Monster Energy Balls have all the peanut butter and M&M goodness of Monster Cookies in a poppable snack that keeps you full longer.
author’s note
The Bite-Sized After-School Hit!
I usually have a plate of warm, chewy chocolate chip cookies waiting for my kids after their first day of school, but this year I decided to mix it up.
Instead of cookies, I made these monster energy balls. My boys are obsessed with monster cookies and love energy bites, so I figured… why not combine the two? They are quick to make, easy to grab, and keep them full until dinner.
The boys came through the door, dropped their backpacks, and were all smiles when they saw the plate. Safe to say, this new after-school snack is here to stay.
Quick Tip
For gluten-free Monster Energy Balls: While the ingredients in these balls are naturally gluten-free, make sure to check all the ingredient labels to verify they weren’t processed in a facility with gluten.
Monster Energy Ball Ingredients
- Quick oats: Smaller than old-fashioned oats, so they absorb liquid faster and blend in better.
- Honey: Lightly spray your measuring cup so the honey slides right out.
- Peanut butter: Flavor and texture vary by brand. I use creamy Skippy® for its salt, sweetness, and roasted peanut flavor. Adjust salt based on your PB choice.
- Salt: Add more if your PB is unsalted, less if it is salty.
- Vanilla extract: Use pure vanilla for the best flavor.
- Mini chocolate chips: Dark chocolate works great for a richer flavor.
- M&M® Minis baking bits: Opt for the baking bits in the baking aisle. They are cheaper and easier to find than mini tubes.
Variations
Variation Ideas
Monster Energy Bites are very adaptable. As long as you can get a consistency that holds together as a granola ball, you’ll be golden.
- Swap out peanut butter for different nut butter. Other nut butters can be drier than peanut butter — you’ll know you need more if the mixture is crumbly and not coming together nicely. Add additional nut butter slowly; use 1-2 tablespoons at a time.
- Change up the chocolate. Use coarsely chopped chocolate instead of miniature chocolate chips or replace the chocolate chips/M&Ms with a different mix-in (think finely nuts, chopped craisins, toffee chips, or coconut flakes).
Storage
Monster Energy Ball Storage
We like to enjoy a few of these right as we make them. Then we’ll store some in the fridge to eat throughout the week and freeze the rest (if there are leftovers, that is!).
To freeze: Space the Monster Energy Balls on a lined plate or tray in the freezer. Once firm (about 1-2 hours), transfer to an airtight bag or freezer container. They’ll last up to 6 months in the freezer.
To thaw: Simply pull one out and let it stand for about 15-30 minutes. You could also pop these nuggets in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. (When they’re completely frozen they are hard to eat, but don’t feel like you need to completely thaw them before eating — we enjoy them still a bit frozen– they’re delicious that way!)
More Energy Balls:
Monster Energy Balls
Equipment
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
Ingredients
- 3 cups quick oats
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter I love Skippy
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt see note 1
- 1/2 cup miniature M&M’s
- 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients in a very large bowl. Using a hand mixer on low speed, beat until a thick mixture is formed. (Or do this in a stand mixer.) See note 2.
- Use a 1-tablespoon measuring spoon or 1-1/2 tablespoon cookie scoop to portion out the dough and tightly roll into balls (see note 3). Once rolled, place in the fridge (on a parchment paper-lined plate or tray so they don’t stick) to firm up for about 30 mins to an hour, then transfer to an airtight container.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I just made these and I’m in heaven. I’m trying to lose weight but have a massive sweet tooth I really need to get better at managing. These were easy to make and I didn’t feel any guilt for indulging in one or two. No changes needed to the recipe, though I might try a different type of honey because the one I keep on hand tastes a bit too flowery for these. I got about 40 balls from this recipe and will be making these a staple to stave off the sweets!
Ahh I am so thrilled to hear how much you love these! Thanks Amanda! 🙂
Love these!!! Easy to make
So glad to hear that! 🙂 Thanks Heidi!