Monster Energy Balls are my kids’ favorite snack made with peanut butter, oats, mini M&M’s, and chocolate chips.
author’s note
My Middle Son’s Favorite Snack Ever
I’ve made a lot of energy bites over the years. Honestly, far more than I ever imagined once I became a mom. And after making countless batches for my kids, I’ve learned something pretty quickly: the more “extras” I try to sneak in, the less interested they are. Protein powder, flaxseed, hemp seeds…they can spot it every time.
So I kept these simple and very kid-friendly. These monster energy balls are definitely more of a treat-style snack, but my kids will grab these instead of dessert most days, which I consider a win.
Sometimes I even leave out the M&M’s and they’re still just as excited about them. In fact, these are my middle son’s all-time favorite snack. The second the container is empty, he’s asking me to make another batch. His favorite way to eat them is to put a few in a zip-top bag, press the air out, and mash them into one big lump. He says it “tastes like cookie dough… but even better.” Haha!
Featured Comment
I just made these and I’m in heaven.
– Amanda S.
Ingredients In Monster Energy Balls
| Ingredient | Let’s Chat About It |
|---|---|
| Quick oats | Skip steel-cut and old-fashioned oats; the wet-to-dry ratio will be off and the recipe won’t work properly. |
| Peanut butter & honey | These create the base that binds everything together. Creamy peanut butter works best. |
| Vanilla extract | Adds a warm, cookie-like flavor to these monster energy balls. |
| M&M Minis & mini chocolate chips | Mini candies mix in better and give a little chocolate in every bite! |
| Fine sea salt | A small pinch balances the sweetness and brings out the peanut butter flavor. |
How To Make Monster Energy Balls
- Mix: Beat everything together in a large bowl until a thick dough forms.
- Portion: Scoop the mixture with a tablespoon or small cookie scoop.
- Roll: Tightly roll into small balls.
- Chill: Place on a parchment-lined tray, cover tightly, and pop in the fridge until firm.
Chelsea’s Top Tip
Adjust The Texture As Needed
If the dough feels too sticky: Add 1 to 2 tablespoons more oats and mix again. If it feels too dry or crumbly, stir in a small spoonful of peanut butter and honey until the mixture rolls easily into smooth balls.
Storage
- To store: Keep these monster energy balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- To freeze: Freeze on a lined tray until firm, then transfer to an airtight bag. Freeze up to 6 months.
- To thaw: Let sit at room temperature for 15 to 30 minutes or microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. They’re also so yummy slightly frozen!
More Filling Snack Recipes:
Snacks
Chewy Granola Bar Recipe
Snacks
Chocolate Energy Balls
Breakfast
Homemade Protein Bars
Snacks
Yogurt Bark
Monster Energy Balls
Video
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
- Add all ingredients to a very large bowl. Beat with a hand mixer on low speed until a thick mixture forms. Alternatively, combine everything in the bowl of a stand mixer and, using the paddle attachment, mix until a thick mixture forms.
- If the mixture is too sticky: Add a few more tablespoons of oats and mix again. Keep in mind the oats will continue to absorb moisture as the mixture sits.If the mixture is too dry: Add a little more peanut butter or honey and mix again until it rolls easily.
- Use a 1-tablespoon measuring spoon or a 1-1/2 tablespoon cookie scoop to portion the dough. Tightly roll into balls (see note 2). Place the rolled balls on a parchment-lined plate or tray and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until firm. Transfer to an airtight container.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I have made these 3 times in the last week.
I’m so thrilled these have been a hit! Thanks K!
My grandson, daughter, and I love these. You can have fun with them by using seasonal M&M’s, depending on the season. Now for spring, I used pastels. They are so yummy! NO changes needed! Might add sprinkles one day for a birthday, it would be a fun edible gift 🙂
That makes me so happy to hear! I love the idea of switching up the M&M’s for each season!
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!