🥜 Peanut‑Butter Chocolate Energy Balls – No‑Bake Thanksgiving Power Snack
The holiday season is upon us, and with Thanksgiving right around the corner, it's time to start thinking about delicious snacks that will keep us energized throughout the day. Between cooking, decorating, and entertaining, the holidays can be a whirlwind of activity, leaving us feeling drained and in need of a quick pick-me-up. That's where these no-bake peanut-butter chocolate energy balls come in – the perfect wholesome snack to keep you going all day long.
These bite-sized treats are made with a combination of creamy peanut butter, rich dark chocolate chips, and sweet honey, all rolled into one convenient ball of energy-boosting goodness. With the added bonus of rolled oats and cocoa powder for extra texture and flavor, these energy balls are not only delicious but also packed with protein and natural sweetness to keep your hunger and cravings at bay.
One of the best things about these energy balls is how easy they are to make. With a preparation time of just 10 minutes, you can whip up a batch of these tasty treats in no time, making them perfect for a quick snack between cooking or as a healthy alternative to store-bought snacks. Plus, with no baking required, you can avoid heating up your kitchen and make the most of your time.
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, cocoa powder, and salt. Stir until well combined.
- Step 2: In a separate bowl, mix together the peanut butter, honey, and dark chocolate chips until smooth and creamy.
- Step 3: Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until a dough forms. If using chopped nuts, fold them into the dough at this stage.
- Step 4: Use your hands to shape the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. You should end up with around 12-15 energy balls.
- Step 5: Place the energy balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
Recipe Card
Peanut-Butter Chocolate Energy Balls Recipe
No-bake, wholesome, and delicious
🛒 Ingredients
- - 2 cups rolled oats
- - 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- - 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- - 1/4 cup honey
- - 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- - 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- - Pinch of salt
👨🍳 Instructions
Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, cocoa powder, and salt. Stir until well combined.
💡 Make sure to use high-quality cocoa powder for the best flavor.
Step 2: In a separate bowl, mix together the peanut butter, honey, and dark chocolate chips until smooth and creamy.
💡 If the mixture is too thick, add a little bit of honey to thin it out.
Step 3: Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until a dough forms. If using chopped nuts, fold them into the dough at this stage.
💡 Make sure to mix well to avoid any lumps in the dough.
Step 4: Use your hands to shape the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. You should end up with around 12-15 energy balls.
💡 If the dough is too sticky, add a little bit of oats to help bind it.
Step 5: Place the energy balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
💡 Let them set in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
Nutrition (per serving):
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Peanut Butter
Peanut butter is a key ingredient in this recipe, providing creaminess and flavor. If you're allergic to peanuts, you can substitute with almond butter or cashew butter.
Substitutions: Almond butter, cashew butter
Dark Chocolate Chips
Dark chocolate chips add natural sweetness and a boost of antioxidants. You can substitute with milk chocolate chips or white chocolate chips if you prefer a sweeter taste.
Substitutions: Milk chocolate chips, white chocolate chips
Rolled Oats
Rolled oats provide texture and fiber to the energy balls. You can substitute with quick oats or steel-cut oats if you prefer a different texture.
Substitutions: Quick oats, steel-cut oats
Honey
Honey adds natural sweetness to the energy balls. You can substitute with maple syrup or agave nectar if you prefer a different flavor.
Substitutions: Maple syrup, agave nectar
Pro Tips for Perfect Energy Balls
🥜 Use High-Quality Ingredients
Using high-quality ingredients will ensure that your energy balls taste great and have the right texture. Choose natural peanut butter, dark chocolate chips, and pure honey for the best flavor.
👨🍳 Don't Overmix the Dough
Overmixing the dough can make the energy balls dense and hard. Mix the ingredients just until they come together in a ball, and then stop mixing.
🌿 Add-ins and Variations
Feel free to get creative with add-ins and variations! Try adding chopped nuts, dried fruit, or coconut flakes to the dough for extra texture and flavor.
💡 Storage and Shelf Life
Store the energy balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months and thaw as needed.
Variations & Customizations
Nutty Delight
Add 1/4 cup of chopped nuts to the dough for extra crunch and flavor.
Dried Fruit Energy Balls
Add 1/4 cup of dried fruit, such as cranberries or raisins, to the dough for natural sweetness and chewiness.
Coconut Flakes Energy Balls
Add 1/4 cup of shredded coconut flakes to the dough for a tropical twist.
Peanut Butter Banana Energy Balls
Add 1/4 cup of mashed banana to the dough for extra moisture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
🍽️ Best Served With:
- Apple slices for a crunchy snack
- Carrot sticks with hummus for a healthy dip
- Trail mix with nuts and dried fruit for a sweet and salty combination
🍷 Drink Pairings:
Pair with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee for a delicious pick-me-up.
Make-Ahead Instructions & Storage
Make-Ahead Tips
You can make the energy balls up to 24 hours in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Refrigerator Storage
Store the energy balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezer Storage
You can freeze the energy balls for up to 2 months and thaw as needed.
Reheating Instructions
If you want to enjoy the energy balls at room temperature, simply let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to an hour before serving.
Troubleshooting & Common Questions
Q: Why are my energy balls too dense?
A: Overmixing the dough can make the energy balls dense and hard. Try mixing the ingredients just until they come together in a ball, and then stop mixing.
Q: Can I customize the recipe with different ingredients?
A: Yes, you can customize the recipe with different ingredients! Try adding chopped nuts, dried fruit, or coconut flakes to the dough for extra texture and flavor.
Q: How long do the energy balls last?
A: The energy balls will last for up to 5 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and up to 2 months in the freezer.
Final Thoughts
These no-bake peanut-butter chocolate energy balls are the perfect snack to keep you energized throughout the day. With their delicious flavor and wholesome ingredients, you'll feel good about what you're putting in your body. Whether you're looking for a quick pick-me-up or a healthy snack to take on-the-go, these energy balls are the perfect solution.
So why not give them a try? With just a few simple ingredients and no baking required, you can whip up a batch of these tasty treats in no time. And with their customizable recipe, you can make them your own and enjoy them whenever and wherever you want.
