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

Quick Peanut Butter Energy Balls are simple, no-bake bites. Perfect for healthy snacking, these come together fast for a sweet, satisfying treat.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 0 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 12 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free (if using certified GF oats)

# Ingredients:

→ Base Ingredients

01 - 1 cup creamy peanut butter (natural preferred)
02 - 1 ½ cups rolled oats (certified gluten-free if needed)

→ Sweeteners & Flavor

03 - ½ cup honey or maple syrup
04 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Nutritional Boosters

05 - ¼ cup chia seeds

→ Optional Mix-ins

06 - ¼ cup mini chocolate chips
07 - Pinch of sea salt (for rolling or mixing)

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, grab a medium-sized mixing bowl. Scoop in your creamy peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), and that lovely vanilla extract. Give it a good stir with a sturdy spoon or a spatula until everything is nicely combined and smooth. It should look a bit glossy and smell absolutely divine – that’s the smell of good things coming! This is where you want to make sure there are no streaks of unmixed honey, or your Quick Peanut Butter Energy Balls might be unevenly sweet. Trust me, I've been there, a surprise pocket of pure honey isn't the worst, but not ideal.
02 - Now, toss in your rolled oats and chia seeds. If you’re adding those optional mini chocolate chips, now’s the time! Mix everything together really well. You want to make sure all the dry bits are coated in that peanut butter mixture. It's going to get thick, so don't be afraid to use some elbow grease. Sometimes I switch to my hands for this part, just to really get in there and ensure everything is incorporated. It’s a bit messy, but honestly, it’s the most effective way to ensure your Quick Peanut Butter Energy Balls hold together.
03 - This step is crucial, don't skip it! Cover your bowl with plastic wrap and pop it into the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time helps the oats absorb some of the moisture and makes the mixture much easier to handle and roll. I learned this the hard way – trying to roll warm dough is a sticky, frustrating endeavor. Seriously, just walk away for a bit, maybe make a cup of tea, and let the fridge do its magic. Your future Quick Peanut Butter Energy Balls will thank you.
04 - Once the mixture is nicely chilled and firm, take it out of the fridge. Grab a small cookie scoop or a tablespoon and scoop out portions of the dough. Roll each portion between your palms to form neat, bite-sized balls. I usually aim for about 1-inch diameter balls, but you do you! If they're a little sticky, you can lightly dampen your hands. I once made them too big and they were just too much for one bite, so smaller is usually better for these Quick Peanut Butter Energy Balls.
05 - If you want to get fancy, you can roll the finished Quick Peanut Butter Energy Balls in a little extra shredded coconut, cocoa powder, or even a sprinkle of sea salt. I love a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top – it really brings out the peanut butter flavor and gives a lovely contrast. This isn't necessary, but it adds a nice touch if you're feeling extra. Sometimes I skip it, sometimes I don’t, depends on my mood, honestly!
06 - Place your finished Quick Peanut Butter Energy Balls in an airtight container. You can store them in the fridge for a quick grab-and-go snack whenever you need a little boost. They firm up even more in the cold, which is great for texture. They should look perfectly round, smell sweet and nutty, and feel firm but still yield slightly to a gentle squeeze. Just try not to eat them all at once – easier said than done, I know!

# Notes:

01 - Always chill the dough for at least 30 minutes; it makes rolling so much easier and less messy, a lesson I learned with very sticky hands.
02 - Use creamy, natural peanut butter for the best texture and binding; chunky can make them fall apart a bit.
03 - Don't be afraid to adjust the sweetness; a little more honey if your peanut butter is unsweetened, or less if you prefer.
04 - A tiny pinch of sea salt on top really boosts the flavor, trust me!

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Mixing bowl
02 - sturdy spoon or spatula
03 - measuring cups and spoons
04 - airtight container

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 150-180
Total Fat: 9-12g
Total Carbohydrate: 15-20g
Protein: 5-7g

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