Dr. D’s Nut Butter Breakfast Balls
These five-ingredient treats are packed with heart-healthy ingredients clinically shown to boost immunity, make you feel full, and, ahem, keep you regular. They also pack a nice jolt of energy they won’t get you wired or cause you to crash.
You could call them edible medicine balls. And they are super easy to make.
Dr. D’s Nut Butter Breakfast Balls
Everything your body needs, no filler or preservatives, these nut butter treats have protein, fiber, and good fats. Pop one or two into your mouth, and you’ll feel full and powered up to tackle your day.
What’s in them? Glad you asked. Nut butter (peanut, almond, etc.), oats, flaxseed, honey, and cacao nibs. A dash of cinnamon is an optional choice that can kick up the flavor. Just mix in a bowl, form into a ball, and smile, you’re done!
Dr. D’s nut butter breakfast balls are healthy to eat that even those with a bit of a sweet tooth will appreciate. You can also have one for dessert.
Here’s how to make Dr. D’s nut butter breakfast balls.
Ingredients
2/3 Cup Creamy Nut Butter: The glue that keeps everything together. We used organic peanut butter but any nut butter you prefer will work.
1/2 Cup Cacao Nibs: Oodaalolly cacao nibs give these a hint of chocolaty goodness without extra sugars or calories. And they are an amazingly healthy superfood.
1 Cup Oats: Old fashioned or rolled oats work best. If you’re watching your gluten intake, use certified gluten-free oats - Red Mill is a great source.
1/2 Cup Ground Flax Seed: Fiber keeps your gut healthy and the nutrients they contain will keep you healthy too.
1 to 2 TB Honey: a lovely sweet finish but don’t overdo it!
Optional Ingredients or Substitutes
Chia Seeds (optional): Chia is an excellent substitution for Flax or addition to this recipe. They bind with water and keep you feeling full longer.
Cinnamon (optional): If you want a warm flavor, add a dash of cinnamon, which is also full of antioxidants. Instead of 2 TB honey, use 1 TB and a 1/2 Tsp cinnamon
Directions
You’ll love how easy these are to make. Combine the ingredients in a mixing bowl. Stir to combine. Let the combined ingredients settle in the refrigerator for about a half-hour. When they are nice and cool, roll them into balls. They make about a dozen balls that will keep for about a week in your fridge (if they last that long).
Dr. Leah Dilangalen practices family medicine at the University of Pittsburgh. She is Board Certified by The American Board of Family Medicine. She is a graduate of the University of Santo Tomas, a private, Catholic research university in Manila, Philippines. It is the oldest existing university in Asia.