Toasted Oat and Sunflower Seed Butter Energy Bites with Cacao Nibs

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 0.75 cup sunflower seed butter
• 0.33 cup pure maple syrup
• 3 tbsp ground flaxseed
• 3 tbsp cacao nibs
• 0.25 cup toasted pumpkin seeds, roughly chopped
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 0.5 tsp ground cinnamon
• 0.25 tsp fine sea salt
• 0.25 cup dried cherries, chopped(optional)
• 0.25 cup unsweetened shredded coconut(optional)

Instructions

1. 1

   Toast the oats in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring, until fragrant and lightly golden, 5-7 minutes. Cool completely.

2. 2

   Stir the sunflower seed butter and maple syrup together until smooth, then mix in vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.

3. 3

   Add the cooled oats, ground flaxseed, cacao nibs, and chopped pumpkin seeds; knead with your hands until a stiff, uniform dough forms. If too dry, add 1 tbsp water at a time; if too wet, add more oats.

4. 4

   Fold in dried cherries and shredded coconut if using.

5. 5

   Roll into 16 even balls, about 1 tbsp each, pressing firmly so they hold together.

6. 6

   Chill at least 30 minutes to set. Store refrigerated up to 1 week.