A protein-packed snack, these Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Energy Balls are easy to make, are naturally gluten-free and double has a healthy vegan dessert.
Back when I first went gluten-free, one of the things I struggled with most (and honestly still do), was snacks. Most granola bars were using gluten at the time, there weren't very many healthy options and I got majorly sick of carrots and hummus.
Nowadays it's definitely better, in terms of what you can find at the store, BUT it's also super simple to make healthy, energizing snacks at home.
Which is exactly what we're doing today! These are my Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Energy Balls and they are incredible. Packed with amazing ingredients, super simple to make, and taste like a cross between a peanut butter cup and cookie dough!
For the energy balls you just need 7 ingredients and about 5 minutes to whip them up!
We're starting with Medjool dates which are what helps give the balls a sticky consistency, while also making them sweet. Medjool dates are amazing because they're high in iron, magnesium and B vitamins.
But Medjool dates are also fairly high in sugar which is why it's important that we pair them with healthy fats, protein and fiber.
The reason for this is because we don't want to have a pure carbohydrate without balancing it out with another macro. When we consume carbohydrates, they quickly convert to sugar inside of our body, spiking our blood sugar levels. But when we add them with fat, protein (and also fiber), that conversion process is slowed down and it keeps our blood sugar more level and consistent.
I actually reformulated this recipe (which was originally posted back in 2011), to include even more sources of healthy fat and protein.
These peanut butter energy balls have almonds, peanut butter, flaxseed meal and chia seeds, all of which are packed with healthy fats, but also contain protein. And bonus points for flax and chia for also containing omega-3 fatty acids!
And for an extra kick of fiber? We've got some rolled oats!
If you've never made energy balls before, you're going to love how simple they are. You basically just toss it all in a food processor, whizz it up until it forms a dough, roll them into balls and D-O-N-E!
I personally like to store my energy balls in the freezer; the texture when they're chilled is almost like decadent fudge. So good!
So let's recap why these peanut butter energy balls are so great…
Naturally gluten-free
Vegan
High protein
Packed with healthy fats & fiber
Use just 7 ingredients
Come together in about 5 minutes
And taste incredible!
How can you go wrong with a snack that's super healthy, and also tastes like a dessert? Answer: you can't!
You need to make these because I know they're going to become a constant in your snack rotation! Make sure to share a photo with me on Instagram when you do ❤ tag @simplyquinoa or #simplyquinoa so I can see!
If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also try my Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Balls.
xo
More Energy Ball Flavors To Try!
- Carrot Cake Bites
- Mango Coconut Energy Balls
- Lemon Blueberry Energy Balls
- Cherry Pie Energy Balls
- Golden Milk Energy Balls
- No-Bake Healthy Pumpkin Spice Truffles
- Coconut Chai Protein Quinoa Energy Bites
- Healthy Cake Batter Energy Bites
- Dark Chocolate Quinoa Truffles
Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Balls
Ingredients
- 1 cup pitted Medjool dates about 8
- 1/2 cup almonds or nuts/seeds of choice
- 1/2 cup oats quick or classic rolled
- 1/4 cup flaxseed meal
- 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips or chocolate chips of choice
- 1 – 2 tablespoons water as needed
Instructions
- Process the dates, almonds, oats and flax in a food processor until finely chopped.
- Add the peanut butter and pulse until a dough starts to form.
- Add the chia seeds and pulse to combine, adding water, 1 tablespoons at a time, until the dough starts to come together and you can form it into balls with your hands. Pulse in the chocolate chips.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls with your hands and place them in the freezer until set, about 10 minutes.
- Store balls in the freezer for the best texture.
Video
Nutrition
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I’m going to try this but sub out the almonds for half sunflower seeds and pepitas and then use sunflower butter. My kids’ daycare doesn’t allow any nut products but I’m always looking for nutritious snacks that aren’t goldfish crackers *eye roll*. I should look through your catalog of other energy balls…
I have a bunch of energy balls without peanut butter that hopefully you’re kids will love!!
Hi Alyssa !
I tried those little treats for my snacks this week and they are wonderful !!! I love the taste of dates and PB together and the final texture. They are delicious, really satisfying and so easy to make ! Energy balls are my go to snacks but these recipe stay a must try for me <3 Thank you so much for all your wonderful work !
Take care and have a beautiful day <3
They really are the best! Love having them on hand all the time 🙂
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I made the chocolate chip peanut butter balls. They are quite yummy.
