Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Energy Balls

This post is for my son Paul who is working hard to build his strength and agility for his work on stage. He has some exciting opportunities ahead of him that require a great deal of athletic stamina. These treats are perfect for him.❤️

Have you ever purchased protein or energy bars for your family only to be baffled by the list of ingredients? The list often includes additives, preservatives and colors I can’t even pronounce. Buying healthy snacks can be confusing. Sometimes I feel like I need a chemistry degree to choose wisely.

These wholesome balls, packed with quality ingredients, stay together, pack well in school lunches and give you good calories that will sustain your energy. I like to play with this recipe from time to time. If you use only ground flax seed the balls will be more creamy like a cookie dough and not as “seedy” as my kids say. I find it still holds together well. I like the seeds because it gives it a more dense chewy texture. Try it different ways and find your favorite. This one has a combo of dark chocolate discs and dark chocolate chips. I’m often a little heavy handed with the chocolate. Life’s too short not to be!

What simple ingredients are in these amazing, portable, healthy snacks?

Oats
One of natures perfect whole grains. They are cheap, easy to find (and easy to get gluten-free if needed). I use old fashioned oats and they make a chewier energy ball. You could use quick cooking oats (still a whole grain, they are just cut smaller) or half and half to change the texture. The flavor will stay the same with either, but the texture will change. The quick cooking oats will make the balls softer.

Unsweetened Coconut Flakes
I use unsweetened to save a few calories but you can easily substitute sweetened coconut or toasted coconut.

Peanut Butter
The food I could live on. I used natural peanut butter but again you can choose your favorite. I have made them with crushed peanuts (fresh peanut butter) but when I do I feel I need to add a bit more salt to make up for the lack of salt in the peanut butter.

Ground Flaxseed
You can buy ground flaxseed in a bag (also called flax meal), or you can buy whole flax seeds and grind them yourself at home (most people use a little coffee grinder for this, but I have also ground it in my vita mix blender). Flaxseed that you grind at home is going to be more nutritious, which is true for most things like this, but both options work great. Flax is a great source of healthy omega-3 fatty acids. If you eat it whole it has great fiber benefits but if you grind it your body can more easily absorb the omegas. That’s why I use both.

Honey
The most perfect sweetener. Choose your flavor and enjoy. If you use local honey it is said to be beneficial to allergies.

Chocolate Chips
The darker the better if you ask me. I like the large discs so you can see the big chunks of chocolate. You can use any kind you like. The vegan 100% cocoa chips are dark and delicious. No matter what you choose, chocolate is always a good idea.

Chia Seeds (optional)
These are a delicious add-in if you have them. It’s another superfood that adds great healthy fats and fiber.

Splash of Vanilla

I don’t like to over do the vanilla. A little is a tasty sweetener but I don’t want to drown out the wonderful natural flavors in this recipe.