Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No baking required – perfect for hot days or when you need a quick treat.
- Easy and quick – ready in just 10 minutes (plus chilling time).
- Kid-friendly – colorful, fun, and a great recipe for little hands to help with.
- Nutritious and satisfying – packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats.
- Customizable – easily swap ingredients to suit your taste.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Creamy peanut butter
- Honey or maple syrup
- Vanilla extract
- Old-fashioned oats
- Mini chocolate chips
- Mini M&M’s
- Ground flaxseeds (optional, for extra nutrition)
Directions
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, stir together peanut butter, honey, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Fold in oats, chocolate chips, M&M’s, and flaxseeds (if using). Stir until well combined.
- Form the Balls: Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined tray.
- Chill & Set: Refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Enjoy: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 20 balls
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Calories per serving: 120 kcal
Variations
- Nut-Free: Substitute sunflower seed butter or tahini for peanut butter.
- Gluten-Free: Ensure oats are certified gluten-free.
- Extra Protein: Add a scoop of protein powder to the mix.
- Crunchy Texture: Stir in chopped nuts or crispy rice cereal.
- Different Sweeteners: Swap honey for agave syrup or date syrup.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before eating.
- Room Temperature: Can be kept at room temp for a few hours, but they may soften.
FAQs
How do I keep these from falling apart?
Make sure to mix the ingredients well and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to help them hold their shape.
Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
Yes, but the texture may be slightly softer. Old-fashioned oats provide more chewiness.
What can I use instead of peanut butter?
You can use almond butter, cashew butter, or a nut-free alternative like sunflower seed butter.
Are these Monster Cookie Balls healthy?
Yes! They contain wholesome ingredients like oats, peanut butter, and flaxseeds, but they do have sugar from the chocolate and M&M’s.
Can I make these vegan?
Absolutely! Use maple syrup instead of honey and ensure your chocolate chips and M&M’s are dairy-free.
Can I add protein powder?
Yes! Add a scoop of your favorite protein powder and adjust the wet ingredients if needed.
How long do they last in the fridge?
They stay fresh for up to 1 week in an airtight container.
Can I make them smaller or bigger?
Of course! Adjust the size to your preference, but note that it may slightly affect the chilling time.
Do I have to chill them?
Chilling helps them firm up, but if you're in a hurry, you can enjoy them right away—they'll just be softer.
Can kids help make these?
Yes! This is a great recipe for kids to help with, especially rolling the balls.
Conclusion
Monster Cookie Balls are the ultimate no-bake treat—quick, easy, and irresistibly delicious! Whether you're looking for a post-workout snack, a lunchbox treat, or a sweet bite after dinner, these energy-packed bites are sure to satisfy. Try out different variations and enjoy this fun and simple recipe!
Monster Cookie Balls
Monster Cookie Balls are an easy, no-bake treat packed with creamy peanut butter, hearty oats, chocolate chips, and colorful M&M’s. These energy-boosting bites are perfect for kids and adults alike, requiring just 10 minutes of prep time. They’re gluten-free adaptable, kid-friendly, and completely customizable.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 20 balls
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ⅓ cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups old-fashioned oats
- ⅓ cup mini chocolate chips
- ⅓ cup mini M&M’s
- 2 tablespoons ground flaxseeds (optional)
Instructions
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, stir together peanut butter, honey, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Fold in oats, chocolate chips, M&M’s, and flaxseeds (if using). Mix well until fully combined.
- Form the Balls: Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined tray.
- Chill & Set: Refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Enjoy: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Notes
- Use sunflower seed butter or tahini for a nut-free version.
- Ensure gluten-free oats if making a gluten-free version.
- Add a scoop of protein powder for extra protein.
- Mix in chopped nuts or crispy rice cereal for added texture.
- Swap honey for agave or date syrup for a different sweetness level.