Let me tell you, monster cookie energy balls are an absolute game changer! These little bites of joy are not only packed with flavor, but they’re also a nutritious snack that keeps you fueled throughout the day. Seriously, they’re like a wholesome powerhouse in a fun, snackable form! With ingredients like oats, almond butter, and chia seeds, you’re getting a boost of energy, fiber, and protein—all in one delicious ball. I love how they satisfy my sweet tooth with the mini chocolate chips and M&M’s, making them perfect for both kids and adults. Whether you’re prepping for a workout, need a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, or just want something tasty to nibble on, these energy balls have got your back. Plus, they’re no-bake, which means you can whip them up in no time, and trust me, they’ll disappear just as fast as you make them!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup creamy almond butter
- 1/4 cup honey (feel free to adjust this for extra sweetness!)
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup colorful M&M’s
- 1/4 cup peanut butter (I love the extra nutty flavor it adds!)
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Prepare Monster Cookie Energy Balls
Making these monster cookie energy balls is as easy as pie—well, easier actually, since there’s no baking involved! Just gather your ingredients, and let’s get rolling (literally!). The whole process takes about 10 minutes, plus a little chill time in the fridge. So, grab a mixing bowl, and let’s dive in!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients: oats, almond butter, honey, mini chocolate chips, M&M’s, peanut butter, chia seeds, and vanilla extract.
- Using a spatula or your hands (my favorite method!), mix everything together until it’s well combined. You want all those yummy bits to be evenly distributed.
- Once the mixture is nicely blended, it’s time to roll! Take small amounts of the mixture and roll them into bite-sized balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Place your energy balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This keeps them from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!
- Now, here’s the hardest part—pop them in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This helps them firm up and makes them easier to eat.
- After they’re chilled, you can transfer them to an airtight container for storage. And just like that, you’ve got a delicious, nutritious snack ready to go!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—just mix, roll, and chill!
- Nutrient-dense, providing energy from wholesome ingredients
- Deliciously sweet with a perfect balance of chocolate and M&M’s
- No baking required, making it a stress-free treat
- Perfect for meal prepping—grab one on the go!
- Kid-friendly and a fun way to get some nutrition in!
Tips for Success
To make your monster cookie energy balls even more amazing, here are a few pro tips! First, if you like your snacks a bit sweeter, don’t hesitate to drizzle in some extra honey—just taste as you go to avoid overdoing it! If you’re looking for a nut-free option, simply swap out the almond butter and peanut butter for sun butter or any seed-based spread you enjoy. Also, feel free to mix in some dried fruit or different seeds for an exciting twist. And remember, if the mixture feels too crumbly, adding a splash of water or another spoonful of nut butter can help it come together beautifully!
Variations of Monster Cookie Energy Balls
One of the best things about these monster cookie energy balls is how versatile they are! You can easily switch things up to keep your taste buds excited. If you want to add a fruity twist, try mixing in some dried cranberries or chopped dates for a natural sweetness that complements the chocolate perfectly. Or, if you’re a fan of coconut, sprinkle in some shredded coconut for an added texture and flavor boost!
Feeling adventurous? Swap out the chocolate chips for butterscotch chips or even white chocolate for a different flavor profile. You can also experiment with different seeds—like pumpkin or sunflower seeds—for an extra crunch. And don’t forget about spices! A dash of cinnamon or a sprinkle of cocoa powder can elevate these energy balls to a whole new level. The possibilities are endless, so have fun and make them your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your monster cookie energy balls is super simple! Just pop them into an airtight container and keep them in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week—if they last that long! I recommend separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking, especially if you make a double batch (trust me, you’ll want to!). If you want to keep them for longer, you can freeze them! Just roll them up and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll be good for up to 2 months. No need to thaw—just grab one straight from the freezer when you need a quick snack!
Nutritional Information
Each monster cookie energy ball is a delightful little package of nutrition! On average, you can expect about 120 calories per ball, with 7 grams of fat (only 1 gram of which is saturated), and 3 grams of protein. They also provide 12 grams of carbohydrates, along with 2 grams of fiber to keep you feeling full and satisfied. Plus, there’s just 5 grams of sugar—pretty sweet, right? Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific brands and ingredients you use. So, feel free to enjoy these tasty bites guilt-free!
FAQ Section
Got questions about these delicious monster cookie energy balls? I’ve got answers! First off, how long do they last? Well, when stored in an airtight container in the fridge, they’ll stay fresh for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option—they can last for up to 2 months! Now, what about substitutions? If you’re allergic to nuts, simply swap the almond butter and peanut butter for a nut-free alternative like sunflower seed butter. And for serving suggestions, these energy balls are perfect as a pre-workout snack, an afternoon pick-me-up, or even a fun addition to a lunchbox. You can also pair them with yogurt or fruit for a balanced snack. Enjoy experimenting with these tasty bites!
For more information on the health benefits of oats, check out this Healthline article. You can also learn more about the nutritional value of chia seeds here.
Print
Monster Cookie Energy Balls: 5 Joyful Bites of Fuel
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 energy balls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Monster cookie energy balls are a nutritious snack packed with flavors and energy.
Ingredients
- 1 cup oats
- 1/2 cup almond butter
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup M&M’s
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine all ingredients.
- Mix until well combined.
- Roll the mixture into small balls.
- Place the balls on a baking sheet.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Store in an airtight container.
Notes
- Adjust sweetness by adding more honey.
- Use nut-free butter for a nut-free version.
- Store in the fridge for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: monster cookie energy balls