Description
Quick and easy no-bake energy balls packed with oats, peanut butter, and your favorite mix-ins. A perfect healthy snack!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup rolled oats (old-fashioned or quick-cooking)
- ½ cup peanut butter (or any nut butter of your choice)
- ? cup honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
- ¼ cup ground flaxseed
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup shredded coconut (unsweetened)
- ½ cup chocolate chips (dark, milk, or semi-sweet)
- ¼ cup chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans optional)
- 2 tablespoons protein powder (optional, adds extra protein and flavor)
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (optional, for a chocolatey boost)
- Pinch of sea salt (enhances the sweetness)
Instructions
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the rolled oats, ground flaxseed, chia seeds, shredded coconut, chocolate chips, chopped nuts (if using), protein powder (if using), cocoa powder (if using), and a pinch of sea salt. Mix well to distribute evenly.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract to the bowl.
- Mix Thoroughly: Use a sturdy spoon or your hands to mix all ingredients together until well combined. The mixture should be slightly sticky and hold together when squeezed. If too dry, add honey/maple syrup (1 tbsp at a time). If too wet, add rolled oats/flaxseed (1 tbsp at a time).
- Taste Test and Adjust: Taste the mixture and adjust flavors to your liking (more honey for sweetness, cocoa powder for chocolate, salt for saltiness).
- Chill (Optional): Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up the mixture.
- Prepare Work Station: Line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper. Prepare coatings (shredded coconut, cocoa powder, chopped nuts, sprinkles, powdered sugar) in separate shallow bowls, if using.
- Scoop and Roll: Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, scoop portions of the mixture. Roll each portion between your palms to form a smooth, round ball (about 1 inch in diameter).
- Coat (Optional): Gently roll each ball in your chosen coating until evenly covered. Press lightly to adhere.
- Place on Baking Sheet: Place the rolled and coated (or uncoated) energy balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each.
- Refrigerate: Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow the energy balls to firm up completely.
- Store: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or in the freezer for up to a month.
Notes
- Nut Butter Variations: Try almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter.
- Dried Fruits: Add chopped dried cranberries, raisins, or apricots.
- Seeds: Add pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or hemp seeds.
- Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger.
- Citrus Zest: Add lemon, orange, or lime zest.
- Vegan: Use maple syrup and vegan protein powder.
- Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free rolled oats.
- No-Nut: Use sunflower seed butter or tahini.
- Chocolate Variations: Use white chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, or even chopped up candy bars!
- Coffee Kick: Add a teaspoon of instant coffee granules for a mocha flavor.
- Too Dry: Add honey/maple syrup (1 tbsp at a time).
- Too Wet: Add rolled oats/flaxseed (1 tbsp at a time).
- Not Holding Together: Ensure enough peanut butter/honey. Chill longer.
- Coatings Not Sticking: Press coatings gently. Lightly moisten balls before coating.
- Freezing: Freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag to prevent sticking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes