Description
These no-bake peanut butter energy balls are soft, perfectly sweet, and have a little crunch of chocolate. They are the perfect quick and easy snack for cozy nights, made with simple pantry ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (100g) rolled oats (not quick oats)
- 1/2 cup (128g) creamy peanut butter
- 1/3 cup (80ml) honey (or maple syrup for vegan)
- 1/4 cup (20g) unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/3 cup (60g) mini chocolate chips (dark or semi-sweet)
- 1/4 cup (30g) flaxseed meal (optional)
- Pinch of sea salt (about 1/8 teaspoon)
Instructions
- Combine the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the rolled oats, shredded coconut, flaxseed meal (if using), and the pinch of sea salt. Stir to combine.
- Add the wet ingredients: Spoon in the creamy peanut butter and drizzle in the honey. The mixture will look clumpy.
- Mix, mix, mix: Use a spatula to fold everything together, pressing the peanut butter and honey into the dry ingredients. Mix until every oat flake is coated. If too dry, add a teaspoon of water or more honey; if too sticky, add a tablespoon more oats. The dough should hold together when squeezed.
- Fold in the chocolate chips: Add the mini chocolate chips and fold gently until evenly distributed.
- Chill the dough (optional but recommended): Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to firm up the dough.
- Roll into balls: Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, portion out the dough and roll into smooth balls, about 1 to 1.5 tablespoons each. Makes about 18-20 balls. If sticky, lightly wet your palms.
- Final chill: Place the rolled balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet or plate and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set. Transfer to an airtight container for storage.
Notes
For the best texture, use creamy peanut butter that is not too oily. If the peanut butter is stiff, warm it for 10 seconds in the microwave. The honey acts as a binder; do not substitute with a liquid sweetener like agave unless you want a stickier dough. The 30-minute chill is essential for the perfect chewy texture. The flavors improve after a day in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 50
- Fat: 7
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Carbohydrates: 14
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 4
Keywords: no-bake, peanut butter, energy balls, healthy snack, gluten-free option, vegan option, easy snack