Easy Energy Snacks

Featured in: Small Snacks with Big Flavor

Wholesome oats, honey, and peanut butter meet tasty extras like coconut and chocolate chips. Ideal for quick, easy-to-store snacks made ahead.
A woman in a kitchen with a stove and oven.
Updated on Sun, 11 May 2025 15:33:28 GMT
Three oat and chocolate chip energy balls in a hand, surrounded by bowls of chia seeds, chocolate chips, and honey. Pin it
Three oat and chocolate chip energy balls in a hand, surrounded by bowls of chia seeds, chocolate chips, and honey. | cookingkitchn.com

These Energy Balls don't need baking and make such a tasty, good-for-you treat you can enjoy anytime. They're whipped up with nutritious stuff and zero oven time, making them ideal for weekly prep or when you need a quick boost. You can shape them into little rounds or flatten them into bars - they're super flexible and taste amazing either way.

What Makes These Bites Special

Energy Balls without baking are so simple to throw together, need just a few basic ingredients, and you can switch things up however you want. They're great for folks on the go, giving you a nourishing snack that's sweetened naturally and full of protein. They also keep really well in your fridge or freezer, so you can make a batch and grab them whenever you're hungry.

What You'll Need For Energy Bites

  • Old-Fashioned Oats: 1½ cups, gives you fiber and a nice chewy base.
  • Natural Peanut Butter: 1 cup, brings protein and sticks everything together.
  • Honey: ⅓ cup, adds sweetness naturally while helping things stick.
  • Ground Flaxseed: ¼ cup, packs in omega-3s and extra fiber.
  • Mini Chocolate Chips: ⅓ cup, for that bit of sweetness everyone loves.
  • Chia Seeds: 2 tablespoons, sneaks in more protein and good fats.
  • Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon, makes everything taste better.
  • Shredded Coconut: ¼ cup, if you want some extra texture and tropical flavor.

Creating Your No-Bake Energy Bites

Combine Dry Stuff
Throw your oats, flaxseed, chia seeds, and coconut (if you're using it) into a big bowl. Give everything a good stir to mix it all up.
Pour In Wet Elements
Mix in your peanut butter, honey, and vanilla until everything's well combined. You want a mixture that's a bit sticky but can still be shaped.
Add The Treats
Toss in those mini chocolate chips and fold them in until they're spread throughout your mixture.
Shape Your Snacks
Use your hands to roll the mix into little 1-inch balls. If it's sticking too much to your fingers, stick it in the fridge for half an hour first.
Let Them Firm Up
Put your energy bites on a baking sheet with parchment and stick them in the fridge for at least an hour so they can set properly.
A bowl filled with homemade chocolate oat energy balls and chocolate-covered snacks shown in detail. Pin it
A bowl filled with homemade chocolate oat energy balls and chocolate-covered snacks shown in detail. | cookingkitchn.com

Tasty Twists On Your Energy Bites

You can really play around with this simple base! Try almond or sunflower butter instead of peanut, skip the coconut and add more oats, or throw in some cinnamon for a cozy flavor. If you don't feel like rolling balls, just push the mixture into a dish to make bars. Make them your own based on what you like and what works for your diet!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How long will these snacks stay fresh?
Pop them in an airtight container in the fridge, and they'll stay fresh for about a week. Stash in the freezer to keep them good for three months.
→ Why is chilling the mix important?
Letting the mix cool helps the ingredients stick together better, making rolling easier. To speed it up, spread the mix out and freeze for 20-30 minutes.
→ What if I don’t have peanut butter?
Use almond or cashew butter, or try a nut-free option like sunflower seed butter. Just make sure it’s creamy and mixed well.
→ Is this snack good for you?
These bites are packed with healthy stuff like oats for fiber, peanut butter for protein, and chia or flax for healthy fats. A great snack balance!
→ Can I swap out ingredients?
Definitely! Switch up nuts, seeds, dried fruit, or even the chocolate chips. Just keep the measurements roughly the same to help them hold together.

Conclusion

Wholesome oats, honey, and peanut butter meet tasty extras like coconut and chocolate chips. Ideal for quick, easy-to-store snacks made ahead.

Easy Energy Snacks

Oats, peanut butter, and honey combine with chocolate chips for a simple no-cook snack. Just mix, chill, and roll into bite-sized goodies.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
20 Minutes
By: Sophia

Category: Bite-Sized Snacks

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 25 Servings (About 20-25 bites)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1/3 cup honey.
02 1 tablespoon optional chia seeds.
03 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips (or dairy-free ones).
04 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
05 1 cup rolled oats.
06 2/3 cup sweetened or unsweetened toasted coconut shreds.
07 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter.
08 1/2 cup ground flax seeds.

Instructions

Step 01

Dump all the ingredients into a big bowl, then stir until it's fully mixed together.

Step 02

Pop the bowl in the fridge with a lid or cover for 1-2 hours, or until it's firm enough to roll.

Step 03

Grab small portions and roll them into 1-inch balls in your hands.

Step 04

You can snack right away! Or keep up to a week chilled in an airtight container, or freeze for 3 months.

Notes

  1. For faster chilling, spread the mix on a baking tray and freeze for 20-30 minutes.
  2. Inspired by Smashed Peas & Carrots.

Tools You'll Need

  • Big mixing bowl.
  • Optional tray for quick chilling.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Peanuts.
  • Coconut (tree nuts).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: ~
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~