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To make chocolate peanut butter energy balls, you need these key items: - 1 cup rolled oats - 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter - 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup - 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1/4 cup mini dark chocolate chips - 1/4 cup ground flaxseed (optional) - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - A pinch of sea salt You can change the recipe to suit your taste. Here are some fun options: - Use crunchy peanut butter for extra texture. - Swap honey for agave syrup for a vegan option. - Add shredded coconut for a tropical twist. - Mix in dried fruit like cranberries or raisins for sweetness. Each ingredient offers unique health benefits: - Rolled oats: High in fiber and great for digestion. - Creamy peanut butter: Packed with protein and healthy fats. - Honey or maple syrup: Natural sweeteners that provide energy. - Cocoa powder: Rich in antioxidants and adds a chocolatey taste. - Mini dark chocolate chips: A treat that boosts mood and adds flavor. - Ground flaxseed: Full of omega-3 fatty acids, good for heart health. - Vanilla extract: Adds flavor and may have antioxidant properties. - Sea salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor. These ingredients make your energy balls tasty and nutritious! {{ingredient_image_1}} To make these tasty energy balls, start by gathering your ingredients. You will need rolled oats, creamy peanut butter, honey or maple syrup, unsweetened cocoa powder, mini dark chocolate chips, ground flaxseed, vanilla extract, and a pinch of sea salt. 1. In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of rolled oats, 1/4 cup of cocoa powder, and 1/4 cup of ground flaxseed if you choose to use it. Mix these dry ingredients well. 2. In another bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter, 1/4 cup of honey or maple syrup, 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and a pinch of sea salt. Make sure this mixture is smooth. 3. Pour the peanut butter mix into the dry mix. Stir until everything is combined. If it feels too dry, add a splash of water or more honey to soften it. 4. Gently fold in 1/4 cup of mini dark chocolate chips. Ensure they spread evenly throughout the mix. 5. Now, use your hands or a small cookie scoop to shape the mix into small balls, about 1 inch wide. - Make sure your hands are slightly damp when forming the balls. This helps them hold shape without sticking. - If the mix crumbles too much, add a bit more peanut butter. It helps bind everything together. - Try using a cookie scoop for uniform size. This way, all the balls will look nice and cook evenly. Once you shape all the balls, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes. This helps them firm up nicely. After they chill, you can transfer the energy balls to an airtight container. They will stay fresh in the fridge for up to one week. Enjoy them as a quick snack or energy boost anytime! To get the best texture for your energy balls, you want a good mix. First, use creamy peanut butter. It helps bind everything together. If your mix feels too dry, add a splash of water or more honey. This makes it stick better. The rolled oats should break down a bit when you mix. This helps with the chewiness. Finally, chill them for at least 30 minutes. This helps them firm up nicely. One common mistake is not mixing enough. If you don’t combine all the ingredients well, the balls will fall apart. Another mistake is using too much cocoa powder. It can make the mix too dry. Stick to the recipe for the best results. Lastly, don’t skip the chilling step. Skipping it can lead to soft energy balls that won’t hold their shape. These energy balls are great as a snack or a quick breakfast. Serve them in a decorative bowl for a nice touch. You can add some extra mini dark chocolate chips on top. This makes them look even better. Pair these energy balls with a glass of milk or a smoothie. They are packed with nutrients and go well with many drinks. Enjoy them as a healthy treat any time of day! Pro Tips Customizing Sweetness: Adjust the amount of honey or maple syrup to suit your taste; you can reduce it for less sweetness or add a bit more for a sweeter treat. Adding Protein: Boost the nutritional value by incorporating protein powder into the mixture; this is especially great for a post-workout snack. Mixing In Nuts: Feel free to add chopped nuts or seeds for extra crunch and nutritional benefits; almonds or walnuts work particularly well. Storage Tips: For longer shelf life, freeze the energy balls instead of refrigerating them; they can last up to three months in the freezer. {{image_2}} You can change the flavors of these energy balls to keep things fun. For a coconut twist, add 1/2 cup of shredded coconut. It gives a nice chewiness and sweetness. If you like almonds, swap out the peanut butter for almond butter. It adds a rich taste that pairs well with chocolate. You can even try adding a few drops of almond extract for a stronger flavor. Adding seeds or dried fruits boosts nutrition. Chia seeds or pumpkin seeds work great. Just mix in 1/4 cup for added crunch and omega-3s. You can also toss in some dried cranberries or raisins. They add a pop of sweetness and fiber. If you want a protein boost, consider adding 1/4 cup of protein powder. This will make your energy balls even more filling. If you follow a vegan diet, use maple syrup instead of honey. It keeps your energy balls sweet and sticky. For a gluten-free option, make sure your oats are certified gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy these tasty bites. If you need nut-free options, try sunflower seed butter. It has a creamy texture and a unique flavor that works well. To keep your Chocolate Peanut Butter Energy Balls fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps keep moisture out and flavor in. I like to place a piece of parchment paper between layers if I stack them. This way, they do not stick together. You can store these energy balls in the fridge for up to one week. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Start by placing the energy balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze them for about one hour until they are firm. After that, transfer the balls to a freezer-safe bag or container. This will keep them safe for up to three months. When you want to enjoy one, just take it out and let it thaw in the fridge for a few hours. To keep your energy balls tasty, avoid leaving them out at room temperature for too long. If you notice them getting dry, consider adding a bit more peanut butter or honey next time you make them. Always check for any signs of spoilage, like changes in color or smell. If they look or smell off, it's best to toss them. Keeping them well-stored helps maintain their delicious flavor and chewy texture. Chocolate peanut butter energy balls are small snacks made from oats, peanut butter, and chocolate. They are simple to make and taste great. These energy balls are packed with nutrients and give you a boost of energy. The main ingredients create a chewy, sweet treat that you can eat anytime. They are perfect for a snack before or after a workout. Yes, you can easily swap ingredients based on your needs. If you are allergic to peanuts, use almond butter or sunflower seed butter instead. For a vegan option, replace honey with maple syrup. You can also skip the chocolate chips if you want to cut sugar. If you need gluten-free snacks, make sure the oats are certified gluten-free. There are many options to fit your diet. These energy balls can last about one week in the fridge. Keep them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them. When frozen, they can last for up to three months. Just thaw them in the fridge before enjoying. In this post, we explored how to make energy balls with a focus on ingredients, preparation, and storage. We detailed each ingredient, shared tips for the best texture, and highlighted fun variations. Remember, you can customize these energy balls to fit your taste and dietary needs. Use these tips to make delicious, healthy snacks that boost your energy. Experiment with flavors, and enjoy your tasty creations!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Energy Balls

Delicious and nutritious energy balls made with oats, peanut butter, and chocolate.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 12

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 0.5 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 0.25 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 0.25 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 0.25 cup mini dark chocolate chips
  • 0.25 cup ground flaxseed (optional)
  • 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • a pinch sea salt

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, cocoa powder, and ground flaxseed (if using). Mix until well combined.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, and sea salt until smooth.
  • Pour the peanut butter mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until fully combined. If the mixture is too dry, add a splash of water or more honey.
  • Fold in the mini dark chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
  • Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, form the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
  • Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
  • Once chilled, transfer the energy balls to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Notes

Serve the energy balls in a decorative bowl or jar, and sprinkle some extra chocolate chips on top for an appealing finish.
Keyword chocolate, energy balls, peanut butter, snack