Energy Balls with Oats (Printer view)

Nutritious oats and chocolate bites with peanut butter, perfect for snacking anytime you need energy.

# What You'll Need:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 1.5 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
02 - 0.5 cup mini chocolate chips
03 - 0.33 cup shredded unsweetened coconut, optional

→ Wet Ingredients

04 - 0.5 cup creamy peanut butter
05 - 0.33 cup honey or maple syrup
06 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
07 - Pinch of salt

# Directions:

01 - In a large bowl, combine the oats, chocolate chips, and coconut if using.
02 - In a separate medium bowl, stir together the peanut butter, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
03 - Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly until well combined.
04 - Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, roll the mixture into 1-inch balls.
05 - Place the energy balls on a parchment-lined tray and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
06 - Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to one week.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • They require zero baking, zero fuss—just mix, roll, and chill while you're doing something else.
  • One batch makes enough to last days, and they taste like a treat even though they're genuinely nutritious.
  • Kids actually want to eat them, which might be the greatest kitchen victory of all.
02 -
  • Don't skip the chilling step—without it, they'll be soft and crumbly once room temperature hits them.
  • If your peanut butter is very thick, warm it gently in the microwave for 10 seconds before mixing, and the whole process becomes noticeably smoother.
03 -
  • Slightly damp hands make rolling infinitely easier and prevent the mixture from sticking to your palms.
  • If you want them firmer, increase the chilling time to an hour or even overnight—they'll hold their shape perfectly and feel more like a treat than a snack.
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