When I was growing up, peppermint and chocolate meant the holidays were close. Back in our kitchen, my mom would stir cocoa on the stovetop while that cool mint scent filled the air. These Peppermint Chocolate Energy Balls take me right back to those moments, mixing, rolling, and waiting for them to set in the fridge. My mom always said a pinch of salt makes chocolate sing, and trust me on this, she was right. Let me tell you, these are rich, chewy, and come together fast without ever turning on the oven.
No-Bake Peppermint Chocolate Energy Balls
Equipment
- Medium Mixing Bowl
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cookie scoop (1 tablespoon)
- Parchment Paper
- baking sheet
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- ½ cup creamy almond butter or peanut butter
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract do not exceed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons mini dark chocolate chips
- Pinch of sea salt
- 1 –2 teaspoons warm water only if needed
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, stir together almond butter and maple syrup until smooth and glossy.
- Add cocoa powder, peppermint extract, vanilla, and sea salt. Mix until thick and fully blended.
- Fold in oats and chocolate chips. Stir until evenly combined.
- If mixture feels dry and crumbly, add 1 teaspoon warm water at a time until it forms a soft, sticky dough that holds when pressed.
- Scoop 1 tablespoon portions and roll firmly between your palms into balls.
- Place on parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Refrigerate for 20 minutes until firm and set.
- Texture cue: They should feel fudgy but hold their shape without sticking to your fingers.
Notes
Store in airtight container in refrigerator up to 7 days. Freezing:
Freeze up to 3 months. Let sit 5 minutes before eating. Humidity Tip:
In humid climates, chill 30 minutes for firmer set. Troubleshooting:
- Too sticky? Add 1 tablespoon oats.
- Too dry? Add 1 teaspoon nut butter.
- Peppermint too strong? Balance with 1 teaspoon maple syrup + pinch cocoa.
Nutrition
Conclusion
Between you and me, these Peppermint Chocolate Energy Balls feel like the kind of treat my mom would’ve tucked into the fridge for “just one after dinner.” That cool mint and deep cocoa remind me of my cozy peppermint mocha no-bake bites when I want something with a little coffee twist. If you love that chocolate-and-mint pairing, you might also enjoy the richer texture of chocolate mint no-bake cookies or the festive crunch in no-bake peppermint bark cookies. Trust me on this, once you make these, they’ll stay in your regular rotation.