
  • Cacao powder or unsweetened cocoa – 1/4 cup
  • Maple syrup or honey 2–3 tablespoons (to taste)
  • Chia seeds 2 tablespoons
  • Flaxseed meal 2 tablespoons
  • Vanilla extract 1 teaspoon
  • Sea salt 1/4 teaspoon
  • Holiday flavor options
  • Mix-ins choose 2–3; mini dark chocolate chips, chopped dried cranberries, crushed pretzels, toasted coconut
  • Coatings for the “ugly sweater” look red/green sanding sugar, sprinkles, desiccated coconut, crushed pistachios, freeze-dried raspberry dust
  • Gingerbread 1 teaspoon ground ginger, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, tiny pinch clove and nutmeg
  • Peppermint cocoa 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract, plus crushed candy canes for rolling
  • Hot cocoa & marshmallow extra 1 tablespoon cocoa, mini marshmallows chopped for mix-in

Method
 

  1. If dates are firm, soak in warm water 10 minutes, drain well. Soft dates blend smoother, making rolling easier.
  2. In a food processor, pulse oats, cacao, chia, flax, salt, and any spices for your chosen flavor until a coarse flour forms.
  3. Add dates, nut butter, vanilla, and 2 tablespoons maple syrup. Process until the mixture clumps like cookie dough. If dry, add the remaining syrup or 1–2 teaspoons water.
  4. Fold in chocolate chips, cranberries, pretzels, or marshmallows by hand so they stay chunky. Aim for a thick, pliable dough.
  5. Scoop 1 tablespoon portions and roll into balls. If the dough sticks, lightly oil your hands or chill the bowl for 10 minutes.
  6. Roll each ball in your coatings—sprinkles, coconut, crushed candy canes. Go mismatched and bold; ugly is the theme.
  7. Chill for 20–30 minutes to firm up. Arrange on a platter or in mini cupcake liners for that boutique vibe.
  8. Split the base dough and flavor each half differently (e.g., gingerbread and peppermint cocoa). Label with toothpick flags if you're fancy.