First start by blending/grinding up the oats. This helps with a smoother texture. You can skip this step, but the balls will be more "chewy" and won't have as much cookie dough mouth-feel. In a blender or food processor blend the oats 15 seconds at a time until the oats are your desired texture. I leave about 1/3 of the oats whole so there is a variety in texture, but you can totally grind up the entire amount of oats, up to you!
Next in a mixing bowl, add the almond butter, maple syrup, cinnamon, coconut oil, salt, and honey. Mix until it becomes smooth. To the same bowl add in the protein powder, chia seed, and oats. Mix everything until a smooth. Now stir in the butterscotch chips, freeze-dried apples, or any other add-ins you want.
Roll the mixture into roughly 1-inch balls. You can use a cookie scoop to spoon out a uniform amount each time. Roll each ball using your hands and place on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper if you want to save yourself having to clean another dirty dish.
Refrigerate the protein balls for at least 30 minutes. Store in the fridge in an air-tight container and enjoy for up to a week!
