Oat and Nut Butter Energy Bites

Servings:

2 cups old-fashioned oats - we use Bob's Red Mill Gluten-free Old Fashioned Oats or Thrive's Organic Rolled Oats
1 1/3 cups unsweetened organic raw coconut flakes or unsweetened shredded coconut We use these coconut flakes or shreds!
1/3 cup honey
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup peanut butter - we love Santa Cruz peanut butter. Stir before you measure unless you get Santa Cruz No Stir Peanut Butter!
1/3 cup organic ground flaxseed
3 - 4 heaping scoops of collagen protein powder. If you prefer, you can also use unflavored plain whey or pea protein powder. We use plain collagen peptides, also called collagen protein powder or hydrolysate.
2 tablespoons water

1/3 - 1/2 cup bittersweet chocolate chips, nuts, dried fruit, seeds, or whatever you prefer. These are my favorite gluten-free chips!

Decision: Are you using chocolate, nuts, dried fruit, or seeds? If so, decide whether to add them with the rest of the ingredients or if you want to roll or press them into the top when finished.
In a large bowl, mix ingredients with clean hands (or food-safe gloves!), evenly combining and smashing the peanut butter and honey into the dry ingredients.
Alternatively, you can combine all ingredients in a stand mixer with a paddle attachment. (A whisk attachment will be too weak to thoroughly mix the sticky and thick ingredients.)
Mix until everything is just combined. If the mixture seems too dry, add another splash of water.
Pull a golf ball-sized amount from the energy bite mixture. Then press and roll into a ball. They can be as big as you like, but I usually make them a little over an inch in diameter.
Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container!

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