In a medium mixing bowl, add the rolled oats, almond butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract. Mix these ingredients together vigorously until they are well combined, resulting in a sticky paste-like consistency.
Incorporate the chopped dried cranberries, slivered almonds, chia seeds, and a pinch of salt into the bowl with the oat mixture. Stir thoroughly to ensure every ingredient is evenly dispersed throughout the mixture.
With clean hands, take about a tablespoon of the mixture and shape it into a round ball. Place each formed energy bite onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Continue this process until all of the mixture has been rolled into bites.
Once all the bites are on the baking sheet, transfer them to the refrigerator. Let them chill for a minimum of 30 minutes; this will help them firm up and hold their shape.
After chilling, store your energy bites in an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to one week, making them perfect for healthy snacking throughout the week.
Notes
For a delightful touch, try rolling the energy bites in some extra chia seeds or finely chopped nuts before chilling.