CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER ENERGY BALLS
September 29, 2026
During the first few weeks after my baby was born, I was hungry all the time, but finding a moment to make food was another story. Having these chocolate peanut butter energy balls ready in the fridge helped so much. I could grab one between meals and they tasted enough like a treat that I looked forward to them.
I first made them as a snack for myself while breastfeeding, but my husband ended up liking them a lot too. They ended up becoming a staple in the house. The peanut butter, oats, honey, and chocolate chips make a chewy, sweet bite that anyone can enjoy. You can include the brewer’s yeast or leave it out; the recipe works either way.
Recipe Ingredients
Peanut Butter: Holds the mixture together and gives the balls their chocolate peanut butter flavor. A runnier peanut butter may need a little extra oats to make the mixture easy to roll.
Raw Honey or Maple Syrup: Sweetens the balls and helps bind them. I use whichever one I have on hand (or a mix of both).
Rolled Oats: Give the balls their chewy, granola-like texture. Sometimes I blend part of the oats into a flour for a smoother texture that holds together well.
Flaxseed Meal: Mixes into the oats and adds a slightly nutty flavor.
Brewer’s Yeast: Optional, but I like adding it when I make these for myself while breastfeeding. It has a distinct flavor, so the peanut butter and chocolate help balance it.
Cinnamon: Adds a little warmth without making the balls taste strongly of cinnamon.
Coconut Oil: Helps bring the mixture together. Melt it before adding it to the bowl.
Mini Chocolate Chips: Spread little bits of chocolate throughout each ball. Regular chocolate chips work too if that’s what you have.
Why I add Brewer’s Yeast
Brewer’s yeast is often used in snacks made for breastfeeding mothers. It provides B vitamins protein to support cellular metabolism and combat tiredness. It can help with digestive and immune support by acting as a probiotic. They can also help with skin, hair and nails by promoting keratin synthesis and cellular health. This supplement is often used for lactating mothers to support or increase milk supply.
Though I don’t rely on these energy balls to increase milk supply. There isn’t good evidence that adding brewer’s yeast to a recipe will do that. What I do know is that having something filling and easy to eat was valuable when I was newly postpartum and struggling to find time for a meal. Good nutrition matters while breastfeeding, and these made it easier for me to have a snack ready.
Whole or Blended Oats
I usually use a mixture rolled oats and blended oats. Whole oats give the balls more chew; blended oats make the texture a little softer. You can try both and see which you prefer. But you can use whichever you have, I have done both individually and the outcome is still very good.
Honey or Maple Syrup
Both work in this recipe. Honey makes a slightly thicker mixture, while maple syrup may leave it a little softer. If the mixture feels too sticky to roll, chill it first or mix in a small amount of additional oats.
Mini or Regular Chocolate Chips
Mini chocolate chips distribute more evenly, so you get chocolate in each bite. Regular chocolate chips are perfectly fine too.
Storage
Keep the finished energy balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. You can also freeze them in a sealed container for longer storage and thaw a few at a time in the fridge.
Explore some of my favorite recommended products to support your health journey (displayed on this page as affiliate links), and remember to always consult a healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet or lifestyle—full medical disclaimer here.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Energy Balls
EQUITMENT
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spoon or spatula
- Airtight container or bag
INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup peanut butter
- â…“ cup raw honey or real maple syrup
- 1½ cups rolled oats
- ¼ cup flaxseed meal
- 4 tbsp brewer’s yeast optional
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp coconut oil melted
- â…“ cup mini chocolate chips or regular chocolate chips
DIRECTIONS
- Optional: If you want a softer texture, blend some of the rolled oats into a coarse flour. Leave the rest whole.
- In a mixing bowl, stir together the peanut butter, honey or maple syrup, and melted coconut oil.1 cup peanut butter,â…“ cup raw honey or real maple syrup,2 tbsp coconut oil
- Add the oats, flaxseed meal, brewer’s yeast if using, and cinnamon. Stir until everything is evenly combined.1½ cups rolled oats,¼ cup flaxseed meal,4 tbsp brewer’s yeast,½ tsp ground cinnamon
- Fold in the chocolate chips. If the mixture is too soft or sticky to shape, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes. If still too sticky add more blended oats, if too dry add more coconut oil.â…“ cup mini chocolate chips
- Roll tightly into 1 1/2 tbsp balls and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
NUTRITION
I don’t count calories, but I do care about what goes into our food—and I especially appreciated having something satisfying and ready to eat during those first hungry weeks after my baby was born. These chocolate peanut butter energy balls taste like a treat, but the ingredients offer more than sweetness alone.
Peanut butter brings protein and fat that make the balls satisfying, while rolled oats and flaxseed meal add fiber. Flaxseed also provides a plant-based omega-3 fat called ALA. When I include brewer’s yeast, it adds some B vitamins and probiotics. Honey or maple syrup gives them sweetness, and the chocolate chips make them feel like a little treat between meals.
