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Energy Balls: The Ultimate Guide to Homemade Power Snacks

Easy no-bake energy balls with oats, peanut butter, honey, and chocolate chips. A quick, healthy, and portable snack!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup rolled oats (old-fashioned or quick-cooking)
  • ½ cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
  • ? cup honey or maple syrup
  • ¼ cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet, dark, or milk)
  • 2 tablespoons chia seeds
  • 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Optional: ¼ cup shredded coconut, chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans), dried cranberries, protein powder

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients: Measure out all ingredients. Chop nuts or dried cranberries if using.
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, chia seeds, flaxseed meal, and any optional dry ingredients (shredded coconut, protein powder). Stir well.
  3. Add Wet Ingredients: Add peanut butter, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract to the bowl. If peanut butter is very thick, microwave for a few seconds to soften.
  4. Mix Well: Mix all ingredients together until well combined. The mixture will be thick and sticky.
  5. Incorporate Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
  6. Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up the mixture.
  7. Shape: Scoop out portions of the mixture and roll between your palms to form balls (about 1 inch in diameter).
  8. Optional: Roll in Toppings: Roll the energy balls in shredded coconut, chopped nuts, cocoa powder, or sprinkles.
  9. Chill Again (Optional): Place the finished energy balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Chill for another 15-20 minutes for extra firmness.
  10. Store: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze for up to 2-3 months.

Notes

  • Nut Butter Variations: Use almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter.
  • Sweetener Variations: Use agave nectar, brown rice syrup, or pureed dates instead of honey or maple syrup.
  • Chocolate Variations: Use white chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, or chopped candy bars.
  • Spice it up: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger.
  • Add some crunch: Mix in some chopped nuts, seeds, or granola.
  • Make them vegan: Use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey, and make sure your chocolate chips are vegan-friendly.
  • Add dried fruit: Dried cranberries, raisins, chopped apricots, or dates add sweetness