Chocolate Protein Balls

On occasion I like to have a more sweet, healthy, snack on hand than a savory one. And I've been trying to use up items in my pantry. The only ingredient I didn't have was the Almond Butter. 

It's an easy recipe to throw together and is absolutely delicious! 

I cut this in half because 1) 30 balls are a lot and 2) I didn't have enough old fashion oats. I ended up with 15 balls exactly! And after tasting one I wish I would have made 30. 

My dough was a little dry, so I added a bit more almond butter. I didn't read the part of the recipe where it says to add more honey, but I think I got the same result. 

Chocolate Protein Balls

Recipe from Chelsea's Messy Apron

Makes 30 balls

• 1 1/2 c old fashioned or quick oats
• 1/2 c dry roasted and lightly salted almonds
• 1 1/2 T unsweetened Dutch Process cocoa powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 c  + 2 T  honey, separated
• 1/2 c almond butter
• 1/2 c miniature chocolate chips

BLEND OATS: In a high-powered blender or food processor, add the old fashioned or quick oats. Pulse or blend until it resembles flour. (You may need to stir it around to get all the oats to be fully blended). Add the blended up oats to a large bowl.

BLEND ALMONDS: Add the almonds to the processor or blender and pulse until they resemble a flour. Do not blend too long or it turns to almond butter. Add to the bowl with the ground up oats.

*The measurements of oats and almonds should be the measurements BEFORE blending, no need to measure after blending.

MIX: Add in the Dutch process cocoa powder, vanilla, 1/4 cup honey, almond butter, and miniature chocolate chips. Add pinch or two of salt if desired or if your almond butter/almonds aren't salted. Using electric hand mixers, mix ingredients together and then knead the mixture with your hands until a thick dough forms (kneading also helps incorporate chocolate chips better). If everything is not coming together nicely, add in remaining 2 tablespoons honey (I usually always add in this extra honey, but every once and a while the almond butter is exceptionally wet and extra honey isn't needed). IF dough is too wet, add additional powdered oats. (Dough will vary depending on actual ingredients used)

ROLL INTO BALLS: Roll mixture into balls, each ball of dough should be 2 teaspoons in size to get around 30 balls.

STORAGE: Store in an airtight container (in fridge, freezer --delicious!, or at room temperature.)