No-Bake Oatmeal Energy Balls with Dates are full of good-for-you ingredients and even tastier than they look if that's possible! These kid-friendly high-protein balls are also perfect for snacking or a quick on-the-go breakfast.
Put the pitted dates in a food processor fitted with a steel blade and pulse about 20 times, or until the dates are completely chopped up into small pieces.
Add the Craisins, oats, and cinnamon and pulse about 5-7 times, or until everything is thoroughly mixed.
Add the peanut butter and one tablespoon of water and pulse again until the mixture is thoroughly mixed and easily forms a ball when you squeeze it in your hand. It will be sticky.
Using a small ice cream or cookie scoop, scoop about one tablespoon of the mixture in your hand and roll into a ball. Continue with the rest of the mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour.
Notes
Want to mix things up a bit; feel free to add a handful of pecans or other nuts, coconut, or chocolate, or butterscotch chips. Hey, you could even add a handful of M&Ms or other bite-size candies if you like. Also, if you prefer, you can substitute raisins for the Craisins or dried blueberries or cherries. If you don't feel like rolling the energy balls; place the mixture in a greased 8x8 inch baking dish and cut it into bars when it firms up. You don't have to put the balls in the mini-muffin liners. I think it's easier to store them in the liners because they still are a little sticky. I use a small ice-cream scoop to ensure my balls are approximately the same size. The scoop part is approximately 1-½ inches wide. Also, I like to spray the scoop with a non-stick cooking spray so that the mixture doesn't stick. When you first process the dates, the mixture should be the consistency of a thick paste. It will also be rolled up in a ball after processing. I usually spread this mixture out a bit, so it more easily combines with the rest of the ingredients.