Looking for the perfect snack that’s filling, naturally sweet, and packed with protein and healthy fats? These Chocolatey Power Balls are full of flavor, made with organic ingredients, and just the thing for those moments when you’re hungry and don’t know what to grab. They’re nourishing enough to keep little (and big) bellies satisfied, with just the right touch of sweetness to feel like a treat.
Are you in need of the perfect snack—something that hits the spot when you’re hungry and don’t know what to grab? These Chocolatey Power Balls check all the boxes: filling, packed with protein and healthy fats, naturally sweet, full of flavor, and made with organic ingredients.
When my kids ask for a snack, I usually give them the same canned answer: “You can have a meat stick, a cheese stick, an apple, or an orange.” I want to offer something that fills their little stomachs, supports good eating habits, and provides real nourishment. Most days, that does the trick—but sometimes they want something more substantial, with just a touch of sweetness. That’s where these come in.
I love that these power balls are rich in protein and healthy fats—two things I’m always trying to include more of in my kids’ diets—and made with organic ingredients. Most importantly, they love them… so much so that I can’t add them to my regular snack list, or I’d be making a batch every single day!
Ingredients
I love the simplicity and nutrient density of the ingredients in these Chocolatey Power Balls—every single one is something I feel good about eating myself and serving my family. They’re also incredibly customizable, making it easy to switch things up or try a new flavor whenever you’d like.
- Oats – Add nutrient density and structure; I like to use gluten-free sprouted rolled oats, but any oats you have on hand will work.
- Peanut butter – An unstabilized, natural or organic peanut butter with a runny texture works best in this recipe.
- Honey – I prefer raw, unfiltered honey for its natural sweetness and flavor.
- Cocoa powder – Adds rich chocolate flavor without the need for extra sugar.
- Chia seeds – Boost fiber and add extra nutritional benefits.
- Coconut oil – Adds healthy fat and helps the power balls hold together while giving a subtle coconut flavor; feel free to substitute butter or if you prefer.
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Step 1: In a large bowl, mix the peanut butter, honey, coconut oil, and vanilla until smooth.
Step 2: Add the oats, cocoa powder, and chia seeds to a blender and blend until finely ground.
Step 3: Pour the blended oat mixture into the bowl with the liquid ingredients.
Step 4: Mix until fully incorporated. At first, it may seem like the mixture won’t come together—keep working it and it will. Toward the end, using your hands to knead it like dough can help.
Step 5: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a 1½-tablespoon cookie scoop, portion the mixture and roll each scoop into a ball. Repeat until all the mixture is used.
Step 6: Enjoy right away or place the baking sheet in the freezer to firm up. This recipe makes about 30 Chocolatey Power Balls.
Hint: After the power balls firm up, I like to transfer them to a freezer bag and store them in the freezer. They thaw in just a few minutes, making them perfect for grabbing on the go or packing in a lunchbox—ready whenever you are.
Substitutions
- Peanut butter - Swap with almond butter or another nut butter of your choice.
- Cocoa powder - If you’re not in the mood for chocolate, feel free to omit it and check out the variations below for additional flavor ideas.
- Chia seeds - Feel free to omit or substitute with flaxseeds instead.
- Coconut oil - If you prefer to avoid the hint of coconut flavor, butter works just as well.
Variations
Here are a few easy ways to switch these up and create new flavors:
- Peanut butter - Omit the cocoa powder and let the peanut butter flavor shine.
- Cinnamon - Skip the cocoa powder and substitute 1 tablespoon of cinnamon for a warm, cozy twist.
- Coconut - Leave out the cocoa powder and lean into the coconut flavor by adding shredded coconut instead.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Blender
- Cookie sheet
Storage
I prefer to store the finished power balls in the freezer, but they can also be kept in the fridge (up to 1 week) to stay firm.
Print
Chocolatey Power Balls
Looking for the perfect snack that’s filling, naturally sweet, and packed with protein and healthy fats? These Chocolatey Power Balls are full of flavor, made with organic ingredients, and just the thing for those moments when you’re hungry and don’t know what to grab. They’re nourishing enough to keep little (and big) bellies satisfied, with just the right touch of sweetness to feel like a treat.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 30 Chocolatey Power Balls
Ingredients
- 6 cups oats
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup honey
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- ¼ cup chia seeds
- ¼ cup melted coconut oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1:
In a large bowl, mix the peanut butter, honey, coconut oil, and vanilla until smooth.
Step 2:
Add the oats, cocoa powder, and chia seeds to a blender and blend until finely ground.
Step 3:
Pour the blended oat mixture into the bowl with the liquid ingredients.
Step 4:
Mix until fully incorporated. At first, it may seem like the mixture won’t come together—keep working it and it will. Toward the end, using your hands to knead it like dough can help.
Step 5:
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a 1½-tablespoon cookie scoop, portion the mixture and roll each scoop into a ball. Repeat until all the mixture is used.
Step 6:
Enjoy right away or place the baking sheet in the freezer to firm up. This recipe makes about 30 Chocolatey Power Balls.
- Category: Snack
- Diet: Gluten Free
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