10-Minute Chocolate Peanut Butter Energy Balls
Quick, no-bake energy balls combining chocolate, peanut butter, oats, and seeds. Perfect for a healthy snack or on-the-go treat, high in protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Ready in just 10 minutes, these bite-sized snacks are freezer-friendly and ideal for meal prep.
Equipment
- 1 stand mixer (or large mixing bowl with a wooden spoon)
- 1 spatula
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Airtight Container for storage
Ingredients
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons flaxseed meal
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup honey
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Gather Ingredients and Equipment: Before starting, collect all ingredients and tools to streamline the process. You will need old-fashioned rolled oats, unsweetened cocoa powder, flaxseed meal, chia seeds, kosher salt, creamy peanut butter, honey, vanilla extract, and mini chocolate chips. Prepare a stand mixer (or a large mixing bowl and wooden spoon), a spatula, measuring cups and spoons, and an airtight container for storage. Having everything ready ensures a smooth, stress-free process.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In the bowl of your stand mixer (or mixing bowl), add 1 cup of rolled oats, 3 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder, 2 tablespoons of flaxseed meal, 1 tablespoon of chia seeds, and 1/8 teaspoon of kosher salt. Mix these ingredients gently with a beater on low speed, or use a wooden spoon to stir, until the oats are evenly coated with the cocoa powder and seeds. This step ensures each energy ball will have consistent flavor and texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: To the dry mixture, add 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter, 1/4 cup of honey, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Turn the stand mixer to low speed and blend slowly, or mix with a wooden spoon in a large bowl. Scrape the sides of the bowl as needed to incorporate all the ingredients evenly. The mixture should start forming a thick, sticky dough. This step allows the oats and seeds to absorb the flavors of peanut butter and honey for a perfectly balanced taste.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Once the dough is uniform, gently fold in 2 tablespoons of mini chocolate chips using a spatula. Make sure the chocolate chips are evenly distributed without overmixing, so they stay intact and provide small bursts of chocolate flavor in every bite. This step adds a delightful chocolatey texture and makes the energy balls extra indulgent while still healthy.
- Portion the Dough: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, take a portion of the dough, roughly 1 to 2 tablespoons each, depending on your preferred size. Roll the dough between your palms to form smooth, round balls. If the mixture feels too sticky, lightly dampen your hands with water to make rolling easier. This step helps achieve evenly sized energy balls for consistent cooking and presentation.
- Arrange for Storage: Place the formed energy balls on a plate or tray in a single layer. Once all balls are shaped, transfer them carefully into an airtight container. Ensure they are not squished together to maintain their round shape. This step is essential for keeping the energy balls fresh and intact during storage.
- Refrigerate or Freeze: Refrigerate the energy balls for up to 2 weeks for ready-to-eat snacks. For longer storage, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months. Allow frozen balls to thaw at room temperature for a few minutes before eating. This step maximizes shelf life and ensures you always have a quick, nutritious snack on hand.
- Serving and Enjoying: Enjoy your Chocolate Peanut Butter Energy Balls straight from the fridge as a satisfying mid-day snack, a pre- or post-workout energy boost, or a guilt-free dessert alternative. They pair well with a glass of milk, smoothie, or fresh fruit. This step encourages mindful eating and provides ideas for versatile, healthy snack options.
Notes
- For the best texture, use old-fashioned rolled oats rather than instant oats, as they provide a chewy, satisfying bite.
- Creamy peanut butter works best for easy mixing and binding; chunky peanut butter can be used for extra texture.
- Adjust sweetness according to taste by adding more or less honey. Maple syrup can also be used as a substitute.
- Mini chocolate chips help distribute chocolate evenly without overpowering the flavor. Full-size chips can be chopped if needed.
- If the mixture feels too sticky to handle, refrigerate it for 10–15 minutes before rolling to make shaping easier.
- These energy balls are naturally no-bake, making them perfect for quick assembly and hassle-free preparation.
