In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, almond butter, and honey (or maple syrup). Use a sturdy spatula or wooden spoon to mix thoroughly until the ingredients come together to form a sticky dough.
Next, incorporate the finely chopped dried cranberries, almond slices or chopped almonds, chia seeds, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt into the oat mixture. Stir well until everything is evenly distributed and combined.
Once the mixture is well mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel, and refrigerate for approximately 30 minutes. This chilling step will help the mixture firm up, making it easier to shape.
After the mixture has chilled, use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to portion out small amounts (about 1 tablespoon each) of the mixture. With clean hands, roll each portion into a compact ball. You should be able to create about 12-15 energy bites.
Arrange the formed energy bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet or a large plate.
For an extra crunch, you can roll some of the energy bites in additional almond slices before placing them on the sheet. This step adds a delightful texture and an appealing finish.
Finally, store the energy bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will remain fresh for up to a week. Alternatively, you can freeze them for longer-term storage.
Notes
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.