Pumpkin Spice Energy Balls

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.

Prep/Cook Time: 15 Minutes, Servings: 8

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
• 1¼ cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 3 tablespoons toasted unsalted pepitas
• 2 tablespoons chia seeds
• 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• ½ teaspoon salt

Directions

1. Stir together cashew butter (or almond butter), pumpkin and vanilla in a small bowl.
2. 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.
3. 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.

© Dotdash Meredith. All rights reserved. Used with permission.