Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. Add the old-fashioned oats, almond butter, honey, vanilla protein powder, ground flaxseed, mini chocolate chips, and ground cinnamon. If you’re using shredded coconut and chia seeds, throw those into the mix, too. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to stir everything together until all ingredients are well combined. Don’t be afraid to get in there with your hands if it makes mixing easier!

Once you have a consistent mixture, grab about a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball about one inch in diameter. It might feel a little sticky at first, but that’s just fine! If the mixture is too dry, you can add a splash of almond milk or an extra drizzle of honey. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

After rolling all the mixture into balls, place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about an hour. This step is crucial for allowing the protein balls to set properly. You want them firm enough to hold their shape when you’re ready to munch on them.

Once the hour is up (if you can wait that long!), remove the protein balls from the fridge. Store them in an airtight container. They’ll keep fresh in the fridge for up to two weeks, although they may get eaten long before that!