Go Back
To make these tasty peanut butter energy balls, you need just a few simple ingredients: - 1 cup rolled oats - ½ cup natural peanut butter - ¼ cup honey or maple syrup - ¼ cup ground flaxseed - 1/3 cup mini dark chocolate chips - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - A pinch of sea salt - Optional: 2 tablespoons chia seeds or shredded coconut Each ingredient plays a key role. The rolled oats give texture and fiber. Natural peanut butter adds healthy fats and protein. Honey or maple syrup acts as a sweetener and binds everything. Ground flaxseed boosts nutrition with omega-3s. Mini dark chocolate chips add a treat in each bite. Vanilla extract enhances flavor, and sea salt balances sweetness. The optional chia seeds or shredded coconut give extra crunch. These energy balls are not only yummy but also nutritious. Each ball has about 70-80 calories. They contain: - Protein: 3 grams - Carbohydrates: 10 grams - Total fat: 3 grams - Fiber: 2 grams - Sugar: 2-5 grams This makes them a great snack before or after a workout. The protein and fiber keep you full. You can customize these energy balls to fit your taste! Here are some ideas: - Use almond or cashew butter instead of peanut butter for variety. - Swap honey for agave syrup to make it vegan. - Add dried fruits like raisins or cranberries for extra sweetness. - Mix in nuts or seeds for added crunch. Feel free to experiment with what you have at home. The possibilities are endless! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather all your ingredients. You will need rolled oats, peanut butter, honey, flaxseed, chocolate chips, vanilla, and sea salt. If you want, add chia seeds or coconut for texture. Make sure to have a large mixing bowl and a smaller one ready. 1. In your large bowl, mix the rolled oats, ground flaxseed, and sea salt together. Stir well. 2. In the small bowl, blend the peanut butter, honey, and vanilla until smooth. 3. Pour the peanut butter mix into the dry ingredients. Add the chocolate chips and any optional add-ins. 4. Use a spatula or your hands to mix everything until well combined. You want it to stick together. 5. Next, form small balls about one inch wide. If the mix is sticky, chill it for 10 minutes. 6. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. 7. Chill the balls in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This helps them firm up. 8. Store the energy balls in an airtight container in the fridge for a week or freeze them longer. To get the best texture, make sure your peanut butter is creamy. If the mix feels too dry, add a little more honey. If it's too wet, add more oats or flaxseed. Chilling the mixture helps it hold together better when rolling. Don’t rush this step; it makes a big difference! Mixing the right way makes a big difference. Start by blending the dry ingredients first. Combine rolled oats, ground flaxseed, and a pinch of sea salt in a bowl. This helps to ensure even flavor. In a separate bowl, blend the peanut butter, honey, and vanilla extract. Make sure this mixture is smooth. Pour the wet mix into the dry mix. Use a spatula or your hands to mix well. It should feel sticky but hold together. If it’s too sticky, chill it for a bit. This makes rolling easier. Storing your energy balls properly keeps them fresh. Place the balls in an airtight container. They can stay in the fridge for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, freeze them. Lay them on a baking sheet first to freeze. Once frozen, transfer the balls to a freezer bag. This way, they won’t stick together. Just take out what you need when you want a snack! Serving your energy balls can be fun and creative! Try placing them in a small bowl lined with parchment paper. This adds a nice touch. You can sprinkle some cocoa powder or ground flaxseed on top for decoration. If you’re sharing, arrange them on a plate with fresh fruit. They are perfect for parties, snacks, or a quick energy boost before workouts. Enjoy the tasty goodness! Pro Tips Chill for Ease: If the mixture is too sticky to handle, refrigerate it for about 10 minutes before rolling into balls. This will make it easier to shape them. Sweetness Adjustment: Feel free to adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey or maple syrup based on your preference. Add Protein: For a protein boost, consider adding a scoop of your favorite protein powder to the mixture. Storage Tips: Store these energy balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze them for up to three months for a quick snack later. {{image_2}} You can switch nut butters for fun flavors. Try almond or cashew butter for a twist. Each nut butter gives a distinct taste. For sweeteners, maple syrup or agave nectar works great. Honey also adds a nice touch. If you need a nut-free option, use sunflower seed butter. It tastes great and is safe for schools. For people who avoid gluten, make sure to use certified gluten-free oats. You can also skip the mini dark chocolate chips for a simpler treat. Seasonal add-ins make your energy balls unique. In fall, add a pinch of cinnamon or pumpkin spice. In summer, try dried fruits like cranberries or apricots. You can even toss in fresh berries for a burst of flavor. Each season brings new ideas for tasty bites! After making your peanut butter energy balls, store them in an airtight container. The fridge works best. Keep them there for up to a week. This helps maintain their freshness and flavor. If you want to enjoy them later, consider freezing. To freeze your energy balls, first, let them cool completely. Arrange them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Place the sheet in the freezer for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer the balls to a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. Look for changes in texture or smell. If they feel sticky or have a strange odor, it's time to toss them. Always check for mold before eating. If you see any, do not eat them. Keeping them stored properly will help avoid spoilage. Peanut butter energy balls last about one week in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container. If you freeze them, they can last up to three months. This makes them great for meal prep. Yes, you can use chocolate protein powder. It adds a nice boost of protein and flavor. Just replace part of the rolled oats with the protein powder. This way, you keep the texture right. Yes, peanut butter energy balls are gluten-free. Ensure you use gluten-free oats. Most peanut butter and honey are also gluten-free. Always check labels if you have strict dietary needs. You can use maple syrup instead of honey. Agave nectar is another good option. Both will keep the energy balls sweet and moist. Just use the same amount as you would for honey. In this post, we covered how to make peanut butter energy balls. We shared the ingredients, their nutritional value, and optional add-ins. The step-by-step instructions guide you from mixing to rolling with tips for the best texture. You also learned how to store these snacks and explore variations. These tasty bites are easy to customize and store well. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and find your favorite mix!

Peanut Butter Bliss Energy Balls

Delicious and nutritious energy balls made with peanut butter, oats, and chocolate chips, perfect for a quick snack or pre-workout boost.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 12

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 0.5 cup natural peanut butter
  • 0.25 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 0.25 cup ground flaxseed
  • 0.33 cup mini dark chocolate chips
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • a pinch sea salt
  • 2 tablespoons chia seeds or shredded coconut (optional)

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, ground flaxseed, and a pinch of sea salt. Stir well to combine.
  • In a separate bowl, mix together the peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract until smooth.
  • Pour the peanut butter mixture into the dry ingredients. Add the mini dark chocolate chips (and chia seeds or shredded coconut if using).
  • Mix everything together using a spatula or your hands until the mixture is well combined and holds together.
  • Once combined, use your hands to form small balls (about 1 inch in diameter). If the mixture is too sticky, you can refrigerate it for about 10 minutes before rolling.
  • Place the energy balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  • Once all the balls are formed, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to help them firm up.
  • Store the energy balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.

Notes

Serve them in a small bowl lined with parchment paper, and dust lightly with cocoa powder or additional ground flaxseed for a decorative touch.
Keyword energy balls, healthy, snack