There is something so satisfying about the chocolate and peanut butter combo. This is just one of many reasons why I adore these monster cookie inspired M&M peanut butter energy bites with oats and flax! With a simple combination of tasty and mostly healthy ingredients, these are sure to be a hit among kids and adults looking for something sweet but still jam packed with nutrition!
About these M&M Peanut Butter Energy Bites with Oats and Flax
After seeing the popularity of my trail mix energy balls, I knew I had to share my monster cookie inspired version! Though these are certainly not monster cookies, they have several of the key ingredients and flavors that you would expect. Plus, these monster energy oat balls are much faster to make. When it comes to eating, they are similar to texture and taste of cookie dough!
These energy bites are a really great recipe to involve kiddos! They can help measure ingredients, mix the dough, and shape or scoop the dough into the balls. Since they are no-bake, they come together really quickly and no risk of anyone getting burned. These treats are also especially kid-friendly because of the addition of mini m&ms.
What are benefits of ground flaxseed?
- Flaxseeds are a great addition to the diet because they contain the omega-3 fatty acid called alpha-linolenic acid, which is abbreviated ALA. Like all of the omega-3 fatty acids, ALA is considered “essential” because it cannot be synthesized by the human body.
- ALA and the other omega-3s are important for many aspects of health, including cellular processes, immune system responses, platelet function, and may even help reduce the risk of heart disease.
- If you are consuming flaxseed, you want to eat it ground. The human digestive tract cannot fully break down whole flaxseeds properly to absorb the beneficial ALA. That would be unfortunate to miss out on the ALA.
- Ground flaxseed is a fairly inexpensive ingredient and can be found at most retailers, including Trader Joe’s and Target.
- It's a versatile ingredient! In addition to energy balls, I like to add ground flaxseed to my oatmeal and homemade granola.
The main takeaway is it's best to eat ground flaxseed or you're missing out on the benefit of ALA if eating the whole seeds.
Recipe FAQs
Keep leftovers refrigerated for up to one week in an airtight container or frozen for up to 2 months. To thaw, let sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes or defrost for about 10-20 seconds in the microwave. All microwaves vary so watch closely.
The mini m&ms are especially perfect for this recipe they distribute more uniformly in the energy balls. However, if you do not have mini m&ms, the regular variety would also work.
As a busy stay-at-home mom and runner, these are a perfect grab-and-go option for my active lifestyle! I hope you love them as much as we do! Please let me know what you think by leaving me a comment and rating below if you make them.
M&M Peanut Butter Energy Bites with Oats and Flax
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ½ cup ground flaxseed
- ½ cup peanut butter
- ⅓ cup honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- Pinch of salt
- ⅓ cup mini M&Ms
- ¼ cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Combine the oats and ground flaxseed in a mixing bowl. Stir together the peanut butter and honey, vanilla, and salt.
- Pour the peanut butter mixture over the oat mixture and mix until combined. Add the mini M&Ms and chocolate chips and combine until the add-ins are distributed evenly. The mixture will be very thick.
- Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form into 1-inch balls. Refrigerate until set.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or in the freezer for up to 2 months in an airtight container.
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Excellent snacks for my grandkids!
These energy balls have been such great snacks while breastfeeding!