Monster Cookie Energy Balls (No Bake!)

Monster cookie energy balls hit that sweet snack spot with oats, peanut butter, chocolate chips, and colorful candies. No bake, quick to prep, and perfect for lunchboxes or after-school munching.

 

Why We Love Monster Cookie Energy Balls

• Great For Lunchboxes And After School Snacks – When my kid comes home from school, she is hungry from her full day of school, activities, and sports. These little energy balls paired with a piece of fruit make a great snack!
• Easy To Prep Ahead – I love that I can prep a batch of these in the fridge for the week for my family and just watch them disappear.
• Can Freeze Ahead – I’ll sometimes make a double batch of these monster cookie energy balls and throw them in the freezer. Then we can take out just a few at a time as we need, and they last even longer.

Ingredients For Monster Cookie Energy Balls

• quick cooking oats – you can use quick cooking oats or rolled oats. Instant oats will make the texture not as chewy. I don’t recommend steel cut oats.
• creamy peanut butter – can also use crunchy peanut butter. I don’t recommend a natural peanut butter with the oil separated on top, as the oil can separate in the snack bites over time
• maple syrup
• vanilla protein powder (optional) – I like Clean Simple Eats or Premier Protein Powder, but you can use your favorite protein powder or skip the protein powder if you prefer.
• mini semi-sweet chocolate chips – regular chocolate chips can also be used, but you end up with less in each bite
• mini M&Ms – regular sized M&Ms can also be used, but you end up with less in each bite

How To Make Monster Cookie Energy Balls

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Add the oats, peanut butter, maple syrup, vanilla protein powder (optional), chocolate chips and M&Ms to a large mixing bowl. Stir together until combined.

3. Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, roll the dough into 16 even pieces, about 1 tablespoon each.

4. Place the energy balls on the baking sheet, leaving just enough space that they are not touching.
5. Place the bites in the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes, or until firm. Then serve and enjoy!

Monster Cookie Energy Balls Variation Ideas

• Swap In Other Chocolate Pieces – chocolate chunks, Reese’s pieces, white chocolate chips, you can use what you have for both the chocolate chips or the M&Ms. You can also try other flavors of M&Ms like peanut, pretzel, or the seasonal flavors.
• Add Chopped Nuts – Chopped peanuts, pistachios, pecans or walnuts all can be added for a little extra crunch.
• Try Chopped Seeds – You can add seeds like pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for a little crunch
• Try Other Nut Butters – almond butter, cashew butter or even alternatives like sunflower seed butter can be swapped in this recipe
• Change Up The Colors For Holidays – Try red and green candies for Christmas, or pink and red for Valentine’s Day. Holiday versions can be especially fun for lunchboxes.

How Long Will Monster Cookie Energy Balls Last?

Expect these monster cookie energy bites will last for about 5-6 days when stored in an airtight covered container.

These monster cookie energy bites also freeze great! Just place them in a freezer bag or freezer container with layers of freezer paper or parchment paper between the layers. If I want to be able to grab just a few at a time I will freeze the energy balls on a sheet pan first, and then place in a freezer bag so they don’t freeze together.