Chocolate Chip Energy Bites

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 2/3 cup shredded coconut
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (or nut butter of choice)
• 1/2 cup ground flaxseed
• 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
• 2 tbsp chia seeds (optional)

Directions:

1. Stir all ingredients together in a large mixing bowl until combined. Chill mixture in refrigerator for 1 hour until mixture is chilled.
2. Remove from refrigerator and scoop mixture into 2 tbsp portions. Roll each portion into balls with your hands and arrange on a baking sheet. The mixture should form approximately 18-20 balls.
3. Serve immediately or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Option to freeze for up to 3 months.

Notes:

• Shredded coconut can be omitted if desired and replaced with an extra 1/2 cup oats.
• Chopped dried fruit such as cranberries, apricots, dates, or raisins can be used in place of chocolate chips.
• Alternative nut butter such as almond butter, cashew butter, or sun butter can be used in place of peanut butter.