Apple Cinnamon Cookie Energy Bites

These are the after-school and pre-workout snack we make in giant batches on Sundays. Toasty oats, ground flax, almond butter, honey, cinnamon, and freshly grated Honeycrisp apple get rolled into bite-sized balls that taste like an apple cinnamon cookie — but with real protein, fiber, and zero refined sugar. They keep for two weeks in the fridge and freeze forever.

Grated fresh apple is what makes these taste like actual apple pie in bite form. Honeycrisp grates beautifully and adds bright sweetness. Gala or Fuji are also lovely, sweeter alternatives. Order fresh from our orchard by clicking here.

Ingredients (makes about 20 bites)

• 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1/4 cup ground flaxseed
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of ground nutmeg (optional)
• 1/2 cup creamy almond butter (or peanut butter)
• 1/4 cup + 1 tablespoon Farm Fresh Honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• 1 cup (not packed) grated Honeycrisp apple (about 1 medium apple, peel on for extra fiber)
• Optional add-ins: 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips, 1/4 cup dried cranberries or raisins, 2 tablespoons chia seeds

Directions

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the oats, flaxseed, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
2. Add the almond butter, honey, vanilla, and salt. Stir until well combined.
3. Fold in the grated apple until the mixture is uniformly moist. It will look wet at first — that's normal.
4. Fold in any optional add-ins.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes — this makes the mixture easier to roll.
6. Using slightly damp hands, roll the mixture into 1-inch balls. Place on a parchment-lined plate.
7. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Tips & Variations

• Squeeze the apple lightly. If it's very juicy, press the grated apple in a clean towel for 10 seconds to remove excess moisture.
• Coat them. Roll finished balls in cinnamon sugar, shredded coconut, chopped nuts, or crushed graham crackers for extra flair.
• Add protein. A scoop of vanilla protein powder (unflavored oats will absorb it well).
• Peanut butter swap. Sunflower seed butter for classroom snacks.
• Freezer stash. Freeze in a bag and grab a cold one straight from the freezer — they thaw in 5 minutes.

Great For

• After-school snacks that fill kids up before dinner
• Pre-workout energy without a sugar crash
• On-the-go breakfast paired with coffee and a piece of fruit
• Hiking or road-trip snacks that don't melt
• School lunches — usually nut-free classrooms okay if you use sunflower seed butter

Made these? Send us a photo — we'll send you a coupon for 20% off your next order. Comment below or email [email protected]. Enjoy!