Pumpkin Protein Balls

These One Ball Wonders are a fan favorite! I initially posted this recipe in one of my weekly emails and have since received so many requests for the recipe, I had to add it to the website too. These seem to hit just right for nearly everybody! Their genesis was my desire to have a healthy mid-afternoon snack that was also well balanced in carbs/protein/fat. I've been known to have one for dessert. If you love pumpkin pie, these balls can give you some of that year-round holiday delight.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups oat flour
• 2 scoops unflavored or vanilla protein powder
• 1/4 tsp sea salt + Maldon salt for topping (optional)
• 1 Tbsp pumpkin pie spice (I make my own out of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and vanilla)
• 1/3 cup nut butter
• 1/4-1/3 cup pumpkin puree (start with 1/4, add more if it seems too dry to stick together)
• 1/3 cup maple syrup, honey or date syrup
• 1 Tbsp melted coconut oil
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/3-1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine flour, protein powder, sea salt and pumpkin pie spice
2. Add nut butter, pumpkin puree, honey/syrup, oil and vanilla, stir to combine thoroughly
3. Add mini chips and combine once more
4. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and use your hands or a small ice cream scoop to form the balls
5. Sprinkle Maldon salt crystals on top (optional)
6. Pop in the refrigerator for an hour before eating and can be stored in a container in the refrigerator too!
7. You can also get creative and add chopped nuts or seeds too! Salted pepitas (then I omit the Maldon finishing salt) are a big win!