These easy, no-bake Monster Cookie Energy Balls make the perfect sweet treat that everyone will love. They taste just like monster cookies and you can make these protein balls in about 10 minutes with no baking required!
It’s no surprise that I love cookies and energy balls. These no-bake monster cookie energy balls are my go-to healthy little treat that even my kids enjoy!
I love that they resemble the classic monster cookies but are bite-size, no-bake protein balls that you can make with only a few ingredients in 10 minutes! My Kids actually call them “Monster Balls”.
Why you’ll love this energy balls recipe
- It only requires a few simple pantry ingredients.
- You can make it in about 10 minutes!
- No-baking required!
- They are the perfect healthy sweet treat that tastes like a monster cookie
- Kid-friendly!
- Dairy-free!
- Gluten-free and easily made vegan.
Ingredients you will need
- Oats – I used gluten-free rolled oats to keep this recipe gluten-free but any oats will work in this recipe
- Creamy peanut butter – You can also use creamy sun butter, almond butter or cashew butter in place of the peanut butter.
- Maple syrup – This is the sticky binder that helps hold it all together and also adds a nice hint of sweetness.
- Almond flour and ground flax seeds – These are the ingredients that help bind everything together but also add some additional nutrition.
- Mini chocolate chips and Mini M&Ms – You want to use mini M&M’s and mini chocolate chips which makes it easier to mix and roll the mixture to form that monster cookie taste and texture. To make this recipe vegan, use dairy-free chocolate chips and vegan M&M’s.
- Shredded coconut – You do not need to use shredded coconut but it really gives these no-bake cookie bites a nice flavor as well as texture. I used unsweetened, finely shredded coconut.
- Salt – Adding a pinch of salt to the batter really brings out all of the other flavors in this amazing recipe.
How to make monster cookie energy balls
- Add all ingredients to a large mixing bowl and mix well using a wooden spoon or rubber spatula.
- Use a rounded spoon or ice cream scoop to scoop the batter and roll it into even-size balls. I made them about 1-2 tablespoons each and the recipe made about 15-18 energy balls.
- Place the rolled energy balls onto a parchment-lined plate or pan and chill them for 30-60 minutes.
- Dig in and enjoy!
Get the complete list of ingredients and recipe instructions in the recipe card below.
Tips for making monster cookie energy balls
- Make sure to use small mix-ins like mini M&M’s, mini chocolate chips, and chopped nuts. This will make it easier to roll the mixture into balls.
- If you are having trouble rolling the mixture into balls then you can wet your hands and that will help you form the mixture into balls more easily.
- Use a rounded tablespoon or ice cream scoop to make sure you portion the mixture into even amounts so all of the energy bites are the same size.
- You want to use creamy nut butter and not chunky since it is easier to mix everything together with the creamier versions.
Do I need to refrigerate these no-bake protein balls?
You can certainly eat them right away but I think they taste best, nice and cold, so chilling them a little will yield the best results.
How to store and freeze oatmeal protein balls
- These oatmeal protein balls can easily be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 6 days.
- You can also freeze them for up to 2 months. To freeze them, roll them and place them onto a lined pan and freeze them for about 2 hours. Then transfer them to a freezer-friendly container and keep them in the freezer. To defrost, simply place them in the fridge overnight or on the counter for 20-30 minutes.
Monster Cookie Recipe Mix-ins
Here are some other things you can mix into these energy balls that would also be delicious.
- Nuts – and nuts would totally work in this recipe. You just want to make sure to chop the nuts up before adding them to the mixture. I like to add chopped pecans or walnuts.
- Dried fruits like raisins or cranberries would be great in this recipe.
- Use any nut butter you like just make sure to use a creamy version. Sun butter is a great option to make this recipe fully peanut-free.
- Pretzels – my kids love to add chopped pretzels for extra crunch and a hint of salty flavor.
FAQ’s
This will depend on the recipe but most energy ball recipes that I have tried are mostly healthy especially since they are usually bite-size. You always want to check out the ingredients and amounts to make sure they are not loaded with too much sugar and fat.
In my opinion, energy balls make an amazing pre-workout snack but that will really depend on the type of workout you are doing. For cardio, like running, cycling, or hiking these are great since they give you energy from the boost of sugar, protein, and carbs.
This will depend on how large or small you make them but in this recipe, one energy ball is about 147 calories and they are a pretty good size.
More no-bake desserts to try
- Healthy Chocolate Protein Shake
- Simple Gluten-Free Buckeye Balls
- Cadbury Egg Protein Balls
- Vegan Chocolate Mousse
- 15 Minute Dark Chocolate Covered Strawberries
- Simple Oatmeal Peanut Butter Balls
- Edible Protein Cookie Dough
Did you make this monster cookie energy balls recipe? If you did, then please leave a rating and comment below. You can also tag me on Instagram @pinchmegoodfood so I can see your creation.
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No Bake Monster Cookie Energy Balls
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 15–18 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Easy, no-bake Monster Cookie Energy Balls that make the best healthy sweet treat! These protein balls are loaded with all your favorite monster cookie ingredients but in a nice bite-size treat that even the kids will love!
Ingredients
- 2.5 cups rolled oats – I used gluten free
- ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup pure maple syrup
- ¼ cup blanched almond flour
- 2 tablespoons ground flax seeds
- ½ cup mini M&Ms
- ¼ cup mini chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened shredded coconut
- Pinch of kosher salt
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a large mixing bowl and mix well using a wooden spoon or rubber spatula until all of the ingredients are fully combined into a chunky, slightly wet mixture.
- Use a rounded spoon or ice cream scoop to scoop the batter into your hands and roll it into even-size balls of goodness. I made mine with about 1-2 tablespoons each and the recipe made about 15-18 energy balls. You can wet your hands to make it easier to roll the mixture into balls.
- Place the energy ball onto a parchment-lined plate or pan and chill them for 30-60 minutes.
- Dig in and enjoy!
Notes
- Make sure to use small mix-ins like mini M&M’s, mini chocolate chips, and chopped nuts. This will make it easier to roll the mixture into balls. To make this recipe vegan, use dairy-free chocolate chips and vegan M&M’s.
- If you are having trouble rolling the mixture into balls then you can wet your hands and that will help you form the mixture into balls more easily.
- Use a rounded tablespoon or ice cream scoop to make sure you portion the mixture into even amounts so all of the energy bites are the same size.
- You want to use creamy nut butter and not chunky since it is easier to mix everything tougher with the creamier versions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Healthy Desserts
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
These are utterly the best. And you only need one. They are so satisfying.!
This recipe is not vegan if you use M&Ms.