Cheerios Maple Syrup Balls

I'm always on the lookout for easy, yummy recipes.  This is one that I came across a while ago, when I was searching for ideas to use up some stale cheerios from a box that had been open too long.  Since then Steven's ability to get through a box of cheerios has increased exponentially, so we don't have a problem with stale cheerios anymore, but we still love making this recipe! 

Check out the original recipe here:  Cheerios Maple Syrup Balls


Cheerios Maple Syrup Balls

(disclaimer - these ingredients are for a single batch, but I always make at least a double or triple batch, or they are gone too quickly!)

1 c. cheerios, lightly crushed
1/2 c. oats
1/3 c. dried cranberries
3 tbsp. honey
1/4 c. peanut butter
3 tbsp. maple syrup
2 tbsp. butter
1/3 c. chocolate chips

 Mix together the cheerios, oats, and cranberries.

In a small pot, combine the honey, peanut butter (I like using crunchy), maple syrup, and butter.  Turn up the heat and mix until it's well blended.

Add to the bowl of cheerios, and mix well.  Wait 10 minutes or so, then add the chocolate chips.  The waiting is important, or it will be too warm and the chocolate will just melt.

Form the mixture into balls, and place on a tray.  I generally just use a couple of spoons and make them more like drop cookies.  Put them in the fridge to cool and harden.  Store the completed cookies in the fridge.

In addition to being extremely tasty, these cookies also give a great energy boost.  So much so, that Jesse calls them "power balls" and likes to take them on his mountaineering trips!  And, of course, Steven loves the "kee-coo" (as he calls them) too!