Recipe: Pumpkin Spice Balls

These healthy little bites are the perfect afternoon pick-me-up. 

These pumpkin pie spice energy balls are everything you could want in a snack: classic pumpkin spice flavor with a satisfyingly chewy texture with bits of crunch from seeds and nuts throughout. It’s worth seeking out cashew or almond butter to make these—they have a more neutral flavor that lets the spices and pumpkin shine, but any nut butter will work.

Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

• ½ cup smooth natural cashew butter or creamy natural almond butter

• ⅓ cup canned pumpkin

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 cup pitted dried Medjool dates, chopped (see Note)

• ¼ cup pecan halves

• 1 ¼ cup old-fashioned rolled oats

• 3 tablespoons toasted unsalted pepitas

• 2 tablespoons chia seeds

• 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

• ½ teaspoon salt

Directions

Stir together cashew butter (or almond butter), pumpkin and vanilla in a small bowl.

Process dates and pecans in a food processor until finely chopped, about 1 minute. Add oats, pepitas, chia seeds, pumpkin pie spice and salt. Process until fully combined, about 10 (1-second) pulses. Add the pumpkin mixture; process until fully combined and incorporated, about 10 (1-second) pulses, stopping to scrape down sides as needed.

Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a 1-tablespoon cookie scoop or measuring spoon, scoop 24 portions of the oat mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Using clean hands, roll each portion into a ball. Serve immediately or refrigerate, covered, for up to 5 days.

To make ahead: Refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Note: 

If your dates aren’t particularly soft, you can place them in a bowl and pour boiling water over them. Let stand for 10 minutes; drain.

(Recipe from EatingWell.com)