Whether you want to start the day with these energy bites or enjoy them as a mid-day snack, these energy balls are full of protein, fiber, and good-for-you fats that will keep you full until your next meal. These no-bake balls are a household favorite as they are easy to make and are a great portable snack, which means not only can your kids help you roll up the balls, you can pack them up for them to munch on throughout the day.
The best part about these protein balls is that they’re rich, nutty, and chewy while tasting just like oatmeal chocolate chip cookies! I love making healthy snacks like these energy balls so that there’s always something wholesome for myself and my family to grab from the fridge throughout the day. If you want more healthy snacks like these energy bites, try my Chickpea Cookie Dough or my Kale Chips. The whole family will love them.
Key Ingredients You Need
- Rolled oats — While you can use quick oats, I highly recommend sticking to old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture. Do not swap with steel-cut oats as they are not processed enough for you to be able to enjoy raw.
- Peanut butter — The peanut butter gives the balls a nutty flavor. It also acts as a binding agent as well as providing healthy fats and protein to the balls.
How to Make Energy Balls
Step 1: To a large bowl, add the rolled oats.
Step 2: To the oats, add the peanut butter.
Step 3: Next, add the honey.
Step 4: Then, add a splash of vanilla extract.
Step 5: Add the chocolate chips before mixing to combine.
Step 6: Form the mixture into small bite-sized balls with your hands, then serve immediately or store in the fridge.
Tips For This Recipe
- Mini chocolate chips are great for this recipe if you’re able to find them! Alternatively, you can use different types of chips like white chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, caramel chips, and more!
- If you’re out of honey, maple syrup works as well.
- To make portioning them easier, you can use a cookie or meatball scoop.
- If you’re having difficulties rolling the balls, you can let the mixture chill in the fridge for a while to firm it up.
- If you are still having trouble rolling the balls, you can add more honey or peanut butter to the mixture.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can swap peanut butter for any nut butter or sunflower butter if you have a nut allergy! Almond butter and cashew butter are great alternatives. Just be sure they are not super thick or super dry.
I recommend storing these energy bites in an airtight container in the fridge. They won’t hold up over time if they are left too long at room temperature. They can last for just over a week, but I usually eat them all before then!
You can freeze these energy balls for up to 3 months! I recommend that you flash freeze them in a single layer on a lined sheet pan and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container afterward. This way, you can pull out each ball individually as needed. Thaw the frozen balls overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
Feel free to play around with add-ins for these protein balls. Some of my favorites include chia seeds, flaxseed, hemp hearts, blueberries, and shredded coconut! Just make sure not to add too many add-ins, or you’ll have to increase the amount of peanut butter to balance the wet ingredients to dry ingredients ratio.
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Energy Balls
Ingredients
- 1¼ cup rolled oats
- ½ cup peanut butter
- ⅓ cup honey
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup chocolate chips semi-sweet
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, add in all ingredients and stir until everything is combined.
- Form the mixture into small little balls with your hands (approx. 1 inch balls, which is about 1-2 tbsp).
- Serve immediately or store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to a week.
Video
Notes
- Mini chocolate chips are great for this recipe if you’re able to find them! Alternatively, you can use different types of chips like white chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, caramel chips, and more!
- If you’re out of honey, maple syrup works as well.
- To make portioning them easier, you can use a cookie or meatball scoop.
- If you’re having difficulties rolling the balls, you can let the mixture chill in the fridge for a while to firm it up.
- If you are still having trouble rolling the balls, you can add more honey or peanut butter to the mixture.
These are really easy to make and so delicious!
I'm so happy to hear you had a good experience with these Energy Balls. Thanks for letting me know 🙂