Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No baking required – Quick and easy to make
- Packed with energy – Full of protein, fiber, and healthy fats
- Kid-friendly – A fun and colorful snack everyone will love
- Customizable – Easily adjust the ingredients to fit your dietary needs
- Perfect for meal prep – Make ahead and store for grab-and-go snacks
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Old-fashioned oats
- Creamy peanut butter
- Honey or maple syrup
- Mini chocolate chips
- Mini M&Ms
- Vanilla extract
- Chia seeds (optional for extra nutrition)
Directions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), vanilla extract, and chia seeds. Stir until well combined.
- Fold in the mini chocolate chips and M&Ms, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- Using a small cookie scoop or your hands, roll the mixture into bite-sized balls.
- Place the energy balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy as needed.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: About 12-15 energy balls
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Nut-Free: Use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter.
- Gluten-Free: Ensure oats are certified gluten-free.
- Protein Boost: Add a scoop of protein powder.
- Lower Sugar: Use dark chocolate chips and skip the M&Ms.
- Crunchy Texture: Mix in chopped nuts or crushed pretzels.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months in a zip-top bag. Thaw at room temperature before eating.
- No Reheating Needed: These are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature.
FAQs
Can I make these without peanut butter?
Yes! Swap it for almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option.
How do I prevent them from falling apart?
Make sure to press the ingredients together firmly when rolling into balls. If needed, add more peanut butter or honey to help them stick.
Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
Yes, but the texture will be softer. Old-fashioned oats provide a chewier consistency.
Are these energy balls healthy?
Yes! They contain protein, fiber, and healthy fats. To make them even healthier, reduce the chocolate or use dark chocolate chips.
Can I make them vegan?
Absolutely! Use maple syrup instead of honey and dairy-free chocolate chips.
How long do they last?
They stay fresh in the fridge for up to a week and in the freezer for up to three months.
Can kids eat these?
Yes! These are a great, kid-friendly snack. Just be mindful of allergies if bringing them to school.
What can I use instead of honey?
Maple syrup or agave nectar are great substitutes.
Do I need to chill them before eating?
Chilling helps them firm up, but you can eat them right away if you prefer a softer texture.
Can I add protein powder?
Yes! Add a scoop of your favorite protein powder, but you may need to add a little extra liquid (honey or peanut butter) to keep the mixture from being too dry.
Conclusion
Easy Monster Cookie Energy Balls are a delicious and nutritious snack perfect for any time of the day. They come together quickly with simple pantry ingredients and can be customized to suit your taste. Whether you’re meal prepping, looking for a healthy dessert, or need an energy boost, these no-bake bites will become a favorite in your household.
Easy Monster Cookie Energy Balls
These Easy Monster Cookie Energy Balls are a no-bake, protein-rich snack packed with oats, peanut butter, honey, chocolate chips, and M&M candies. They’re perfect for meal prep, lunchboxes, or an afternoon energy boost!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12-15 energy balls
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups old-fashioned oats
- ½ cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
- ⅓ cup honey or maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup mini M&M’s
- ⅓ cup mini chocolate chips
- ¼ cup ground flaxseed (optional for added nutrition)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together oats, peanut butter, honey, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
- Stir in the mini M&M’s, mini chocolate chips, and ground flaxseed if using.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to help them firm up.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Notes
- If the mixture is too sticky, chill it for 10 minutes before rolling.
- Substitute peanut butter with almond or sunflower butter for an allergy-friendly version.
- Add protein powder or chia seeds for an extra boost.
