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- 1 cup rolled oats - 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter - 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup - 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips - 1/4 cup chia seeds - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - A pinch of salt You can swap honey for maple syrup if you want a vegan treat. Use crunchy peanut butter for extra texture. Whole oats are great, but quick oats work, too. If you want less sugar, cut back on chocolate chips. You can also use dark chocolate chips for a richer taste. For a nut-free option, try sun butter instead of peanut butter. Choose natural peanut butter with only nuts and salt. Avoid added sugars or oils. For cocoa powder, look for unsweetened and high-quality brands. Chia seeds should be fresh for the best health benefits. Always check for freshness on oats and avoid any that smell off. Quality ingredients boost flavor and nutrition in these energy balls. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by gathering all your ingredients. You will need rolled oats, cocoa powder, chia seeds, salt, creamy peanut butter, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, and mini chocolate chips. In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, cocoa powder, chia seeds, and a pinch of salt. Mix these dry ingredients well. In another bowl, add the creamy peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and creamy. Gradually mix this wet blend into the dry ingredients. Keep stirring until you see no dry oats. Now, fold in the mini chocolate chips. Make sure they are evenly spread throughout the mixture. Once everything is mixed, it’s time to roll the energy balls. Always mix the wet and dry ingredients separately first. This way, you ensure an even blend. When you add the wet mixture to the dry, do it slowly. This helps all the oats and seeds get coated well. If the mixture feels too dry, add a little more peanut butter or honey. If it’s too wet, add more oats. When rolling the balls, wet your hands slightly. This helps prevent the mixture from sticking to your fingers. Aim for about one inch in diameter for each ball. Place them on a tray lined with parchment paper. Once rolled, refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes. This helps them firm up and makes them easier to eat. Store your energy balls in an airtight container to keep them fresh. Chocolate peanut butter energy balls offer many health benefits. They contain rolled oats, which are full of fiber. Fiber helps keep your digestion smooth and steady. Creamy peanut butter gives protein and healthy fats. This helps you feel full longer. Honey or maple syrup adds natural sweetness and energy. Cocoa powder is packed with antioxidants, which are good for your body. Chia seeds provide Omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart health. Each ingredient works together to make these energy balls a smart choice for snacks. Each serving, about one energy ball, has: - Calories: 130 - Protein: 4g - Carbohydrates: 18g - Fiber: 3g - Sugars: 6g - Fats: 6g These numbers can vary based on your exact ingredients. Check your brands for more detail. This breakdown shows that energy balls can fit well into a healthy diet. These energy balls are perfect for a quick boost. The carbs from oats and honey give you fast energy. The protein from peanut butter helps keep your energy steady. Chia seeds provide lasting power, too. When you need a snack before a workout or during the day, these energy balls are a great choice. They are easy to grab and eat on the go, making them a smart option for busy days. Pro Tips Use Natural Sweeteners: Instead of honey or maple syrup, try using agave or date syrup for a different flavor profile and potential health benefits. Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to add nuts, seeds, or dried fruits for extra texture and nutritional value in your energy balls. Adjust Consistency: If the mixture is too crumbly, add a bit more peanut butter or a splash of milk. If it's too sticky, sprinkle in a little more oats. Chill Before Serving: Allow the energy balls to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to help them firm up and make them easier to handle. {{image_2}} When making these energy balls, avoid using dry oats. They must be rolled oats for the best texture. If your mix is too dry, add a bit more peanut butter or honey. Also, don’t skip the chilling step. This helps the balls hold their shape. If they are too soft, they will fall apart easily. To boost flavor, use high-quality cocoa powder. This makes a big difference. You can also mix in a pinch of sea salt to enhance the sweetness. If you want more crunch, add chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts. For extra sweetness, you can add a bit more honey or maple syrup. You can even swap mini chocolate chips for dark chocolate chunks for a richer taste. Use a good mixing bowl that is big enough for all your ingredients. A silicone spatula works well for mixing. For rolling the balls, your hands are the best tool. If you want to keep your hands clean, use a cookie scoop. Finally, have parchment paper ready for the tray. This makes cleanup easy and keeps the balls from sticking. You can change up the flavor of these energy balls easily. Try adding different nuts, like almonds or walnuts. You can chop them finely and mix them in. Dried fruits, like raisins or cranberries, also work well. They add a nice chewiness and sweetness. If you want a tropical twist, add shredded coconut. You can even swap the mini chocolate chips for white or dark chocolate chips. These energy balls can fit many diets. To make them gluten-free, ensure your oats are labeled as gluten-free. You can also make them vegan by using maple syrup instead of honey. For a nut-free option, use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter. This keeps the recipe safe for those with nut allergies. Serve these energy balls as a snack or breakfast on the go. They work great for kids in lunchboxes. You can also enjoy them after a workout for a quick energy boost. Pair them with a piece of fruit or yogurt to make a balanced meal. For a fun touch, roll the balls in crushed nuts or cocoa powder for extra texture. Store your chocolate peanut butter energy balls in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and tasty. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers if you stack them. This will help avoid sticking. You can keep them in the fridge for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option. Place the energy balls in a single layer on a tray. Freeze them for about one hour. Once firm, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. They can last in the freezer for up to three months. Just thaw them in the fridge before enjoying. These energy balls taste best when fresh. However, they do have a decent shelf life. In the fridge, they stay tasty for about seven days. If you freeze them, they can last much longer. Always check for any changes in texture or smell before eating. This way, you enjoy only the best bites. To make these energy balls vegan, swap honey for maple syrup. Both sweeteners work well. Use a plant-based nut butter like almond or cashew. This keeps the recipe free from animal products. Follow the same steps in the recipe, and you'll have tasty vegan energy balls. Yes, you can use other nut butters! Almond butter or cashew butter are great choices. Just keep the same amount as peanut butter. Each nut butter adds its unique flavor and texture. Experiment to find your favorite mix! You can keep these energy balls in the fridge for up to one week. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. If you want them to last longer, freeze them! They can be frozen for about three months. Just thaw them when you want a quick snack. In this post, we explored how to make energy balls. We covered ingredients, preparation steps, and nutritional facts. You learned the best practices for mixing and rolling, plus tips to avoid mistakes. We also shared storage tips to keep them fresh longer. Lastly, we discussed variations to fit your taste and diet. Try out your new skills and enjoy delicious, healthy snacks!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Energy Balls

Delicious and nutritious energy balls made with oats, peanut butter, and chocolate.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 12

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 0.5 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 0.33 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 0.25 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 0.5 cup mini chocolate chips
  • 0.25 cup chia seeds
  • 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • a pinch salt

Instructions
 

  • In a mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, cocoa powder, chia seeds, and salt. Mix until well combined.
  • In a separate bowl, mix the creamy peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
  • Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until everything is evenly combined.
  • Fold in the mini chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
  • Once well mixed, use your hands to scoop out small portions of the dough and roll them into bite-sized balls (about 1 inch in diameter).
  • Place the energy balls on a tray lined with parchment paper.
  • Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
  • Transfer the energy balls to an airtight container for storage.

Notes

These energy balls can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week or frozen for longer storage.
Keyword chocolate, energy balls, peanut butter, snack