Wait…remember these cuties?! AKA one of the best no bake snacks ever?
Because I know AK fans love all things peanut butter (and oatmeal, and no bake, etc. etc.) a few years back I created these incredible no bake monster cookie energy bites. Unsurprisingly, you all fell just as in love as I did when I first tried them!
These little bites are inspired by my famous flourless monster cookies and make the best portable snack or treat. Your kiddos will love these ones and they would be the perfect project to make with them! Store them in the fridge for whenever that 3pm hanger rolls around or any time you’re looking for a sweet treat.
What’s in a monster cookie?
If you’ve never had a monster cookie before, prepare to be blown away. They’re typically made with:
- Peanut butter
- Oats
- M&M’s
- And chocolate chips
My flourless monster cookies also have shredded coconut and chopped pecans for crunch, and the combo is truly incredible.
Everything you’ll need to make monster cookie energy bites
These simple and oh-so-delicious energy bites are made with tons of pantry staples and all of the delicious monster cookie mix-ins. Here’s everything you’ll need:
- Peanut butter: we’re using creamy, natural peanut butter that’s just peanuts and salt.
- Honey: these monster cookie energy bites are naturally sweetened with just a few tablespoons of honey. See below for a simple way to keep the bites vegan.
- Vanilla extract: a little vanilla brings out that yummy cookie flavor.
- Oats: the base of these energy bites (and monster cookies) is rolled oats. Feel free to use gluten free.
- Flaxseed meal: I love adding flaxseed meal for a boost of healthy fats. It also helps hold these babies together.
- Shredded coconut: unsweetened shredded coconut adds wonderful flavor and helps the energy bites stay together. My secret ingredient for monster cookies!
- Mix-ins: this is where the party’s at — we’re mixing in raisins, mini chocolate chips and M&M’s or your fav chocolate candies for that true monster cookie goodness!
Looking for an extra boost of protein?
Feel free to add in a scoop of your favorite protein powder! I love Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides and Four Sigmatic Protein Powder. Please note that protein powder will change the consistency of the balls so you may need to add in extra peanut butter or a little extra honey to help them stick together/stay moist enough.
Simple ingredient swaps
Out of any ingredients in this monster cookie energy bites? Here are some substitutions we can recommend:
- For the honey: feel free to use maple syrup or date syrup. Either of these will also keep the energy bites vegan along with vegan chocolate chips or candies.
- For the peanut butter: you can use any nut butter you’d like in this recipe. I think they’re best with peanut butter but any other nut butter should work as long as it’s all natural with no additives (i.e. just nuts + salt).
- For the mix-ins: if you don’t have any M&M’s feel free to just add more mini chocolate chips and/or raisins!
How to make monster cookie energy bites
- Mix the wet ingredients. Start by mixing together the peanut butter, honey and vanilla until it’s nice and smooth.
- Add the dry. Next, mix in the oats, flaxseed meal and shredded coconut until well combined.
- Add the mix-ins. Fold in the raisins, mini chocolate chips and M&M’s until they’re evenly dispersed.
- Form the bites. Use a medium cookie scoop or your hands to roll the dough into 10 balls. Store them in the fridge and enjoy!
Storing & freezing tips
- To store: keep these monster cookie energy bites in an airtight bag or container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- To freeze: you can freeze these energy bites in a freezer-friendly bag or container for up to 2 months. If you’re eating them straight from the freeze I recommend letting them soften up a bit in the fridge or at room temp before doing so.
More no bake snacks you’ll love
- Chia Banana Bread Energy Bites
- Coconut & Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bars
- Honey Cinnamon Almond Butter Energy Bites
- Salted Dark Chocolate Coconut Almond Protein Candy Bars
- No Bake Omega 3 Mint Brownie Energy Bites
Get all of our best no bake snacks here!
I hope you love these easy monster cookie energy bites! If you make them be sure to leave a comment and a rating so I know how you liked them. Enjoy, xo!
Ambitious Kitchen
Cookbook
125 Ridiculously Good For You, Sometimes Indulgent, and Absolutely Never Boring Recipes for Every Meal of the Day
Monster Cookie Energy Bites
Ingredients
- ½ cup creamy natural peanut butter (just peanuts + salt)
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup old fashioned rolled oats
- ¼ cup flaxseed meal
- ¼ cup unsweetened finely shredded coconut (I use Bob’s Red Mill)
- Mix-ins:
- 2 tablespoons raisins
- 2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips
- ¼ cup M&M’s (or your favorite chocolate covered candies)
Instructions
- Add peanut butter, honey and vanilla to a medium bowl, mix until well combined and smooth. Next add the dry ingredients to the bowl: oats, flaxseed meal and shredded coconut and mix together until combined. Fold in the raisins, mini chocolate chips and M&M’s until well combined. Use a medium cookie scoop or your hands to grab dough and roll into 10 balls then place in an airtight container.
