Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls

The first time I made these was during finals week of my junior year when I needed something to keep me going through marathon library sessions. I had every intention of making them as serious fuel, but then I caught myself eating the dough straight from the bowl with a spoon. They've been my go-to snack ever since, and I keep a batch in the fridge for those moments when you need energy but don't want something that'll leave you crashing an hour later.

My roommate walked in while I was rolling these and immediately started stealing them before they'd even set properly. Now whenever I make them, I have to portion out half for her before they're even done. These little balls have become the thing everyone asks for when they come over, and they're perfect for tucking into lunchboxes or grabbing on your way out the door.

Ingredients

• 1 cup rolled oats: Old-fashioned oats give you the best texture, but quick oats work too if that's what you have on hand.
• 2 tablespoons chia seeds: These add protein and help bind everything together beautifully.
• 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed: You won't taste them but they add healthy fats and a nutritional boost.
• 1/4 cup mini dark chocolate chips: The mini size distributes throughout each bite better than regular chips.
• 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut: Totally optional but adds the most incredible texture contrast.
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter: Natural peanut butter works great, just make sure it's well stirred.
• 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup: Maple syrup makes it vegan, honey gives it a slightly deeper sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Don't skip this, it makes everything taste more finished.
• Pinch of salt: Just a tiny pinch makes all the flavors pop.

Instructions

Mix the dry ingredients:

In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, chia seeds, ground flaxseed, chocolate chips, and shredded coconut if you're using it.

Whisk together the wet ingredients:

In a separate bowl, stir together the peanut butter, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until completely smooth.

Combine everything:

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly until everything is well combined and evenly coated.

Roll into balls:

Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, roll the mixture into about 16 one-inch balls, packing them gently so they hold together.

Let them set:

Place the energy balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes so they firm up.

Store properly:

Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, though they rarely last that long in my house.

Pin it

These became a staple during my summer camping trip, when we needed portable snacks that wouldn't melt in the cooler. They were perfect for hiking and somehow tasted even better when eaten sitting by the lake. Now they're the first thing I pack for any road trip or outdoor adventure.

Make Them Your Own

The beauty of this recipe is how easily it adapts to whatever you're craving or have on hand. I've swapped in almond butter when I was out of peanut butter, and added chopped walnuts for extra crunch. Sometimes I throw in dried cranberries instead of chocolate chips when I want something a little less sweet.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your peanut butter is particularly thick, you might need to warm it slightly to make it easier to mix. A quick 15 seconds in the microwave does the trick. And if you accidentally make the mixture too wet, just add another tablespoon of oats until it reaches the right consistency for rolling.

Storage and Meal Prep

I love making a double batch on Sunday because they keep perfectly all week. They also freeze beautifully if you want to make even more ahead of time. Just wrap them individually in parchment paper before freezing, and they'll be ready whenever you need them.

• These are perfect packed in school lunches since they're nut-free friendly if you use sunflower butter instead.
• I've found they make a fantastic pre-workout snack since they won't weigh you down.
• Roll them slightly smaller if you're serving them as part of a dessert platter at a party.

Pin it

There's something deeply satisfying about having these waiting in the fridge whenever hunger strikes. They're the kind of snack that makes you feel like you've got it together, even on the busiest days.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use a different nut butter?

Yes, almond or cashew butter can replace peanut butter for a different flavor.

→ How long do these bites last?

Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.

→ Are these suitable for vegans?

Use maple syrup and dairy-free chocolate chips to make them vegan-friendly.

→ Can I add extra ingredients?

Yes, chopped nuts or dried fruit can be mixed in for added texture and flavor.

→ Do I need to bake these balls?

No baking required, just mix, roll, and chill to set.