These Cookies and Cream Energy Bites are sweet little snacks packed with crunchy cookies and creamy goodness. They’re easy to make and perfect for a quick pick-me-up!
Honestly, who can resist a treat that feels like dessert but gives you a boost? I enjoy keeping a stash in my fridge for when the snack attack hits! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: The base of these energy bites, providing great texture and fiber. If you’re gluten-sensitive, opt for gluten-free rolled oats, which work just as well!
Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter adds healthy fats and flavor. If allergies are a concern, almond butter or sunflower seed butter are excellent alternatives.
Honey or Maple Syrup: Both sweeteners are great for binding the ingredients. You can switch to agave syrup or brown rice syrup if you want a vegan option, keeping the sweetness intact.
Protein Powder: Vanilla or cookies and cream-flavored protein powder boosts protein content. Feel free to use plant-based protein if you prefer a dairy-free option.
Crushed Chocolate Sandwich Cookies: These add a wonderful crunch and flavor. If you’d like a healthier twist, try whole grain or healthier chocolate cookies. You could also skip them for a less sweet bite!
How Do I Create the Perfect Sticky Dough?
Mixing dry and wet ingredients to achieve the right dough consistency is key. If your dough seems too dry, just a bit more peanut butter or honey can help. On the other hand, if it’s too wet, adding oats or protein powder will balance it out.
- Combine your dry ingredients well first to avoid clumps.
- When adding creamy ingredients, stir thoroughly to ensure they’re evenly mixed.
- Don’t hesitate to use your hands to blend everything together; it makes it easier to judge the dough’s consistency.
How to Make Cookies and Cream Energy Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Base:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (or almond butter)
- 1/4 cup honey (or maple syrup)
- 1/2 cup protein powder (vanilla or cookies and cream flavor)
- 1/2 cup crushed chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreo)
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and an additional 30 minutes for chilling. So in total, you’ll need around 40 minutes before you can enjoy these yummy snacks!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mixing the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, protein powder, crushed chocolate sandwich cookies, and a pinch of salt. Mix them well so everything is evenly distributed. This will give your energy bites a great texture and flavor!
2. Adding the Wet Ingredients:
Next, add in the creamy peanut butter, honey, and vanilla extract to your dry mixture. Stir everything together until it’s well combined and forms a sticky dough. If your mixture seems too dry, add a little more honey or nut butter. If it’s too wet, just sprinkle in some more oats or protein powder.
3. Adding Chocolate Chips:
If you want a little extra sweetness and crunch, fold in the mini chocolate chips now. This step is optional but absolutely delicious!
4. Chilling the Mixture:
Cover your bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Chilling the mixture will make it easier to roll into balls.
5. Forming the Energy Bites:
After chilling, take the mixture out of the fridge. Using clean hands, scoop out about a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball. Repeat this with the remaining mixture until you have lots of energy bites ready to enjoy!
6. Storing Your Treats:
Place the energy bites in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for future snacking!
Enjoy your delicious and nutritious Cookies and Cream Energy Bites as a quick snack or a pre-workout boost!
Can I Use a Different Nut Butter?
Absolutely! You can substitute creamy peanut butter with almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter if you’re looking for an alternative. Just ensure the consistency is similar to peanut butter to maintain the texture of the energy bites!
How Can I Make These Energy Bites Vegan?
To make these bites vegan, simply replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. Additionally, check that your protein powder is plant-based. Enjoy the same delicious flavor without any animal products!
What If My Mixture Is Too Sticky/Too Dry?
If your mixture feels too sticky, try chilling it for a bit longer before rolling into balls. For a too-dry mixture, gradually add a little more honey or nut butter until it binds together nicely. Adjusting these ingredients will help you achieve the perfect consistency.
How Should I Store These Energy Bites?
Store the energy bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll last up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them! You can freeze the balls in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a container for best texture when thawed.
