Zinc-Packed Pumpkin Seed Snack Bites
No-bake energy bites of pumpkin seeds, oats, and peanut butter, rolled with a touch of honey and cinnamon.
Mix, roll, chill — these no-bake bites come together in one bowl and don't require turning on the oven at all.
Pumpkin seeds are the star ingredient, and they're a plant source of zinc, a mineral often discussed in relation to immune support, which is why these bites carry that tag. Rolled oats and peanut butter hold everything together and add staying power, while the optional dark chocolate chips make them feel more like a treat.
Refrigerate until firm, then keep a batch on hand for a quick, portable snack.
If the mixture feels too dry to roll into balls, a splash of extra honey or peanut butter will bring it back together. These freeze well too, so it's worth making a double batch to keep on hand.
Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin seeds — raw, unsalted
- 1/2 cup rolled oats — gluten-free if needed
- 1/3 cup natural peanut butter — or almond butter
- 1/4 cup honey — or maple syrup for vegan option
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips — optional
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon — for flavor
Instructions
- 1In a mixing bowl, combine pumpkin seeds, oats, and cinnamon.
- 2Stir in peanut butter and honey until the mixture is sticky and well combined.
- 3Fold in chocolate chips if using.
- 4Roll mixture into small bite-sized balls using your hands.
- 5Place on a tray or plate and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- 6Enjoy as a zinc-rich, energy-boosting snack anytime of the day.