Energy Balls with Oats (Printable)

Wholesome, bite-sized snacks with oats, peanut butter, and chocolate chips to boost energy.

# What You 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 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 - Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • No baking required means you can whip up a batch in the time it takes to pack a gym bag.
  • They actually taste like a treat, so kids (and adults) will reach for them over processed sports bars.
  • One recipe makes enough for the week, saving you from the 3 p.m. snack panic.
02 -
  • Don't skip the chilling step or your balls will fall apart when your kid pulls them out of the snack bag, which I learned the embarrassing way.
  • If your peanut butter is really thick and natural, you might need to warm it slightly in the microwave so it mixes smoothly without creating chunks.
03 -
  • Lightly dampen your hands before rolling to prevent sticking and make the process way less messy and frustrating.
  • If you're making a big batch, use a cookie scoop with a release mechanism because it's faster and your palms won't end up covered in peanut butter.
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