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.

If you want the baked version, check out my Gluten Free Monster Cookies recipe.

Table of Contents

stacked monster cookie energy bites on small plates

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.

ingredients on board for monster cookie energy bites; chocolate candies, vanilla, coconut, chia seeds, rolled oats, honey, peanut butter

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.

small spatula of peanut butter mixing into honey, next to bowls of ingredients for monster cookie energy bites

oatmeal monster cookie energy bites dough in large glass bowl, next to empty bowls

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.

If you’re looking for more flavor ideas, check out my MASTER MIX!

overhead view of monster cookie energy bites on wooden board, next to spoonful of peanut butter, bowl of candies and jar of honey

Storing

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.

oatmeal monster cookie energy bites stacked on top of each other, set on two small plates, with candies, honey, oats, and peanut butter in background

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 this recipe 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

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 1 review

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!

Author: Ashley
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 20 energy balls 1x
Category: Snacks
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Units Scale

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)

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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.

Notes

Adapted using my Master Mix Energy Ball Recipe.

Nutrition approximate, based on 1 energy bite (out of 20 balls per recipe)

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 ball
Calories: 116
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 40mg
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 13g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 4g

Keywords: healthy snack recipes, peanut butter energy balls, energy bites recipe