No-Bake Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Energy Bites

No-Bake Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Energy Bites
Makes about 12 (1-inch) balls

1/4 cup peanut butter (or other nut or seed butter)
2 tablespoons honey (or agave syrup)
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon fine salt
Dash cinnamon
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons rolled oats
1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (chunks or larger chocolate chips, finely chopped work, too)
2 tablespoons flax seed meal (or wheat germ)
1 tablespoons shredded coconut flakes (optional)

1. In a large bowl, mix together the nut butter, honey or agave syrup, vanilla, salt, and cinnamon until combined. Add the oats, mini chocolate pieces, flax seed meal, and coconut flakes, if using.  Mix it all together with a spoon until combined. 

2. If you’re not in a rush, chill the mixture in the refrigerator for 15 minutes. If you’re in a rush, skip the chill. Squeeze the oat mixture into tight 1-inch balls, then roll gently into a smoother ball. Place on a plate. Refrigerate, covered, for up to a week; or freeze in a Ziplock bag for up to 3 months and thaw them as needed. Recipe by Jill Santopietro.