Chocolate Peanut Butter Energy Balls

I was running late to meet friends for hiking when I threw these together in literally five minutes. Everyone kept asking for the recipe on the trail, and honestly, these have saved me from countless afternoon slumps since then.

My roommate kept stealing them from the fridge until I started doubling the batch just to keep up. Now they are the first thing gone whenever we have people over.

Ingredients

• Rolled oats: These provide that chewy satisfying texture and hold everything together beautifully
• Natural peanut butter: Creamy or crunchy both work, just avoid the stabilized stuff with added oils
• Honey or maple syrup: This natural sweetness binds the mixture while adding a lovely depth of flavor
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: Gives that rich chocolate taste without making them overly sweet
• Mini dark chocolate chips: Little pockets of chocolate throughout make every bite exciting
• Ground flaxseed or chia seeds: Optional but adds a nice nutritional boost and subtle nuttiness
• Finely chopped nuts: Almonds or walnuts add wonderful texture variation
• Vanilla extract: Just a half teaspoon rounds out all the flavors perfectly
• Pinch of salt: Essential for making the chocolate flavor pop

Instructions

Mix the dry ingredients:

Combine oats, cocoa powder, flaxseed or chia if using, and salt in a large bowl until evenly distributed

Add the wet ingredients:

Pour in peanut butter, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla, then stir until everything comes together into a cohesive mixture

Fold in the extras:

Gently mix in chocolate chips and nuts until evenly scattered throughout the dough

Shape the balls:

Use clean hands or a small cookie scoop to roll mixture into 1 inch balls, applying gentle pressure so they hold their shape

Let them set:

Arrange on a parchment lined tray and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes until firm

Store properly:

Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for three months

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I started making these before long bike rides and realized they power me through better than any store bought bar. Plus knowing exactly what goes into them feels pretty good.

Making Them Your Own

I have swapped almond butter and cashew butter when I was out of peanut butter, and both work wonderfully. The flavor changes slightly but the satisfaction stays the same.

Getting the Texture Right

Too dry and they crumble, too wet and they stick to your hands. Learning to trust the feel of the mixture took me a few batches, but now I can tell by sight when it is perfect.

Batch Cooking Wisdom

I double the recipe on Sunday and portion them into small containers for the week. Having grab and go snacks ready saves me from making poor choices when busy.

• Roll them while watching something good on TV
• Keep a batch in the freezer for emergencies
• Package a few for road trips or plane rides

Pin It

These little energy balls have become my go to gift for new moms and busy friends. Something homemade that actually helps feels like the best kind of present.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ How long do chocolate peanut butter energy balls last?

Store these energy balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, place them in the freezer where they'll stay fresh for up to three months. Let frozen balls thaw for 5-10 minutes before eating.

→ Can I make these energy balls vegan?

Yes, simply substitute maple syrup for honey and use dairy-free mini chocolate chips. Ensure your oats are certified gluten-free if needed. The rest of the ingredients are naturally plant-based.

→ Why is my mixture too dry or crumbly?

If the mixture won't hold together, add one to two tablespoons more nut butter or honey. The consistency should be similar to cookie dough—slightly sticky but manageable. Letting the mixture sit for 5 minutes can also help the oats absorb moisture.

→ What can I use instead of peanut butter?

Almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter work well as substitutes. Keep in mind that each alternative will slightly change the flavor profile. Sunflower seed butter is great for nut-free environments.

→ How can I add more protein to these energy balls?

Stir in a scoop of your favorite protein powder when combining the dry ingredients. You can also add extra nuts, ground flaxseed, or chia seeds which naturally boost protein content. Adjust the sweetener slightly if using flavored protein powder.

→ Do I need to bake these energy balls?

No baking required. These are no-bake treats that firm up in the refrigerator. The oats are safe to eat raw, and the peanut butter helps bind everything together without heat. Just chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.