peanut butter–chocolate chip energy bites

prep: 10 MINUTES | total: 10 MINUTES | makes 12 TO 14 ENERGY BITES

We always have energy bites in our fridge because they’re perfect for on-the-go snacking. An energy bite is essentially the cookie’s more nutritious no-bake cousin that needs fewer than ten ingredients—most (if not all) of which you probably have in your pantry at this very moment! That means you’re never more than 10 minutes away from satisfying a major cookie craving—or from giving your kids the kind of treat that makes them think they’re getting away with something. They’re also perfect before or after a workout, or when you just need a little something sweet before bed.

1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats (use gluten-free oats, if you prefer)

⅓ cup shredded coconut

2 tablespoons flaxseed meal

1 tablespoon chia seeds

Pinch of sea salt

½ cup all-natural peanut butter (see Notes)

¼ cup honey

½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract

¼ cup mini chocolate chips (see Notes)

1 In a large bowl, combine the oats, coconut flaxseed meal, chia seeds, and salt. Add the peanut butter, honey, and vanilla. Stir until the mixture is combined and moist. Gently fold in the chocolate chips.

2 Roll the mixture into small balls, 1 to 2 tablespoons each. Place in an airtight container and chill for 1 hour before serving. The bites will keep refrigerated for 1 week or frozen for up to 2 months.

NOTES: Feel free to swap out the peanut butter for almond butter. You could also use raisins or dried cranberries in place of—or in addition to—the chocolate chips… but I’m not exactly sure why you’d want to do that.