Energy Balls

These Energy Balls are my go-to snack when I want something quick, healthy, and satisfying. They’re naturally sweetened, packed with protein, and perfect for curbing cravings in the afternoon or fueling up before a workout. I make them in minutes and keep a batch in the fridge for a grab-and-go bite anytime I need one.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how simple and flexible these energy balls are. There’s no baking required, and I can switch up the ingredients based on what I have in my pantry. They’re great for kids, easy to pack, and way healthier than processed snacks. Best of all, I know exactly what’s going into them—just whole, clean ingredients that keep me energized.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Rolled oats

• Natural peanut butter (or almond butter)

• Honey or maple syrup

• Ground flaxseed or chia seeds

• Mini chocolate chips (optional but highly recommended)

• Vanilla extract

• A pinch of salt

Directions

1. I add all the ingredients to a large mixing bowl.

2. I stir everything together until it forms a thick, sticky dough. If it feels too dry, I add a bit more nut butter; if it’s too sticky, a few extra oats do the trick.

3. I use a spoon or small cookie scoop to roll the mixture into 1-inch balls.

4. I place the finished balls on a parchment-lined tray and chill them in the fridge for about 30 minutes to firm up.

5. Once they’re set, I transfer them to an airtight container for storage.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 12–15 energy balls, depending on the size I roll them. It takes just 10 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to chill, so I can have a healthy snack ready in under an hour.

Variations

I like mixing things up by adding shredded coconut, chopped nuts, or dried fruit. When I want a more indulgent version, I stir in cocoa powder or use crushed pretzels for a sweet and salty combo. I’ve also made them with protein powder for an extra boost.

storage/reheating

I store the energy balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. They also freeze well—I just pop them into a freezer-safe bag and grab one whenever I need a quick snack. No reheating needed—they’re best enjoyed cold or at room temperature.

FAQs

Can I make these nut-free?

Yes, I use sunflower seed butter or tahini instead of peanut butter when I need a nut-free option. They still taste great and hold together just as well.

Do I need to cook the oats?

No cooking required. I use rolled oats straight from the bag. If I want a smoother texture, I pulse them in a food processor first.

Can I add protein powder?

Absolutely. I usually add 1–2 scoops and reduce the oats slightly so the mixture doesn’t dry out. It’s an easy way to make them more filling.

Are these good for kids?

Yes, they’re perfect for lunchboxes or after-school snacks. I just make sure to use kid-friendly add-ins like chocolate chips or raisins.

How do I keep them from sticking to my hands?

If the dough is sticky, I lightly wet my hands or chill the mixture for 10 minutes before rolling—it makes the process much easier.

Conclusion

These Energy Balls are the kind of snack I always have on hand. They’re easy, portable, and endlessly customizable, making them perfect for busy days or healthy snacking on the go. Once I started making them at home, I stopped buying store-bought bars altogether.