Making Almond Joy Energy Balls is straightforward, ensuring a fun cooking experience. Follow these steps:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add rolled oats, almond butter, shredded coconut, honey or maple syrup, dark chocolate chips, vanilla extract, and salt.
2. Mix Well: Use a spoon or spatula to thoroughly mix all the ingredients until they are well combined. The mixture should be sticky yet manageable.
3. Add Nuts: If you are using chopped almonds, fold them into the mixture gently.
4. Chill the Mixture: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will help the mixture set and make it easier to roll into balls.
5. Form the Balls: After chilling, use your hands to roll the mixture into bite-sized balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
6. Store: Place the rolled energy balls in an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or in the freezer for longer freshness.

These simple steps will yield a delicious batch of Almond Joy Energy Balls, ready to enjoy whenever you need a boost of energy!