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.
Hi would these work with almond butter as my child won’t eat anything with peanut butter!
I am so sorry I haven’t tested these with almond butter!
Have you ever added coconut?
Absolutely! Unsweetened shredded coconut should work well here. I’d start with about 1/4 to 1/2 cup and, if the mixture feels a little dry, add an extra teaspoon or two of honey or peanut butter to help everything hold together. Hope you love them!
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!