Step 1

Fill a glass container with very hot water. (I heat about 2 cups in the microwave for about 1 1/2 minutes.)

Step 2

Add dates to water, cover with plastic wrap and set aside for 5-10 minutes. This softens the dates and makes them easier to puree, but may not be necessary if dates are very soft.

Step 3

Remove dates from water and place in a small food processor.

Step 4

Add to the food processor about 1 Tablespoon of the water the dates soaked in.

Step 5

Pulse until smooth, scraping down sides as necessary. Add additional water to thin the consistency of the paste, if desired.

Step 6

Set date "paste" aside.

Step 7

Combine oatmeal, flax seed, coconut flakes and chocolate chips in a medium sized bowl.

Step 8

Add date paste, vanilla extract and sunflower seed butter to the dry mixture.

Step 9

Stir to combine all of the ingredients.

Step 10

Refrigerate dough for about 15 minutes if possible. (It's not required, but does make it easier to work with.)

Step 11

Form dough into Tablespoon-size balls.

Step 12

Refrigerate balls in an air tight container.