Chocolate Oat Balls (Easy!)

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup walnuts*
• 1/4 cup peanut butter (creamy, natural)
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/3 cup vegan chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats (GF if desired)
• 2 Tbsp. ground flaxseed
• 2 Tbsp. sunflower seeds
• 1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
• 1/8 tsp. salt

Instructions

1. 1

   Chop or crush the walnuts into tiny pieces. Set aside.

2. 2

   In a small pan over medium-low to medium heat, add the peanut butter and maple syrup. Stir and heat for about 3 minutes until the mixture is melted and fully combined.

3. 3

   Then add all of the remaining ingredients. Stir with spatula for 1-2 minutes until the chocolate thoroughly melts and everything is combined.

4. 4

   Remove from heat and let the mixture sit in the pan for about 10 minutes to cool.

5. 5

   When it cools enough to touch, mold into balls. I use a 2-Tbsp. cookie scoop which yields ten 1.5-inch balls. (But feel free to make them smaller, larger, or a different shape if you wish.)

6. 6

   Enjoy them immediately while they're soft, or chill them in a sealed container in the refrigerator for a few hours first. (They'll harden and become firm as they chill and set.) I find they keep well in the fridge for about 5-7 days.