- Store in the fridge for up to 1 week, or the freezer for up to 2 months. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Recipe by: Monique Volz // Ambitious Kitchen | Photography by: Eat Love Eats
This post was originally published on July 12th, 2021, and republished on January 7th, 2024.
I wonder if this would work to add brewer’s yeast to like your other lactation monster cookie recipe for a no-bake form?
I’ve never tried it, but I don’t see why not! You may just want to reduce the flaxseed meal.
Just made these and they’re excellent! The texture is fantastic. These are going to be on repeat for the kids for sure. Thank you!
So glad you loved them! A go-to for kiddos, too 🙂
I have been making these monster cookie energy bites on repeat!! They are just the best clean , sweet treat/filling snack and I love that it’s freezer friendly!! This is truly the best meal prep friendly snack. Do your future self a favor 🙂
Love that! One of my favs to keep in the freezer, too 🙂
I made these to have as a quick snack during the week and holy moly they are incredible! I subbed maple syrup for honey, added in a scoop of collagen powder, and left out the raisins but otherwise followed the recipe exactly. Would highly recommend to anyone who wants a quick, delicious snack!
Perfect! These ones are great for customizing 🙂
Whoa. So good! I did mini chocolate chips. I’m not a big coconut fan but I added it and liked the texture, the coconut taste was well masked by the peanut butter for me.
Perfect! Glad you loved them 🙂
These are amazing! They taste wonderful and have alot of flavor. You could make a larger yield by doubling or tripling the ingredients- I just feel like it’s alot of honey to use. It tastes perfect with the amount it calls for it’s just alot I feel bad for using so much. I’m a cheapie.
I MAKE THIS RECIPE OVER AND OVER FOR MY DAUGHTER
AND SHE LOVES IT AND SO DO I.
So happy to hear that!
These are perfect!! I’ve made them so many times and they’re so great for a grab and go breakfast or snack. Last time I made them, I processed the oats, coconut, dried cherries in a small food processor. This made them smaller and a consistent size and made the balls more dense. I like either way though! I need to try more energy all recipes from AK. Thank you!
Absolutely! I am so glad you’re loving this recipe and it turned out great for you 🙂❤️
The only feedback I have is that this recipe should be doubled (or tripled!) because they go so fast! I’ve found so many energy balls to be too sweet or dry but these are perfection. THANK YOU!
I totally agree! Thank you so much for your feedback 😉 Glad these are a hit!
I omitted the coconut. These were good but too sweet for me. If I use less honey, will they not hold together very well? I want to make them often, so trying to make them less sweet. Thank you for all your wonderful recipes!!
Just made these for a quick snack for traveling and they’re great! I didn’t have flax, so added a bit of protein powder and I just used 1/4 cup chocolate chips for the mix ins. The coconut adds such a great crunch. Love them!
Perfect! One of my all-time fav snacks 🙂
This looks so yummy plus super healthy.
I am always looking for healthy, quick bite snacks for my daughter to pack for sporting events. We replaced the peanut butter with sun butter as there is a peanut allergy in our house, but we all loved them. Will be a regular in our home.
These are absolutely amazing; I eat 3 every morning with my coffee! My husband describes them as “orgasmic” if that says anything!
Omg BEST REVIEW EVER haha I’m happy you both love them!!
So delicious! Just tried these as a meal prep snack for the week. I will definitely be making a double batch next time!
Such a great snack or quick breakfast!
these are so easy and taste amazing
Right?! One of my fav snacks! Happy you loved them 🙂
The flavor of this mixture is great. However, I found it very, very hard to roll them into balls. The mixture was too dry and I had to squeeze with a vice-like grip to get any to stick together. I didn’t add protein powder, so that wasn’t the issue. Perhaps if I add more PB next time? Not sure if I’ll make them again; my husband and I much prefer the Banana Bread Energy Bites, yum!
Hi, Megan! Wow I haven’t ever had that issue, sorry about that! What kind of peanut butter did you use, and did you follow the other ingredients/measurements precisely?
Yep, followed everything to a tee. I used Nuts To You brand natural PB. I think less oats/more PB would have fixed the issue for me. Or maybe more honey? My hubby ate one this afternoon and it just disintegrated in his hand when he bit it. 🙁
Sorry about that!! I haven’t tried that brand, and usually use Wild Friends or Trader Joe’s PB. Yes, I’d recommend trying a little more PB + honey next time!
Made 3 batches of these to take to the beach for our family vacation – they were a huge hit!
Awesome, so happy to hear that!
I love these!! They’re not dry at all, like some protein balls and the m & ms make them feel like a fun treat!
Saw your Insta!! So happy you love them 🙂
Love this recipe! Quick, easy and tasty to store in the fridge. As a new breast-feeding mom, I love having quick and filling snacks to fulfill cravings. I used PB m&m’s and dark chocolate chips for mix-ins! 🙂
So glad you’re loving them, mama! Definitely recommend my lactation cookies, too, if you haven’t tried them yet 🙂
Love these! Make with dark chocolate chips and chia seeds (what I had). Just a tasty and filling treat!
Yummm, those are great additions! So happy you loved them 🙂
These are amazing!! Very few ingredients, EASY to make and delicious! Great treat for you and your kiddos!!
These are an absolute summer favourite in our family. They are very easy to make and is a recipe that was quickly turned over to my school aged children to make for our family. I always double the recipe and it turns out perfect. We use regular size chocolate chips because it is what is on hand and the colourful m&m’s make them irresistible. The energy bites have the perfect amount of sweetness and stay together well even when packed around in a lunch while hiking/adventuring. A great, energy dense, on the go snack with a good balance of nutrition and fun!
These are absolutely delicious!! Like monster cookies but healthier, it’s hard to limit yourself to just one at a time! And super fun and easy to make too. Highly recommend!
These monster cookie energy bites are soooo good! The perfect amount of sweet for balance..feels like I am eating a dessert with benefits!
These energy bites are yummy, easy to make, and fun! My kids love them, too! We’ve made several batches, and I know we’ll make more!
Delicious pickle-me-up type snack. Super easy to make and they hold every well in the fridge.
Agreed! So glad you’re enjoying them!
These are super easy to make and I love that I can make them without having to bust out my food processor!
Yes!! So easy 🙂 Glad you love them, Jennifer!
These are so yummy and came together super easily! The only hard part is not eating them all in one sitting.
Hahaha I feel that!! SO happy you loved them 🙂
These are SO good! I had my mom make them for me for the week. I’m pregnant, in my first trimester, and literally hungry every 2 hours like clockwork. These have been the perfect snack! Please make other flavors 🙂
Aw I’m so happy these are satisfying your cravings!! Lots of energy bite + other no-bake snacks here 🙂
I don’t have finely shredded coconut, do you think I could put my shredded coconut in a blender to make a finer shred?
Yes, that’s a great idea! And a little chunkiness is totally fine in here if it doesn’t get suuuper fine in the blender 🙂
So yummy!!!! Easy to put together. Great to have on hand as a snack or breakfast.
What can you use in place of the flaxseed?
Ground hemp seed would work well! Or a scoop of protein powder 🙂
This recipe looks awesome (no surprise there, I love everything on your site).
Great to hear that we can sub with ground hemp seeds. I just don’t have those in my pantry right now and I want to make them for my kid’s summer camp tomorrow. Anything else we can sub with? Chia seeds maybe? Dunno…
Love from Morocco
Sure, chia’s a great idea!! Hope you guys love them 🙂
These bites are a perfect little treat when cravings hit. All my favorites in one.
I like that it’s a smaller batch too.
I added a scoop of collagen to boost the protein up a bit more. Yum!
I feel the same way!! So happy you’re loving them. Great call on the collagen!
Another winner! My store didn’t have coconut, but I followed the rest of the recipe, and it still turned out perfectly! Delicious and the perfect quick, filling snack. Can’t wait to try it with the coconut next time.
So glad you loved these, Hilary!! Totally fine to omit the coconut, but hope you can try these with it next time 🙂
Omg, I love the recipes here!!! I want to learn more healthy yet yummy recipes!!! I’m trying to switch to eating healthy, and I’m learning so much!!! I love it!!!! 🙂 Thank you soooo much!!!!
So happy you’re here, Betty! Glad you’re loving everything so far 🙂
Yum! I used mini m&ms and I could probably eat the whole batch at once.
Hahaha me too!! Great idea on the mini M&M’s!
These are super easy to make! I normally make energy bites that require a food processor but it was really nice to have a quick recipe like this one that doesn’t! I also like how flexible the mix ins can be so that you can customize your flavours.
Yes, they come together so quickly, right?! Glad to hear you enjoyed them, Jennifer!
Thank you for helping me take the misery out of trying to eat properly to loss weight and lower my cholesterol and glucose levels. You took the guess work out of my problems.
I’m happy the recipes are helpful, Betty!
Super easy and delicious! No raisins so I subbed in dried cranberries. Added a few extra mini chocolate chips instead of m&m’s. Next time I plan to add protein powder,
Great idea to use dried cranberries and mini chocolate chips! So happy you enjoyed them 🙂
The only complaint I have is that I didn’t double the recipe. Made these this afternoon and there is only one left – my family LOVED these! They will definitely become one of our frequently made recipes. So easy and so delicious!
Omg SO happy to hear that, Johanna!! Can’t wait for you to make them again soon 🙂
Hi, what can I use as a substitute for coconut (for the coconut haters in my house)? Can I simply omit or will that change the consistency too much?
I’m not a coconut fan and left it out. The consistency was fine.
Glad to hear that worked!
Totally fine to omit the coconut! Hope you guys enjoy these!
will be making this soon can i skip raisins as am not a big fan of it i never had monster cookie energy bites before perfect for my office snacks will dm you if i make this and let you know how it goes Thanks Ramya
Totally fine to leave out the raisins! Enjoy!