Monster Cookie Energy Balls are a delicious, no-bake snack packed with all the flavors of your favorite cookie but in a healthier, bite-sized form. Loaded with oats, peanut butter, chocolate chips, and colorful candy-coated chocolates, these energy balls are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while keeping you fueled throughout the day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in minutes with no baking required.
- Kid-Friendly: A fun, colorful snack the whole family will enjoy.
- Wholesome Ingredients: Packed with protein, fiber, and natural sweetness.
- Portable and Convenient: Perfect for lunchboxes, post-workout snacks, or on-the-go energy.
- Customizable: Adapt the recipe to suit your dietary preferences or pantry staples.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Old-fashioned oats
- Peanut butter (natural, creamy)
- Honey or maple syrup
- Mini chocolate chips
- Candy-coated chocolates (like mini M&Ms)
- Vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Directions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, mini chocolate chips, and candy-coated chocolates.
- Add the peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir until everything is well mixed and forms a sticky dough.
- Use a cookie scoop or your hands to roll the mixture into bite-sized balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Place the energy balls on a parchment-lined tray.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Store in an airtight container and enjoy as needed!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Approximately 15 energy balls
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Nut-Free: Use sunflower seed butter or tahini instead of peanut butter.
- Vegan: Substitute honey with maple syrup and use vegan chocolate chips and candies.
- High-Protein: Add a scoop of vanilla or chocolate protein powder.
- Coconut Lover: Mix in shredded coconut or roll the balls in coconut flakes.
- Extra Crunch: Add chopped nuts or seeds for more texture.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: Freeze the energy balls in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: These energy balls are best enjoyed cold or at room temperature and do not require reheating.
FAQs
1. Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
Yes, but the texture will be softer and less chewy.
2. How do I prevent the mixture from sticking to my hands?
Lightly coat your hands with water or cooking spray while rolling the balls.
3. Can I use almond butter instead of peanut butter?
Absolutely! Any nut or seed butter works well in this recipe.
4. Can I skip the candy-coated chocolates?
Yes, you can replace them with dried fruit, more chocolate chips, or nuts.
5. Are these gluten-free?
Yes, if you use certified gluten-free oats.
6. Can I make these ahead of time?
Definitely! These energy balls store well in the fridge or freezer for a grab-and-go snack.
7. Can I add other flavors?
Yes, cinnamon, cocoa powder, or even a splash of espresso would be great additions.
8. How long do they last in the freezer?
They’ll stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months.
9. Can I use chunky peanut butter?
Yes, chunky peanut butter adds a nice crunch to the texture.
10. How can I make them sweeter?
Add a bit more honey or maple syrup, or mix in some extra chocolate chips.
Conclusion
Monster Cookie Energy Balls are the perfect blend of indulgence and nutrition. With their quick preparation, wholesome ingredients, and kid-approved flavors, these no-bake treats are a must-have for any snack rotation. Customize them to your liking, whip up a batch, and enjoy the convenience of a delicious energy boost whenever you need it!
PrintMonster Cookie Energy Balls
These Monster Cookie Energy Balls are a fun and delicious no-bake snack packed with oats, peanut butter, chocolate chips, and colorful candies. They’re easy to make, perfect for meal prep, and great for satisfying your sweet tooth while staying energized!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12–15 energy balls 1x
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup mini candy-coated chocolates (e.g., mini M&M’s)
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds or flaxseeds (for added nutrition)
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, mix the oats, peanut butter, honey, chocolate chips, candy-coated chocolates, vanilla extract, and salt until the mixture is well combined.
- Chill the Mixture:
- Refrigerate the mixture for 20–30 minutes to firm up, making it easier to roll into balls.
- Roll into Balls:
- Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, form the mixture into 1-inch balls.
- Store and Enjoy:
- Place the energy balls in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less honey/maple syrup.
- You can swap the mini candies with dried fruit or nuts for a healthier variation.