Need energy? This quick No Bake M&M Energy Balls recipe is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth you have! If you’ve ever hit that afternoon slump and thought, I just need a little something, this recipe is for you. These No-Bake M&M Energy Balls are sweet, salty, chewy, and packed with just enough goodness to make you feel like you’ve got your life together — even if you’re reaching for one while balancing a laptop, a toddler, or both.
They’re ridiculously easy to throw together. No oven, no mixer, no complicated steps. Just one bowl, a few pantry staples, and 10 minutes of your time. Then you let the fridge do the rest.
No Bake M&M Energy Balls are an easy and delicious snack for any occasion. Made with oats, peanut butter, honey, and of course, M&Ms, this recipe is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth cravings. This no-bake snack is loaded with healthy fats and energizing carbohydrates, perfect for fueling your body throughout the day or needing a quick pick-me-up after a workout!
At the heart of these little guys: good ol’ old-fashioned oats, creamy peanut butter, a bit of honey, and ground flaxseed for fiber and healthy fats. Add in some chia seeds (tiny but mighty), a pinch of sea salt, and a splash of vanilla extract, and you’ve got yourself a solid base that’s equal parts wholesome and satisfying.
And then… the M&M’s. Because yes, we’re still human, and sometimes you just want a bite of something fun. They bring that little pop of chocolate and crunch, and honestly, they just make people happy. That includes you. Don’t skimp on them.
Once you’ve got everything stirred together — and pro tip: use a sturdy spoon or spatula because it is a sticky situation — you just scoop, roll, and chill. It’s a little messy, but nothing dramatic. Roll them up tight and pop them onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. You’ll have around 16 of them, give or take a few depending on how much taste testing happens along the way.
They go into the fridge for an hour, and that’s it. They’re ready to grab whenever you need something quick that won’t leave you crashing 20 minutes later. And yes, they do taste like dessert. A little sweet, a little salty, totally satisfying — without feeling like you just stress-ate half a bag of cookies (not that we haven’t all done that too).
What are energy balls?
Energy balls are a healthy snack that provides you with quick and sustained energy. They are made from simple, wholesome ingredients and can be customized based on your preferences. Energy balls are a great option for people trying to get more protein in their diet!
These energy balls are perfect for:
- Post-workout snacks
- Tossing in lunchboxes
- That 3 p.m. work-from-home nibble
- A late-night sweet tooth fix that doesn’t derail your whole evening
Ingredients Needed for No-Bake Energy Bites
Check the recipe card for a full list of ingredients and directions.
- Old-fashioned oats – You’ll need old-fashioned oats to make no-bake energy bites.
- Creamy peanut butter – Peanut butter is a popular ingredient in many energy ball recipes because it adds flavor, healthy fat, and protein.
- Honey – Honey is another key ingredient in this recipe, as it provides sweetness and also helps the ingredients bind together.
- M&M candies – For an extra boost of sweetness and flavor, you can add chocolate chips or M&M candies to your energy balls.
- Vanilla extract – A small amount of vanilla extract adds flavor and helps balance out the sweetness from the honey.
- Sea salt – Sea salt is a good option to add a dash of salty flavor and also helps balance out the sweetness.
- Flaxseed – Flaxseed is another healthy ingredient that can be added to your energy balls for an extra nutrient boost.
Tips for Energy Balls
- When rolling the energy balls in your hands, wash your hands after every few scoops if your mixture is beginning to get “sticky.” This will be dependent on what type of peanut butter you use. These balls will roll much better on clean hands.
- Store these energy balls inside the refrigerator.
- These make for great breakfast on-the-go options, lunchbox snacks, and mid-day snacks. They leave you feeling full and satisfied, not lethargic.
- The primary taste of these energy balls comes from oats and peanut butter. The second tastes are from the M&Ms and sea salt. The sea salt makes a great appearance in this recipe, you can really taste it. If you’re a fan of sea salt, add two pinches. Do not go over two.
How to Store No-Bake M&M Energy Balls
If you want to store the M&M Energy Balls, it is very easy. Just add the balls into an airtight container or plastic bag and keep them in the refrigerator until ready to eat.
It is also possible to freeze them for later use if you like. Simply place them in a ziplock bag with the air removed and freeze for up to 3 months.
While frozen, you can enjoy them straight from the freezer as they will still have a very good texture when eaten. These energy balls are perfect for an after-school snack or even a lunch box treat.
Common Questions
Should you refrigerate these energy balls?
Yes, you should refrigerate these energy balls. They will last longer if kept cold, and they are also at risk of melting if left out at room temperature for too long. To ensure maximum freshness, store them in an airtight container or plastic bag in the refrigerator.
Do you need to freeze these energy balls?
No, you do not need to freeze these energy balls. They can be stored in the refrigerator or at room temperature without issue. However, if you prefer a frozen texture, you can easily freeze them later. Just be sure to keep them in an airtight container or plastic bag with the air removed.
Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
Yes, you can! Just know the texture will be a little softer and more uniform. Old-fashioned oats give more chew, but if quick oats are what you’ve got, they’ll still work just fine.
Are these energy balls healthy?
They’re definitely a better choice than most processed snacks. With oats, flaxseed, chia, and peanut butter, they pack in protein, fiber, and healthy fats. The M&M’s add a little fun, but you can cut back or swap for dark chocolate chips if you want to keep it lighter.
What can I use instead of peanut butter?
Any nut or seed butter will work — almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter if you’re avoiding nuts. Just make sure it’s creamy, not the super oily or chunky kind.
Remember, they also store well in the fridge all week — and if you want to make a double batch and freeze half, go for it. They thaw super quickly and still taste great.
Bottom line? These no-bake M&M energy balls are just easy, no-nonsense snack fuel that still feels like a treat. No trendy ingredients, no pricey protein powders, just real stuff that works together and tastes like a win.
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No Bake M&M Energy Balls
Ingredients
- 1 cup old fashioned oats
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ⅓ cup honey
- ½ cup ground flaxseed
- 1 heavy tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup M&M’s
Instructions
- Prepare a large cookie sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine oats, peanut butter, honey, flaxseed, chia seeds, sea salt and vanilla. Mix well using a rubber spatula or large mixing spoon.
- Add in M&M’s and mix again until all ingredients are fully combined and the M&M’s are distributed evenly.
- Using a 1-½ inch cookie scoop (or similar), scoop mixture packing tightly. Eject the mixture and use the palms of your hands to roll the packed mixture into a smooth, round ball. Place each energy ball on the cooking sheet. Repeat one at a time until the mixture is completely used. See notes for additional tips.
- Place the cookie sheet inside the refrigerator and allow to chill for at least 1 hour.
- When chill time is complete, you can enjoy right away!
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