Hey there, snack lovers! If you’re anything like me, you know the struggle of finding the perfect snack that satisfies your sweet tooth and keeps you energized throughout the day. Well, today I’ve got something for you that checks both boxes: Monster Cookie Energy Balls! These little bites are packed with flavor, protein, and all the good stuff you need for an afternoon pick-me-up or a pre-workout boost.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
These Monster Cookie Energy Balls are just a joy to eat. They combine the deliciousness of oats, peanut butter, chocolate chips, and a hint of honey in one bite-sized snack. Whether you’re running errands, hitting the gym, or simply need a quick treat, these little balls are full of energy, satisfying, and downright delicious. Plus, no baking involved – just mix and roll!
Ingredients
I’m keeping things simple, and while I’ll give you a sneak peek of what’s in the recipe, make sure you scroll down for the full ingredient list!
- Old-fashioned rolled oats
- Peanut butter (or almond butter, if you prefer)
- Honey or maple syrup
- Mini chocolate chips
- M&Ms (or your favorite candy pieces for that classic “monster cookie” vibe)
- Ground flaxseed or chia seeds for added nutrition
- Vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
You’ll find all the detailed measurements below, but these ingredients come together to form the ultimate snack!
Directions
Step 1: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, start by combining the peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract. Give them a good stir until everything is fully mixed together and you have a smooth base. This is the glue that holds everything together!
Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients
Next, add your rolled oats, ground flaxseed (or chia seeds), and a pinch of salt to the wet mixture. Stir well to combine. The oats will help give the energy balls that chewy texture, and the flaxseeds are a great way to sneak in some extra fiber and omega-3s.
Step 3: Mix in the Goodies
Now for the fun part! Add your mini chocolate chips and M&Ms (or whatever candy pieces you prefer). These give the energy balls that “monster cookie” feel and make each bite super enjoyable. Stir until everything is evenly distributed.
Step 4: Roll into Balls
Once your mixture is well combined, it’s time to roll the dough into bite-sized balls. I typically make mine around 1-inch in diameter, but you can go bigger or smaller based on your preference. Use your hands to gently shape the mixture into balls, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 5: Chill and Enjoy
Once they’re all rolled out, pop them into the fridge for about 30 minutes to firm up. This step helps the balls hold their shape. After that, you’re good to go! Grab one (or a few) whenever you’re in the mood for a healthy, energizing snack.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Add-ins: Feel free to play with the ingredients! You can swap out the M&Ms for raisins, dried cranberries, or any other dried fruit for a little tangy kick.
- Nut Butters: Not a fan of peanut butter? Almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter work just as well. Choose one based on your dietary preferences or taste.
- Make Them Vegan: Swap out the honey for maple syrup to keep these energy balls vegan-friendly.
- Make It Gluten-Free: These energy balls are naturally gluten-free as long as you ensure your oats are certified gluten-free.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Dairy-Free Version: To make these completely dairy-free, choose dairy-free chocolate chips (they’re easy to find at most stores) or leave them out altogether.
- Protein Boost: If you want to pack even more protein into your snack, feel free to add a scoop of your favorite protein powder to the mix. It’ll blend in nicely without altering the flavor much.
- Sweetener Swap: You can also use agave syrup or coconut nectar if you prefer a lower glycemic index sweetener.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
These Monster Cookie Energy Balls are perfect on their own, but you can pair them with:
- A cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon snack
- A smoothie for a post-workout treat
- A glass of milk or plant-based milk (for a more nostalgic cookie-and-milk moment)
They’re the perfect portable snack for when you’re on the go and need something quick and satisfying!
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store these energy balls in an airtight container in the fridge, and they’ll last for up to a week. They’re great for meal prep, so feel free to make a big batch and keep them on hand. If you’d like to make them last even longer, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Just grab a few when you’re in the mood, and they’ll thaw in no time.
4 FAQs
1. Can I make these without the candy?
Absolutely! You can leave out the M&Ms or chocolate chips and still have a delicious snack. Add extra dried fruit or just enjoy the nut butter and oats combo.
2. How do I make these less sweet?
If you’re looking for a less sweet version, reduce the amount of honey or syrup and add more peanut butter or nuts to balance out the flavor.
3. Can I make these without nuts?
Yes! You can skip the peanut butter entirely and use coconut butter, or you could add in some extra seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for texture and flavor.
4. Can I bake these energy balls?
No need to bake these! The best part is that they’re no-bake. Just mix, roll, and chill. If you do bake them, they may lose their energy-boosting benefits.
Conclusion
These Monster Cookie Energy Balls are the perfect healthy snack for anyone on the go. Packed with energy, flavor, and a little bit of fun, they’re sure to keep you satisfied throughout the day. Whether you need a snack before a workout or something to munch on during your afternoon slump, these little guys have got you covered. Give them a try and let me know what you think – I’m sure you’ll love them as much as I do!
Print
Monster Cookie Energy Balls
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: None (No baking required)
- Total Time: 40 minutes (includes chilling time)
- Yield: 12–16 balls 1x
- Category: Snack, No-Bake, Healthy Snack
- Method: No-bake, Mixing and Rolling
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Monster Cookie Energy Balls are the perfect snack to satisfy your sweet tooth and provide an energy boost. Made with oats, peanut butter, honey, chocolate chips, and M&Ms, they require no baking, making them an easy, protein-packed treat for any time of day.
Ingredients
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup peanut butter (or almond butter)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup M&Ms (or candy of choice)
- 2 tbsp ground flaxseed or chia seeds
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Add the rolled oats, flaxseed (or chia seeds), and salt to the wet mixture. Stir until well combined.
- Mix in the Goodies: Add the mini chocolate chips and M&Ms (or preferred candy) and stir until evenly distributed.
- Roll into Balls: Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Chill: Refrigerate the balls for about 30 minutes to firm up. Once chilled, they’re ready to enjoy!
Notes
- Add-ins: Feel free to swap M&Ms for raisins, dried cranberries, or other dried fruits.
- Nut Butters: Use almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter if you prefer a different option.
- Vegan Option: Replace honey with maple syrup for a vegan-friendly snack.
- Gluten-Free: Ensure your oats are certified gluten-free.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg