Mix the dry ingredients. In a medium bowl, combine the rolled oats, ground flaxseed, chopped almonds, salt, and cocoa powder if you are using it. Stir everything together so the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Add the wet ingredients. Spoon in the almond butter, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir well until the mixture starts to clump together and looks thick.

Fold in the chocolate chips. Add the dark chocolate chips and mix gently. This keeps the chips from breaking too much and helps you get little pockets of chocolate in each bite.

Check the texture. If the mixture feels too dry, add 1 teaspoon of honey or almond butter at a time. If it feels too sticky, add a little more oats or flaxseed until it holds together easily.

Chill briefly. Place the bowl in the refrigerator for 10 to 15 minutes. This makes the mixture easier to shape and helps the bites hold their form.

Roll into balls. Use a small spoon or cookie scoop to portion the mixture. Roll each portion between your palms into bite-sized balls, about 1 inch wide.

Store and serve. Enjoy them right away, or place them in the refrigerator until firm. They taste great cold and make an easy grab-and-go snack.