Peanut Butter Energy Balls

Let’s Talk About Peanut Butter Energy Balls (And Why I’m Hooked)

I mean, sometimes you just need something sweet and snacky, right? The first time I made these peanut butter energy balls was honestly out of pantry desperation – there were no cookies, I wanted something with a bit of bite, and my kiddo was hangry (again, how does he eat so much?). Anyway, I chucked a few things in a bowl, gave it a good mix, and we haven’t looked back since. Oh, and I promise, there’s no baking or faffing about with ovens. Perfect for distracted afternoons or when you’re on a tight deadline and just need a snack that practically makes itself. If you’ve never rolled tiny balls of sticky peanut joy while your dog stares at you longingly, well, you’re in for a treat.

Why I Keep Making These Over and Over

I make these peanut butter energy balls pretty much any time the snack supply runs low and my family goes a bit feral (just me?). My daughter swears they taste like a Reese’s cup; my partner claims they’re “healthy” (eh, close enough), and I just love not having to turn on the oven. Sometimes, if I’m feeling fancy, I add a sprinkle of sea salt on top and pretend I’m on Masterchef. (Don’t ask me about the time I tried to shape them into stars – never again.) Honestly, if you want a snack that feels like you put in more effort than you actually did, this is the one. Also, less washing up, which is always a win in my book.

Before You Start, Grab These

• 1 cup old-fashioned oats (I use quick oats if that’s what’s already open – it’s fine!)
• 1/2 cup peanut butter (crunchy if you like texture, smooth if not; I’ve even used almond butter once when it’s all I had, and it was pretty decent)
• 1/3 cup honey (or good old golden syrup in a pinch, though it’s definitely sweeter)
• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (okay, confession: sometimes I use chopped up chocolate bars because someone finished the chips… me, it was me)
• 1/4 cup ground flaxseed (my grandmother insists this makes it healthy, but sometimes I skip it. Don’t tell her.)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (I eyeball this for the most part)
• Pinch of salt (optional; but worth it if you ask me)

Here’s How I Throw It All Together

1. Bung the oats, peanut butter, honey, flaxseed, vanilla, and salt right in a big bowl. Mix it all about. (This is where I usually give the spoon a cheeky lick, don’t judge.)
2. Once it looks like a sticky mess (it always does, don’t panic), tip in the chocolate chips and give it another mix. If it’s too gloopy, just add a handful more oats – no drama.
3. Stick the bowl in the fridge for about 20 minutes; not crucial, but actually, I find it holds together better if you do. Plus, gives you a tea break.
4. Scoop out mounds with a tablespoon (or, y’know, your hands if you’re feeling wild), roll them into balls, and plonk them on a plate. You should get about a dozen. Or maybe less if you keep snacking as you go (guilty again).

Things I’ve Learned (the Hard Way)

• If the mixture’s too sticky, a sprinkle more oats or flaxseed sorts it out.
• Peanut butter brands do make a difference – the natural stuff is more drippy, so add a bit more oats, or just embrace the sticky fingers.
• You can totally make these without flaxseed – taste hardly changes, honestly.

Some Variations I’ve Tried, with Mixed Results

• Dried fruit: Chopped apricots or raisins go well (once put cranberries in; big mistake, too tart for my taste).
• Coconut: Roll the balls in desiccated coconut. Fancy, right?
• Protein powder: Toss in a scoop if you’re feeling gym-y – but don’t overdo it or you’ll need a drink handy. Trust me on that one.

So, What Do You Actually Need (Tool-Wise)?

I normally use a mixing bowl and a sturdy spoon. That’s it! Occasionally, I use a cookie scoop if I feel like pretending to be organized. But your hands are nature’s best tools. I even used a large cup instead of a bowl on holiday once – fiddly, but it worked.

How Long Do They Last? (Ha!)

Supposedly, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for a week. But I’m not gonna lie, in our house they’re gone in a day, two if I really hide them at the back of the fridge behind last week’s mystery leftovers. I think they taste even better after a night in the fridge though!

How We Like to Eat Them (You Do You!)

I love them with a strong cup of builder’s tea for an afternoon pick-me-up. My little guy dunks his in milk (gets messy, but who cares?). Sometimes, we’ll make a double batch before road trips because they’re so much less faff than energy bars from the shop.

Things I Wish I Knew the First Time

• Don’t try to shape these before chilling – I thought I could speed things up once and just ended up wearing most of the mixture on my hands.
• Actually, it’s better to add chocolate chips after the initial mix, or they get kinda melty and messy. Unless you want streaky, marble-y balls, I suppose.

FAQ (Real Questions from Friends, and Me)

• Can you freeze peanut butter energy balls? Yep! Just pop them in a bag and freeze for up to a month (they can taste a bit weird straight from the freezer though, so let them chill at room temp for a minute).
• What if I’m allergic to nuts? Try sunflower seed butter – I did once for a kid’s playdate, and it worked surprisingly well.
• Can you use syrup instead of honey? Absolutely, but maybe cut back a smidge if your syrup’s super runny.
• Help, mine are too dry/sticky! Add a bit more nut butter if dry, more oats if sticky – takes a minute to get the balance, but you’ll figure out what works for you.

And there you are – peanut butter energy balls, from my kitchen chaos to yours. Side note: once I tried adding cinnamon and regretted it immediately (what was I thinking?), but maybe you’ll like it! Cooking’s all about trying things out and seeing what sticks. Or, in this case, what rolls.

★★★★★ 4.70 from 20 ratings

Peanut Butter Energy Balls

yield: 16 balls

prep: 15 mins

cook: 0 mins

total: 15 mins

Quick and easy no-bake peanut butter energy balls packed with oats, honey, chocolate chips, and flaxseed for a wholesome and satisfying snack.

🖨️ Print Pin Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup ground flaxseed
• 1/4 cup shredded coconut
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. 1
   In a large mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, ground flaxseed, shredded coconut, and a pinch of salt.
2. 2
   Add the creamy peanut butter, honey, and vanilla extract to the bowl. Mix with a spatula or wooden spoon until well blended.
3. 3
   Fold in the mini chocolate chips, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture.
4. 4
   Scoop out approximately 1 tablespoon of mixture and roll it between your palms to form a ball. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
5. 5
   Place the energy balls on a plate or baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO ↑

Approximate Information for One Serving

Serving Size: 1 serving

Calories: 110 caloriescal

Protein: 3gg

Fat: 6gg

Saturated Fat: 0g

Trans Fat: 0g

Cholesterol: 0mg

Sodium: 0mg

Potassium: 0mg

Total Carbs: 13gg

Fiber: 0g

Sugar: 0g

Net Carbs: 0g

Vitamin A: 0

Vitamin C: 0mg

Calcium: 0mg

Iron: 0mg

Nutrition Disclaimers

Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.

Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.

To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.

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