Description
Homemade monster cookie energy balls blend classic peanut butter cookie flavors with nutritious ingredients. Quick protein-packed snacks deliver sweet nostalgia while providing sustained energy for active individuals.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups (360 ml) old-fashioned rolled oats
- ½ cup (120 ml) natural peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
- ¼ cup (60 ml) honey or maple syrup
- ¼ cup (60 ml) mini chocolate chips
- ¼ cup (60 ml) mini candy-coated chocolates (e.g., mini M&Ms)
- ¼ cup (60 ml) shredded coconut (optional)
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) chia seeds or flaxseeds (optional)
- ¼ tsp (1.25 ml) vanilla extract
- 1 pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preparation: Assemble all ingredients in a large mixing bowl, ensuring easy access and smooth workflow.
- Base Formation: Combine oats and peanut butter, creating a sticky, uniform foundation that will hold the energy balls together. Mix thoroughly until completely integrated.
- Flavor Enhancement: Incorporate honey, vanilla extract, and salt, stirring continuously to distribute flavors evenly and develop a rich, balanced taste profile.
- Mix-in Integration: Gently fold candy-coated chocolates and chocolate chips into the mixture, ensuring even distribution without crushing the delicate add-ins.
- Shaping Process: Using clean hands or a cookie scoop, craft uniform one-inch spheres, rolling and compressing the mixture to create compact, cohesive energy balls.
- Chilling and Setting: Arrange the formed balls on a parchment-lined surface, then refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up and allow flavors to meld together.
- Storage and Preservation: Transfer the chilled energy balls to an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. Refrigerate for up to one week or freeze for extended preservation of up to three months.
Notes
- Measure Precisely: Use exact measurements for ingredients to ensure consistent texture and taste in every batch.
- Bind Carefully: Mix peanut butter and oats thoroughly to create a sticky base that helps energy balls hold their shape.
- Chill Strategically: Refrigerate mixture for 15-20 minutes before rolling to prevent sticky hands and make shaping easier.
- Customize Flexibly: Swap chocolate chips with dried fruits or nuts for dietary restrictions like gluten-free or vegan alternatives.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Breakfast
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 11
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg