These no-bake Monster Cookie Energy Balls take all the best parts of the classic monster cookie and give them a wholesome, high-protein twist. Packed with creamy peanut butter, chewy oats, chocolate chips, and colorful chocolate candies, they’re the perfect sweet pick-me-up for when you need a quick boost. This easy recipe is vegan, gluten-free, and guaranteed to be a hit!
If you've been following along, you know I love a good no-bake healthy snack that tastes like dessert — and these monster cookie–inspired energy balls are exactly that. Just like classic monster cookies, they’re made with oats, peanut butter, and colorful chocolate candies for a fun touch. They’re also studded with chocolate chips — just like my healthy no-bake cookie dough bars — and strike the perfect balance between nourishing and indulgent, with a little protein boost to keep you satisfied.
Ideal for grab-and-go snacking, these energizing, bite-sized treats are great to keep on hand and kid-friendly, too. I like to make a batch on Sunday and grab a couple whenever I want a midday pick-me-up or a sweet treat after dinner. They’ll keep well in the fridge for up to two weeks… though they rarely last that long. 😉
If you love all things peanut butter and chocolate, you’ll also want to try my chocolate peanut butter protein bars recipe!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make: You only need 1 bowl, 8 ingredients, and 10 minutes of prep time!
- No-bake: No oven required — just mix, roll, and enjoy.
- Tastes like dessert: They will remind you of your favorite monster cookies, but with a wholesome twist.
- Protein-packed: Each energy ball packs nearly 7 grams of protein!
- Meal prep: Whip up a batch to enjoy all week long.
- Portable: They hold together well, so you can toss a few in your bag for an on-the-go snack.
Ingredients
- Old fashioned rolled oats: Rolled oats are the best type of oats for these energy balls. They add a chewy texture and give them that classic oatmeal-cookie vibe.
- Vegan vanilla protein powder: Amps up the flavor and adds a protein boost to make them more satisfying.
- Natural creamy peanut butter: Look for a brand with just one or two ingredients (peanuts and salt) — Crazy Richard’s is my go-to. A drippy, runny peanut butter works best here, since it helps the mixture come together easily. Avoid using one that's overly thick or dry.
- Maple syrup: A small amount helps everything stick together and adds natural sweetness. Agave or date syrup will also work.
- Vanilla extract: Gives these energy balls that unmistakable cookie-dough aroma and rounds out the flavor.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavor.
- Vegan M&M style candy: For the “M&Ms”, I used No Whey ChocoNo Nos — they're dairy-free and naturally colored. UNREAL Dark Chocolate Quinoa Gems are another great option.
- Chocolate chips: I like to use dairy-free dark chocolate chips from Guittard or Lily’s. You can also use semisweet or even dairy-free "milk" chocolate chips!
Find the full ingredient list with measurements in the recipe card below.
Substitutions & Variations
Here are some easy ways to customize these monster cookie energy balls to your taste or dietary needs:
- Swap the protein powder for almond flour or oat flour. You may need to add an extra tablespoon or two of maple syrup to replace the sweetness from the protein powder.
- Feel free to use almond or cashew butter instead of peanut butter, or make them nut-free with SunButter. Each option will slightly change the flavor.
- Try other fun mix-ins, like raisins, nuts, or shredded coconut.
- Add candy eyes to make them spooky for Halloween, or red and green chocolate candies to make them festive for Christmas!
How to Make Monster Cookie Energy Balls
Step 1: In a large bowl, stir together the peanut butter, oats, protein powder, maple syrup, vanilla, and salt with a rubber spatula. Once everything’s well mixed, add in the chocolate chips and candy-coated chocolate gems.
Step 2: Fold in the mix-ins so they’re evenly distributed—you want some in every bite!
Step 3: Scoop and roll the mixture into 10 balls using your hands or a small cookie scoop, then place them on a tray or plate. They're ready to eat right away if you're eager to, but I suggest popping them in the fridge for about an hour to firm up. This gives them the best texture.
Serving Suggestions
These monster cookie energy balls are delicious on their own, but here are a few ways I love to enjoy them:
- With a glass of your favorite non-dairy milk — for that classic “cookies and milk” vibe.
- Paired with fresh fruit, like apple slices or berries, for a naturally sweet and refreshing combo.
How to Store Monster Cookie Energy Balls
These energy balls can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 weeks — just note that they may become drier over time. Or, they can go in the freezer for up to 2 months. If you're freezing them, just be sure to let them sit on the counter for a few minutes to soften before eating.
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Thank you!
–Chloe
Monster Cookie Energy Balls
By Chloe MartinIngredients
- ½ cup natural creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup old fashioned rolled oats
- ⅓ cup vegan vanilla protein powder
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons dairy-free dark chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons vegan M&M style candy
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine peanut butter, oats, protein powder, maple syrup, vanilla, and salt. Stir until well combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips and candy coated chocolate gems until well combined.
- Use your hands or a cookie scoop to roll the mixture into 10 balls.
- Refrigerate for 1 hour or until firm. Enjoy!
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