If you love Monster Cookies, then these energy balls are for you! It’s like eating Monster Cookie dough, but in healthy little oatmeal bites. No bake, easy to make, great for kids and adults alike! Gluten free friendly recipe.
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If you want the baked version, check out my Gluten Free Monster Cookies recipe.
Energy bites or energy balls…?
Whatever you want to call them, these little oatmeal bites are pure deliciousness!
They make the best little snack and pretty much double as a healthy treat. They’re great for kids and adults alike, much thanks to the bright little chocolate candies studded throughout each ball of energy.
Packed with nutrient-dense ingredients for a filling and easy healthy snack.
The Ingredients
- old-fashioned rolled oats – I prefer the texture of rolled oats (compared to quick oats) in oatmeal energy bites. Quick oats will dry out the mixture and leave you with a crumbly mess. Make sure to use “Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats”
- unsweetened shredded coconut – I like the flavor and texture shredded coconut adds, but you can also omit.
- chia seeds – Ground (milled) flaxseeds are another equal substitute here.
- coated chocolate candies – I used these made by Unreal Snacks. The colors are so pretty! And they’re naturally colored.
- vanilla extract – for additional flavor
- creamy peanut butter – I prefer using jars that list peanuts as the sole ingredient. These jars are usually pretty oily, so make sure to stir it really well before adding to your large bowl.
- honey – You can also substitute maple syrup or another similar sweetener.
Find the full detailed instructions with measurements in the recipe card below, at the end of this post.
Energy balls are one of my favorite for healthy snacking recipes for a few different reasons…
- They come together super quick!
- They’re easy to customize depending on what you have on hand.
- Perfect for stashing in the freezer.
- They taste delicious!
Okay so that was four reasons and I could go on and on but let’s go through just how easy this energy ball recipe is…
Energy Balls in 3 Easy Steps
Let’s quickly go over a little step-by-step to show you just how easy these energy bites are.
Mix Ingredients
In a large bowl mix together peanut butter, honey and vanilla until combined. Add in rolled oats, chia seeds (or ground flaxseed), shredded coconut and chocolate candies, stirring until combined.
Chill for Easier Rolling
Place the bowl in the freezer for 15 minutes to chill – this will make rolling the balls easier.
Roll into Balls
Line a medium baking sheet with parchment paper and begin scooping the energy balls and placing on the baking sheet. I use a medium cookie scoop, creating about 1.5″ sized balls. Roll between palms to create a smooth ball if you’d like, and place on parchment paper.
And that’s basically it!
I love eating oatmeal energy balls pretty much any time of day…
- First thing in the morning with coffee
- Maybe a mid-morning or afternoon energy boost.
- And yes, of course as a late night healthy snack.
Recipe Substitutions
I’ve included some recipes substitutions in case you don’t have the ingredients on hand or you’re looking to make other dietary changes.
Peanut Butter – Monster cookies = peanut butter. But if you need to make a sub, you can replace with creamy cashew butter for a similar taste. Almond butter also works. If you need to make them nut-free, use sunflower seed butter.
Maple Syrup – Any sticky sweetener will work, just know the flavor will change slightly.
Candies – You can use any candy coated chocolates, mini or regular size.
Coconut – Omit or sub in hemp hearts.
Chia seeds – milled flaxseeds are your next best option.
Want more flavors? This energy balls recipe is a “Master Mix” that shows you how to make a combination of flavors!
How to Store Energy Balls
You can keep these monster cookie energy balls in the fridge up to two weeks, or store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
If putting straight in the fridge, it’s best to store them in one layer but they’ll be fine if stacked in two layers.
Freezing Tips
Energy balls make a great freezer-friendly snack. You can pull them out and let them thaw at room temperature or in the fridge for a few hours.
To freeze, place energy balls on parchment lined baking sheet and put the tray in the freezer for 30 minutes before adding to a storage bag.
Frozen energy balls can be easily stacked or just piled up in a storage bag.
Pull them out a few at a time and let them get to room temperature before biting into.
Let me know if you make these Monster Cookie Energy Balls by leaving a comment and rating below! It helps others learn more about the recipe too and I appreciate your feedback! Xx Ashley
Monster Cookie Energy Balls
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup creamy all-natureal peanut butter
- 1/3 cup honey, or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1.25 cups gluten free old-fashioned rolled oats
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds, or ground flaxseed
- 1/4 cup shredded unsweetened coconut, optional
- 2/3 cup chocolate candies, linked
Instructions
- Mix ingredients: In a large bowl mix together peanut butter, honey and vanilla until combined. Add in rolled oats, chia seeds (or ground flaxseed), shredded coconut and chocolate candies. Stir using a sturdy spatula or wooden spoon until combined then place bowl in freezer for 15 minutes to chill – this will make rolling the balls easier.
- Roll into balls: Line a medium baking sheet with parchment paper and begin scooping the energy balls and placing on the baking sheet. I use a medium cookie scoop, creating about 1.5″ sized balls. Roll between palms to create a smooth ball.
- Store: To freeze, place tray directly in freezer for 30 minutes, then transfer to storage container, layering as needed. If keeping in the fridge, it’s best to place energy balls in one layer but you don’t have to.
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