Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls (Printable version)
No-bake chocolate peanut butter balls with oats, seeds, and a hint of vanilla; a quick energizing snack.
# Ingredient List:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
02 - 2 tablespoons chia seeds
03 - 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
04 - 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
05 - 1/4 cup mini dark chocolate chips
06 - 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
→ Wet Ingredients
07 - 1/2 cup natural creamy peanut butter
08 - 1/3 cup honey or pure maple syrup
09 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Optional Add-Ins
10 - Pinch of sea salt
11 - 2 tablespoons chopped peanuts
# How to Make It:
01 - In a large mixing bowl, stir together oats, chia seeds, ground flaxseed, shredded coconut, mini chocolate chips, and cocoa powder until evenly distributed.
02 - Add peanut butter, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture; mix thoroughly with a spatula or clean hands until sticky and well combined.
03 - If desired, fold in sea salt and chopped peanuts to enhance flavor and texture.
04 - Scoop approximately 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll it between your palms to form a ball; repeat to make about 16 balls.
05 - Arrange the balls on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
06 - Store finished energy balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- No oven required—just fifteen minutes between you and a homemade snack that tastes like you actually tried.
- They hit that sweet spot between healthy and satisfying, so you don't feel guilty reaching for a second one.
02 -
- Don't skip the refrigeration step—I learned this the hard way when I tried to eat them warm and ended up with chocolate-peanut butter on my sleeve.
- The mixture should feel slightly sticky before rolling, not dry; if it's too crumbly, one more tablespoon of peanut butter will fix everything.
03 -
- Toast your oats in a dry pan for two minutes before mixing if you want a deeper, nuttier flavor that takes these from good to unforgettable.
- Keep the honey warm or at room temperature when you're mixing; cold honey is stubborn and makes everything harder to combine evenly.