I was wondering if you have a break down of the protein. Fats and carbs for your energy balls?
Thank you
The nutrition facts should be right below the recipe now 🙂 they’re for 1 ball! xo
Hi Alyssa, so excited to make some of these for my 3 year old’s lunchbox! I bet she’ll think they’re such a treat 🙂
Thanks!
I think she’s going to love them!
Hi Alyssa! I just made these and they are absolutely DELICIOUS! Just wondering how big the serving size is. Is each ball 101 calories?
Yay! So glad you’re enjoying with them 🙂 And yep, one ball is about 100 calories because they’re full of healthy fats!
Could i sub Protein powder for the almonds or another ingredient? Or just add it and adjust the liquid? Thanks!!
I would say add it in and add a splash more water or some more peanut butter!
Hello! How many deglet Noor dates would you recommend me to use? (I didn’t have any Medjool dates, unfortunately)
Can wait to try this recipe! xx
I haven’t tried with Delget, but I’d say you’d need at least twice the amount!
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Thank you Alyssa for sharing this recipe. I made the yummo balls on Saturday and had to remake a double batch on Monday because there were none left!
Yay! So glad you enjoyed them 🙂 xx
Hi, I made these and I wanted to know how long they will last stored in the fridge.
At least a few weeks! I actually keep mine in the freeze 🙂
any thought on using cooked quinoa in place of the oats?
I think that would work!
Hi!
What would you recommend as a good substitute for the oats? I find that even gluten free oats give me trouble.
Thanks!
Maggie
I would say quinoa flakes would be perfect! You could also just leave them out and maybe add in a tablespoon of flax or chia!
I think cooked quinoa or quinoa flakes would work!
I dont have flaxseed meal can I substitute that with something else? Pretty much the only ingredient I’m missing. Also, would using deglet noor dates change the flavor?
You could use chia seeds! Or probably just leave it out and be fine. Deglet would change the amount you need and process it takes to blend!
Want to make these for my daughter and hubby but just wondering…you said you store them in the freezer…how long do you let them defrost for before they are ok to eat?
Thanks 🙂
I actually eat them straight from the freezer because I find they don’t solidify 🙂
Tried these a few weeks ago and just getting ready to make them again. Think these will become a staple snack in the house. Thanks for the great recipe!
Yum yum!! So glad you enjoyed them 🙂
Can they be stored outside (at room temp)? If so, how long would they last compared with storing in the fridge/freezer?
Yep! I’d say they’re about a week 🙂
If I only wanted to use half the amount of dates do you think there’s an alternative I’d be able to use to help the bites hold up?
You could try using more nuts and nut butter!
Alyssa, I made these last week, and they turned out great! I love all the different variations of these balls! Thanks for another delicious recipe!
I made these the first time this weekend and LOVE them! They are now my pre-workout snack. Very easy to make and takes no time at all. I don’t have a food processor so used my mixer the blend it all and a chopper to chop up the almonds.
Same here! Glad to hear you have a workout for the food processor too!
Where recipe for turtle energy balls ? 😉
It’s up on my site already 🙂 Just search “turtle” and it will come up! xx
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Raw carob chips? Can you give an example of a brand. I am super curious about that!
Hi Dawn – I’m not sure about the specific brand. I actually buy mine in bulk at my local food store and they recently changed the label to unsweetened. In doing a quick internet search, it looks like this company has some! http://www.sunspire.com/unsweetened-carob-chips
Hope that helps! xx Alyssa
These look yummy. I am going to give them a try. I saw them over at Slightly Indulgent Tuesdays. I hope you will share these at my holiday cookie exchange: http://www.tumbleweedcontessa.com/blog/2012-cookie-exchange-cookies-and-memories/
Thank you!! Let me know if you enjoy them. I’ll be sure to check out the cookie exchange – great idea!
These are right up my alley! I may need to make them for a mid-morning snack to go with tea 🙂
These looks delicious! I can’t wait to try them out.
Thanks Julia. Let me know how they turn out for you!
Oh yum these look soo amazing! I love little cookie balls like this. I think I have everything for these with a few substitutions, I know what I am making later today! 🙂 thanks
Yay! Let me know what you come up with, I’m always looking for new ideas for raw desserts 🙂
mmm those bits look delicious. i never had a date though. I need to try them!
Oh Danielle, dates are so yummy! They’re a natural sweetener and add a great caramel flavor to things. Many raw desserts use them and I definitely think you should give them a try 🙂