Monster Cookie Energy Bites

Let’s make Monster Cookie Energy Bites! These peanut butter oatmeal energy bites are made with chocolate chips and chocolate candies make for a fun, easy treat! (Gluten-Free, Vegan-Friendly)

I feel like Halloween is a perfect time to have some fun snacks and treats, whether that’s trying on your costume for the 1000th time, or mixing things up with Monster Face Smoothies, Owl Cupcakes, Halloween pudding cups, or Baked Ghost Chips. Today’s healthy treat recipe is definitely fun!

These easy monster cookie energy bites have all the flavor of traditional monster cookies (or monster cookie bars!), tucked into a little no-bake, snack-sized (and more nutritious) package. They’re a delicious snack or healthy treat! 

Energy bites are one of our family’s favorite healthy snacks, and this spin is decidedly delightful. We channel the classic ingredients for monster cookies (peanut butter, oats, chocolate chips & m&ms) into a fun, easy snack or treat that’s perfect at Halloween or holidays.

Here’s what you need to make our easy no bake monster cookie energy bites…

Simple Ingredients To Get Started

If I haven’t sold you on this quick snack already, you’ll love this simple ingredients list: 

• Gluten-Free Rolled Oats. First, we use rolled oats (sometimes labeled old-fashioned oats). If you’re gluten-free, be sure to use certified gluten-free oats to avoid cross-contamination. We have great luck with these ones from Bob’s Red Mill, Trader Joe’s brand, and One Degree (which are also sprouted & easier to digest!). Quick oats can work, but we prefer rolled oats. 
• Natural Peanut Butter. Next up is natural peanut butter. You can use creamy peanut butter or crunchy peanut butter for some extra crunch, just be sure that the only ingredients are peanuts or peanuts and salt. (Natural peanut butter has a more drippy, liquid consistency, which is crucial here.)
• Pure Maple Syrup. For a little sweetness and to help bind the energy bites together, you’ll need a little pure maple syrup. Honey or agave can be used in a pinch, but I like maple syrup best.
• Vanilla Extract & Salt. Then, a little vanilla and salt balance the flavors beautifully.
• Chocolate Chips. Now for the best thing: mix ins! Here’s where things get fun! You’ll mix in some chocolate chips–standard chocolate chips or mini chocolate chips work. I love dark chocolate chips best. 
• M&Ms or Chocolate Candies. And (definitely the most fun ingredient) is some candy coated chocolate candies. You can use M&Ms if you include dairy in your diet (see which M&Ms are gluten-free here), or you can use dairy-free chocolate candies like Little Secrets or unREAL candies for a vegan & dairy-free version.

How To Make Monster Cookie Energy Bites, Step By Step

As always, you can find the full recipe, with ingredient amounts, detailed instructions, and tips in the recipe card below!

1. Start The Energy Bites. In a food processor, combine oats, peanut butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt.
2. Process Until Smooth. Pulse or grind the mixture until there are no large pieces of oats and the mixture starts to come together into a ball. Taste, and add more vanilla or salt, if desired.
3. Mix In The Goodies. Remove the blade from the food processor and add chocolate chips and candies to the energy bites mixture. Stir these in by hand with a flexible spatula or wooden spoon.
4. Scoop & Roll. Use a small cookie scoop to make 1-Tablespoon balls and roll each scoop into a smooth ball in your hands. 
5. Serve & Store. Enjoy right away or place energy balls in an airtight container in the fridge up to 1 week. They’re great for packing in lunches, after school snacks, or an on-the-go option for road trips!