1. 1. Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, vanilla protein powder, ground cinnamon, apple pie spice, and a pinch of salt. Whisk them together thoroughly to ensure all the spices are evenly distributed. This prevents any pockets of unflavored powder.

2. 2. Add wet ingredients: Pour in the unsweetened applesauce, almond butter, and maple syrup (or honey) into the bowl with the dry ingredients.

3. 3. Mix until combined: Using a sturdy spoon or your hands, mix all the ingredients together. At first, it might seem a bit dry and crumbly, but keep mixing. The warmth of your hands can help incorporate the nut butter.

4. 4. Adjust consistency: If the mixture is too dry and not coming together, add water or milk one tablespoon at a time, mixing well after each addition, until a dough-like consistency is achieved. It should be firm enough to roll but not sticky. If you added the optional dried apples, stir them in now.

5. 5. Roll into balls: Take small portions of the mixture, about 1 to 1.5 tablespoons each, and roll them between your palms to form compact balls. Aim for a consistent size so they look appealing and have similar serving sizes.

6. 6. Optional coating: For an extra touch, you can roll the finished energy balls in a shallow dish of extra cinnamon, finely chopped nuts, or even a sprinkle of powdered sugar mixed with cinnamon. This adds a nice finish and a little extra flavor.

7. 7. Chill and enjoy: Place the rolled energy balls on a plate or in an airtight container. For best results, refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes to allow them to firm up. This makes them less sticky and enhances their texture and flavor.