Monster Energy Balls
These no-bake Monster Energy Balls are a quick and easy snack packed with peanut butter, oats, protein powder, chocolate chips, and mini M&Ms—perfect for kids’ lunchboxes, after-school snacks, or breakfast on the go!
These super easy monster energy balls are a new favorite around here. I’m always looking for more ways to add protein into my kid’s lunch boxes (with easy lunches like cheese quesadillas), and this monster protein balls recipe has been a hit! I can make a big batch on the weekend and then pack one or two each day in their lunch kit. They also make for a perfect after-school snack.
Sometimes, kids turn up their noses at the more healthy snack options. But I’ve found when they’re presented as something fun — like easy monster cookie protein balls or ants on a log — they’re more apt to go for it. This protein packed snack has all the goodness of monster cookies, with way less sugar…and MUCH more protein. They are filling and satisfying, just what you need for a mid-day pick me up. This is an energy bite recipe to hold on to!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- These are a low sugar and gluten-free treat. Since they’re sweetened with honey, the only sugar is from the M&Ms and chocolate chips, and maybe a bit from the peanut butter.
- With 6 grams of protein in every energy ball, these are a great way to keep yourself fueled between meals.
- This kid-friendly recipe is so easy — they could even make these on their own! They’re really that easy to make!
Ingredients for Monster Energy Balls
- Vanilla protein powder – You can use any brand of protein powder you like. Just grab your favorite and feel free to change up the flavor, too. How good would chocolate or peanut butter be in these monster energy balls?
- Honey – Raw local honey will have a better flavor, and you get all of the nutritional and health benefits that honey provides. But you can use any honey to sweeten this recipe. If you are out of honey, you can substitute maple syrup in it’s place.
- Mini M&Ms – These candy coated chocolates add delightful color and crunch to these energy balls.
- Mini chocolate chips – Don’t use regular sized chocolate chips because it will make the dough too chunky. Mini chocolate chips mix in much better.
- Old fashioned oats – Oats are the main base ingredient for these energy balls. I love using oats in energy balls because they add a bit of protein and go with any and all flavors. I don’t recommend using quick oats, they will result in a softer energy bite.
- Creamy peanut butter – Creamy peanut butter will make a smooth dough. If you try using crunchy peanut butter, just know that it may make the mixture too chunky to roll while natural peanut butter isn’t oily enough and energy balls will be dry. If there is a peanut allergy in your household, you can use another nut butter like almond butter or sunflower butter.
- Salt – Add a little pinch of salt to help balance the sweetness.
Can I add anything to these monster cookie energy balls?
If you do add anything, you may need to omit another ingredient so that the dough is not overloaded. Chopped nuts or cereal like Rice Krispies would be yummy. You could use peanuts or walnuts in place of the mini chocolate chips, too. Ground flaxseed is also a great way to add a little more fiber. Sometimes we like to add unsweetened coconut flakes to these energy balls, too.
How to Make Monster Cookie Energy Balls
- Add old fashioned oats, creamy peanut butter, M&Ms, mini chocolate chips, protein powder, honey and salt to a medium bowl and mix well.
- Using a cookie scoop, scoop the mixture into individual servings and carefully roll them into balls. Each of the no bake monster energy balls will be about one inch in size. Place the completed balls onto a baking sheet lined with wax paper.
- Transfer monster energy balls to the refrigerator to allow them to chill for about an hour. They’ll need to set and harden a bit.
- Once chilled, transfer the balls to a zip top bag and store in the fridge or freezer.
Storage
FRIDGE: Once set, transfer the completed energy balls to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
FREEZER: Place in a freezer bag or airtight container and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Allow to thaw to a softer texture before eating. I prefer to freeze these energy balls because they last much longer.
Pro Tips for the Best Monster Cookie Balls
- Make each of the no bake monster cookie balls the same size so that they all fully set. If you make them too large it may be difficult for them to set and harden.
- If the energy ball mixture feels dry, add a little more peanut butter. If it feels too sticky, add more oats.
Are energy balls good for you?
It is really important to get plenty of protein in your diet. So, these protein packed energy balls are a great healthy snack for kids and adults alike. We even eat them as a an easy on-the-go breakfast. Whenever you need an energy boost or a filling snack, one or two of these protein balls will be great to keep you going.
I hope you love this monster energy balls recipe! Just a fair warning, the whole family is going to want them all week long, so double up the batch. And if you like these, then try my other energy balls recipe and my no bake peanut butter cereal bars!
Monster Energy Balls
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup honey
- 1 ½ cups old fashioned oats
- ½ cup vanilla protein powder
- ⅛ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ¼ cup mini M&Ms
- ¼ cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- In a medium size bowl mix all ingredients together.
- Use a cookie scoop to scoop the energy balls and then roll them into a ball. Place onto a wax paper covered cookie sheet. They should be about one inch in size.
- Place the cookie sheet into the refrigerator for 1 hour or until the balls are hardened.
- Transfer energy balls to an airtight container and store in the fridge or a freezer bag and store in the freezer.
Nutrition
More Snack Recipes You’ll Love
- This Fall Snack Mix is a really fun treat to make during the fall season! Great for parties and gifts too.
- Ready for an exciting jello treat? These adorable Rainbow Jello Cups take a little time to make, but they’re so fun!
- Make Red, White and Blue Popsicles for the summer time to cool down from a hot day.
- 4th of July Dirt Cups are a super fun patriotic twist on a classic dessert that everyone loves.
Oh my, these sound and look dangerously delicious! I can definitely see myself making these with the intention of bringing to someone’s house and then just eating them all myself 🙊 I love a good, easy snack to make that has an addictively good result, and these certainly seem that way!
They are so good and addictive!
I did make these and the family liked them. I made a second batch and replaced the M&M with pecans and replaced the oats with rice crispy cereal. I even added cinnamon. The balls get eaten faster than I can make them.
Glad you enjoyed this recipe, I love that you made it your own!