No-Bake Chocolate Coconut Oatmeal Clusters

Ingredients:

– 2 cups rolled oats
– 1 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
– 1/2 cup natural peanut butter
– 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
– 1/2 cup chocolate chips
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats and shredded unsweetened coconut. Stir well to ensure they are evenly mixed.
2. In a small saucepan over low heat, add the natural peanut butter and honey (or maple syrup). Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and fully combined, approximately 2-3 minutes.
3. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt, mixing well.
4. Pour the warm peanut butter mixture over the oat and coconut mixture in the large bowl. Stir thoroughly until all the dry ingredients are evenly coated.
5. Add the chocolate chips to the mixture and fold them in gently to distribute them without completely melting.
6. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to portion out the mixture, placing clusters onto the parchment paper. Each cluster should be about 1.5 inches in diameter.
7. Press each cluster down gently with the back of the spoon to compact them slightly.
8. Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator and allow the clusters to set for at least 30 minutes, until firm.
9. Once set, remove the clusters from the refrigerator. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.