Quick Healthy Peanut Butter Energy Balls: Easy Snack Fix (Print Version)

Whip up Quick Healthy Peanut Butter Energy Balls in minutes! A simple, no-bake snack perfect for busy days. Personal tips & fun stories included.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 0 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 15 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free (use certified GF oats)

# Ingredients:

→ Base Goodness

01 - 1 cup (240g) creamy natural peanut butter
02 - 1 ½ cups (135g) old-fashioned rolled oats

→ Sweetness & Bind

03 - ⅓ cup (80ml) honey or maple syrup
04 - 2 tablespoons chia seeds

→ Flavor Pop

05 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
06 - ¼ teaspoon sea salt

→ Fun Mix-ins (Optional)

07 - ¼ cup mini chocolate chips
08 - ¼ cup shredded coconut (lightly toasted for extra flavor)

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, grab a big mixing bowl. I always start with the dry ingredients. Pour in your rolled oats and chia seeds. Give them a quick stir with a spoon, just to get them acquainted. This is where I usually realize I need a bigger bowl, but I persist anyway, sometimes with oats spilling a bit. It’s all part of the charm, right?
02 - Now for the creamy, sticky, sweet stuff! Spoon in your peanut butter, then drizzle over the honey or maple syrup. Add that lovely vanilla extract and a tiny pinch of salt. Don't be shy with the peanut butter, but try to scrape every last bit out of the measuring cup. It’s a workout, I know!
03 - Time to get everything combined. I usually start with a sturdy spoon, but honestly, my hands are the best tools here. Get in there and squish it all together until it forms a thick, uniform dough. It'll be sticky, very sticky! This is where I always get it under my fingernails, but the smell is just so good, I don't even care.
04 - Now for the fun part! If you're adding chocolate chips or coconut, fold them in gently now. Then, grab small portions of the mixture, about a tablespoon each, and roll them between your palms into cute little balls. Try to make them roughly the same size so they chill evenly. Sometimes mine are a bit lopsided, but hey, they're homemade!
05 - Once you've rolled all your quick healthy peanut butter energy balls, arrange them on a plate or in an airtight container. Pop them into the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial! It helps them firm up so they don't fall apart when you grab them. I've definitely tried to eat them too soon, and they were just a delicious blob.
06 - Once chilled, these little beauties are ready to fuel your day! They should be firm, chewy, and smell absolutely divine – like a peanut butter cookie without the guilt. I love grabbing one with my morning coffee or when that afternoon slump hits. They're just so satisfying and easy!

# Notes:

01 - Using natural peanut butter that needs a good stir is key for the right texture; avoid the overly processed, sugary kinds.
02 - Don't skip the chilling step! It’s what makes them hold together and gives them that perfect chew.
03 - If your mixture is too dry, add a tiny bit more honey/syrup; if too wet, a tablespoon of extra oats or a dash more chia seeds.
04 - They’re fantastic with a cup of coffee or a cold glass of plant-based milk!

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large mixing bowl
02 - sturdy spoon
03 - measuring cups and spoons
04 - airtight container for storage.

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 150-180
Total Fat: 10-12g
Total Carbohydrate: 15-20g
Protein: 5-7g