Peanut Butter Chocolate Energy Balls

$- 1 cup rolled oats - 1/2 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy) - 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup - 1/4 cup chocolate chips (dark, semi-sweet, or milk chocolate) - 1/4 cup ground flaxseed - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - A pinch of salt - Optional: 1/4 cup chopped nuts or seeds (like almonds, walnuts, or chia seeds) To make these Peanut Butter Chocolate Energy Balls, gather your ingredients first. You need rolled oats for texture and fiber. The peanut butter gives it that creamy, nutty taste. Honey or maple syrup adds sweetness. Chocolate chips bring joy in every bite. Ground flaxseed packs in healthy omega-3 fats. Vanilla extract gives a nice flavor boost. A pinch of salt balances the sweetness. You can add nuts or seeds for extra crunch if you want. These energy balls are simple to make. You can even mix and match ingredients based on what you have at home. Do you prefer almond butter over peanut butter? Go for it! Want to add chia seeds? That works too! This recipe is so flexible. It lets you play with flavors while keeping it healthy. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, grab a large mixing bowl. In it, combine 1 cup of rolled oats, 1/4 cup of ground flaxseed, and a pinch of salt. Use a spoon to stir well. This step helps mix the dry ingredients evenly. Make sure no clumps form. The oats add fiber, while flaxseed gives you healthy fats. Next, take a separate bowl. Whisk together 1/2 cup of peanut butter, 1/4 cup of honey or maple syrup, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth. This blend adds sweetness and flavor. You can use crunchy peanut butter for extra texture if you like. Now, pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Use a spatula to mix everything together. The mixture should feel thick and sticky. Then, fold in 1/4 cup of chocolate chips and, if you want, 1/4 cup of chopped nuts or seeds like almonds or walnuts. This step makes your energy balls extra tasty and gives them a nice crunch. With clean hands, scoop out small portions of the mixture. Aim for about 1 tablespoon for each ball. Roll the mixture into balls. Place these on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Make sure they are spaced out, so they don’t stick together. This is where the fun begins, and you can shape them however you want! Once all the mixture is shaped into balls, put the baking sheet in the fridge. Let them chill for at least 30 minutes to firm up. After they are set, store the energy balls in an airtight container. They will stay fresh in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Enjoy your tasty, healthy snack anytime! You can make these energy balls even better. Try adding different nuts or seeds. For a crunch, add chopped almonds or walnuts. If you want a boost of nutrition, sprinkle in chia seeds. You can also swap sweeteners. Instead of honey, use maple syrup or agave nectar. This change gives a different taste while still keeping it sweet. If you want a vegan option, simply replace honey. Use maple syrup or agave nectar instead. These sweeteners work well and keep the energy balls tasty. You still get the same great flavor without using honey. To make your energy balls pop with flavor, add spices. A sprinkle of cinnamon gives warmth and depth. You can also add a hint of sea salt. This little touch balances the sweetness and makes every bite more exciting. Experiment with flavors to find your perfect mix! Pro Tips Choose Your Sweetener: You can use honey or maple syrup depending on your dietary preferences. Maple syrup is a great vegan alternative! Customize Your Flavor: Feel free to add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra flavor kick! Storage Tips: Keep the energy balls in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain freshness and avoid them getting too sticky. Roll with Your Hands: Wet your hands slightly before rolling the balls to prevent the mixture from sticking to your fingers. {{image_2}} You can easily make these energy balls nut-free. Just swap out peanut butter for seed butter. Sunflower seed butter works great. It has a similar texture and taste. This option is perfect for those with nut allergies. Plus, it adds a unique flavor twist. Want to jazz up your energy balls? Try adding dried fruits like raisins or cranberries. They add natural sweetness and chewiness. You can also mix in coconut flakes for a tropical touch. For a chocolatey kick, use cocoa powder instead of chocolate chips. This change gives a rich chocolate flavor while cutting down on sugar. To make your energy balls even healthier, add a protein boost. You can mix in protein powder. This is great for a post-workout snack. Another option is to include chia seeds. They are tiny but mighty! Chia seeds provide fiber and protein. Plus, they help keep you full longer. To keep your Peanut Butter Chocolate Energy Balls fresh, store them in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container. This will help prevent them from drying out. They will stay good for up to one week when stored this way. If you want to make a larger batch, this method works well. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Place the energy balls in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour until they are firm. After that, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This method prevents them from sticking together. They can last up to three months in the freezer. Stored properly, these energy balls can last a week in the fridge and up to three months in the freezer. This makes them a perfect snack to prepare ahead of time. You can enjoy a quick and tasty treat whenever you want. Peanut Butter Chocolate Energy Balls last up to a week in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. If you want them to last longer, freeze them. They can stay good in the freezer for about three months. Just thaw them in the fridge before enjoying. Yes, you can make these energy balls without chocolate. Try using dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, or apricots instead. These fruits add sweetness and chewiness. You can also use cocoa powder for a chocolate flavor without the chips. Absolutely! These energy balls are great for kids. They are packed with protein and fiber from oats, peanut butter, and flaxseed. This mix helps keep kids full and gives them energy. Plus, they taste like a treat, making them a fun snack. If you want to switch things up, use other nut or seed butters. Almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter work well. These options give a different flavor while still being yummy and healthy. Choose based on what you like or what you have on hand. You learned how to make tasty Peanut Butter Chocolate Energy Balls. The steps include mixing dry and wet ingredients and shaping the mixture into balls. You can customize your energy balls with nuts, seeds, or spices. Use sweeteners that fit your diet, like maple syrup or agave. Store them well in the fridge or freezer for the best taste. Enjoy these healthy snacks at any time! They are great for your family, especially kids. Keep experimenting with flavors and have fun creating your perfect snack.$

Peanut Butter Chocolate 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

Prep Time 10

Total Time 40

Course Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 12

Ingredients

1 cup rolled oats
0.5 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
0.25 cup honey or maple syrup
0.25 cup chocolate chips (dark, semi-sweet, or milk chocolate)
0.25 cup ground flaxseed
0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract
a pinch salt
0.25 cup chopped nuts or seeds (optional)

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, ground flaxseed, and a pinch of salt. Stir well to mix the dry ingredients evenly.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir until fully combined. The mixture should be thick and sticky.
Fold in the chocolate chips and any optional chopped nuts or seeds you wish to add.
With clean hands, scoop out small portions (about 1 tablespoon each) of the mixture and roll them into balls. Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Once all the mixture is shaped into balls, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm them up.
Store the energy balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.

Notes

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.

Keyword chocolate, energy balls, peanut butter, snack