Peanut Butter Energy Bites

 

 

My kids have been burning a lot of energy, and calories, running around outside these last few weeks. They come home starved for snacks. But, if I see one more pretzel or cheddar bunny buried in my couch, I may scream. I’m not against giving my kids easy meals – I am human, I am hot, I am tired, and most of all, they like them. But I also want their growing bodies to get the best possible fuel for all this activity. I need to vary the menu a bit from time to time.

I have tried several versions of this snack over the past few months and I am finally happy with the result. These recipes are all over the Internet, and I even bought a bakery version to try out recently, which was insanely delicious. I think their addition of cocoa powder was what sealed the deal for my kids, and thus, I incorporated it into my own recipe. The hidden chia seeds are a healthy bonus.

I am also a huge peanut butter proponent. I ate it daily while pregnant and I encourage my kids to do similarly. There is so much healthy fat and protein, I feel that it cancels out the addition of honey and chocolate, and I cannot think of a heartier toddler snack.

They are also incredibly easy to make. It literally takes two minutes to mix them up,  making them a fun cooking lesson for kids, as well. Brody is very enthusiastic about working in the kitchen and was happy to stir the ingredients and taste the batter as I poured. Bryce just wanted to watch Peppa Pig.

These keep well in the freezer. I store them in a plastic bag or container and then take a few out to soften about an hour before serving. They are also pretty good straight out of the freezer if you are impatient or forgetful, like me.

Peanut Butter Energy Balls

1/2 cup of chocolate chips

1/2 cup of toasted coconut (I toast them quickly in the oven at 350 degrees but you can buy pre-toasted)

1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

1 teaspoon of chia seeds

2 tablespoons of cocoa powder

2/3 cup of peanut butter

1 cup of old fashioned oats

1/3 honey

Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl. Chill for 20 minutes before rolling into golf-ball sized balls. Store in an air-tight container in the freezer, or refrigerator if serving within the next 2-3 days.