Some mornings, I just feel like I can’t get up and around in time to get my kids and I where we need to be. These delicious M&M energy bites are perfect for hectic mornings when I need to focus on everything but making breakfast. The kids can grab a couple of these and we are out the door! They also make perfect lunch box snacks. Make them in bulk and freeze them for later!
M&M energy bites are great for snacks, too! I often take a batch of these to my son’s soccer games for him and his teammates to enjoy after a game. The kids don’t realize these are healthier than just plain candy, they just see the M&M’s and devour them. MOM WIN!
What are M&M Energy Bites?
M&M energy bites are delicious balls of protein consisting of oatmeal and peanut butter. They also have M&M’s to add the chocolate flavor that no one can resist. These M&M energy balls are a great source of protein and would make a great post workout snack!
These energy bites can easily be turned into lactation bites for nursing moms too! You can add Brewer’s yeast, chia seeds and flaxmeal to give them a milky boost. Check out my no-bake lactation bites recipe for amounts to add in.
Homemade Energy Bites Ingredients
There doesn’t take much to make these amazing balls of awesomeness! Here are the few ingredients you’ll need to make your own M&M energy balls.
- old fashioned rolled oats
- peanut butter
- maple syrup
- m&ms
- cinnamon
- tsp salt
How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Energy Bites
These M&M energy balls are super quick and easy to make and the best part is they are no bake! Who doesn’t love a delicious, healthier snack that takes only ten minutes to make?!
Step 1: Warm the peanut butter in a microwave safe bowl on high for 20 secs.
Step 2: Add all ingredients to a large bowl, starting with ½ cup maple syrup.
Step 3: Stir with a large wooden spoon until well mixed.
Step 4: Scoop 1.5-2 tablespoons of mixture at a time.
Step 5: Press mixture together in your hands to get it to stick.
Step 6: Roll into a ball and place on a parchment lined cookie sheet.
Step 7: Repeat until all of the balls have been made (using extra maple syrup if you can not get the final balls to stick.)
Step 8: Refrigerate for 30 mins before serving.
Step 9: Remove and allow to come to room temperature before serving.
What Type of Oats Do I Need?
You will want to use old fashioned rolled oats for this energy bites recipe. The old fashioned oats will stay fresh longer than quick oats, making them more desirable for M&M energy bites. Quick oats can be used but your energy bites will probably become mushy sooner than if you used old fashioned oats.
What is the Best Peanut Butter for These Energy Bites?
When it comes to what kind of peanut butter to use for these M&M energy bites, it all comes down to your personal preference. You can use the regular crunchy or smooth peanut butter or you can use a healthier alternative like almond butter. You can use other natural alternatives that are salt and sugar free, making these delicious energy bites much healthier for you.
How can I Make These Healthier?
These M&M energy bites are amazing as is, but are you looking to make some healthier choices? Decrease the amount and the size of the chocolate m&ms. Moving to the mini size will decrease the amount of sugar in the recipe. You can also use cocoa nibs or vegan chocolate chips instead of m&ms. Using all natural peanut butter (with no added salt or sugar) will still taste delicious but you will have less guilt about eating a few at a time.
How to make these lactation bites
These energy bites are great for the whole family, but they can easily be turned into lactation bites for nursing moms. Yay! Lactation recipes are really just recipes with natural, healthy ingredients. And occasionally some chocolate. You can quickly turn these into milk makers by adding in Brewer’s yeast, flaxseed meal and chia seeds. Those are all healthy ingredients for everyone in the family – but they increase lactation in nursing mamas!
How to Store Leftovers
Make extra energy bites to eat later? The best way to store your leftover energy bites is to place them in a ziplock bag or an airtight container. You will leave them in the fridge until you are ready for them. You will want to give them 5-7 minutes to come to room temperature once you pull them out of the fridge again to eat. They can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Can I Freeze Them?
Yes! You absolutely can! Place them in the freezer after they are one the baking sheet and allow them to flash freeze. Then toss them into a plastic bag and back into the freezer they go. I love freezing these energy bites for lunches! They thaw out just in time for my kiddos lunch time and they don’t get mushy.
![M&M energy bites (5)](https://mommakesdinner.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/MM-energy-bites-5-720x720.jpg)
M&M Energy Bites
The kids (and adults!) will love these easy energy bites!
Ingredients
- 3 cups old fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup warmed peanut butter
- ½-¾ cup maple syrup
- ⅓ cup chocolate m&ms
- ¼ tsp cinnamon
- ⅛ tsp salt
Instructions
- Warm the peanut butter in a microwave safe bowl on high for 20 secs.
- Add all ingredients to a large bowl, starting with ½ cup maple syrup.
- Stir with a large wooden spoon until well mixed.
- Scoop 1.5-2 tablespoons of mixture at a time.
- Press mixture together in your hands to get it to stick.
- Roll into a ball and place on parchment lined cookie sheet.
- Repeat until all of the balls have been made (using extra maple syrup if you can not get the final balls to stick.
- Refrigerate for 30 mins before serving.
- Remove and allow to come to room temperature before serving.
Other Energy Bites to Try
Did you fall in love with these M&M energy bites? Here are some other amazing bites to try!
- Gluten free cookie dough bites
- No-bake lactation bites
- Pumpkin energy bites
- Cinnamon apple bites
- Almond joy bites
Have you made this recipe? I’d love for you to leave a review in the recipe card above or the comment section. Want to try it later? Save the image below!
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Veldine says
These were so Awesome!
Quick, easy & delicious!
Kelley says
So happy you enjoyed them!