Energy Balls Oats Chocolate Chips (Printable version)

Wholesome balls combining oats, peanut butter, and chocolate chips for a tasty, quick energizing snack.

# What You Need:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
02 - 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
03 - 1/3 cup shredded unsweetened coconut (optional)

→ Wet Ingredients

04 - 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
05 - 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
06 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
07 - Pinch of salt

# Directions:

01 - In a large bowl, combine the oats, chocolate chips, and coconut if using.
02 - In a separate bowl, stir together the peanut butter, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
03 - Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly until well combined.
04 - Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, roll the mixture into 1-inch balls.
05 - Place the energy balls on a parchment-lined tray and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
06 - Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to one week.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • They actually taste like a treat while packing real nutrients your body needs.
  • Fifteen minutes to make means you can throw them together right before heading out the door.
  • The kids will eat them without suspicion, no healthy snack negotiations required.
02 -
  • Don't skip the chilling step thinking they'll be fine at room temperature; they soften fast and fall apart, which I learned the hard way during a sweaty car ride.
  • If your peanut butter is the natural kind with separated oil on top, stir that oil in before measuring or your ratios get thrown off and everything becomes too wet.
03 -
  • If you're making these for a crowd, double the batch and freeze half in individual portions; they thaw in an hour and stay fresher that way.
  • Add a tablespoon of chia or flax seeds if you want the nutrition bump without anyone actually noticing the difference in taste.
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