Chocolate Brownie Energy Balls

how to make Chocolate Brownie Energy Balls - healthy snacks with seeds and dates, with a chocolate brownie flavor!

I never know whether to call them energy balls to protein balls or energy bites...but whatever the name, these chocolate brownie energy balls are the cat's pajamas. (Is that a saying? The bee's knees?)


Chocolate Brownie Energy Balls are healthy little bites loaded with chocolate brownie flavor, the perfect pick-me-up! Now y'all...they're not fudgy brownies with a crackly top and melty chocolate chips inside. They ARE darn delicious, though, and I think you'll love them like I do.


Chocolate Brownie Energy Balls

If you're like me and frequently crave a little something sweet but know that you really shouldn't have that seventh cookie, energy balls are for you. Two of my past favorites are spiced pumpkin energy balls and pecan pie energy balls.


Chocolate Brownie Energy Balls


Why make energy balls?

 I'll tell you why I love them:

  • they're easy to make a keep onhand.
  • they contain good ingredients like seeds, dates, and nuts.
  • they satisfy my sweet tooth. 

Chocolate Brownie Energy Ball Ingredients

Chocolate Brownie Energy Balls ingredients

The ingredients in the bites are simple: sunflower seeds, Medjool dates, cocoa powder, vanilla, espresso powder, salt, and mini chocolate chips. 

The espresso powder is there to boost the flavor of the chocolate. It was important to me that these taste like chocolate - not like dates. I like dates, but these are BROWNIE energy balls, and chocolate needs to be the overriding flavor. There's not enough in here to make your kids go crazy or keep you up at night, but there is enough to give a little oomph to the cocoa.

Salt is also key here. Don't skip that second pinch of fine sea salt.

Chocolate Brownie Energy Balls ingredients

Unlike energy balls I've made in the past, these contain chocolate chips - just a bit. By my calculations, if you end up with 24 balls, each one will have approximately 1/3 teaspoon of mini chips

I use a tablespoon of vanilla almond butter in these for both taste and texture; Justin's Vanilla Almond Butter is my favorite. If you can't do almonds, try sunflower butter, cashew butter, or even coconut butter. Peanut butter would work here, too, but you'll definitely get that peanut butter flavor.


How to Make Chocolate Brownie Energy Balls


how to make Chocolate Brownie Energy Balls

First, whir the sunflower seeds and salt in a food processor until finely ground.

how to make Chocolate Brownie Energy Balls

Next up, add the dates and almond butter. You'll want to process until you can't see big chunks of dates. After I snapped this photo, I gave it a bit more time in the processor as I noticed some date chunks in the mix. 

how to make Chocolate Brownie Energy Balls

Finally, the cocoa powder (I like Dutch-process), vanilla extract, and espresso powder get added. You'll be looking for it to combine and hold its shape when pressed together. Last but not least, pulse the mini chips in until incorporated.

how to make Chocolate Brownie Energy Balls

This energy ball recipe is a little drier than most, but it will hold its shape. I portion them with a small cookie scoop, then press together and roll with my hands. 

Store in the refrigerator. These are perfect for a snack, a pick-me-up, and even a quick breakfast on-the-go! 


Chocolate Brownie Energy Balls
(makes 20-24)

1/2 cup raw sunflower seeds
2 pinches fine sea salt
1 cup chopped Medjool dates
1 heaping tablespoon vanilla almond butter (such as Justin's)
2 1/2 tablespoons Dutch-process cocoa
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon espresso powder
1/4 cup mini chocolate chips

Whir the sunflower seeds and salt in a food processor on high until finely ground. Add the dates and almond butter. Process until the dates are finely chopped and evenly distributed. 

Add the cocoa powder to the food processor bowl. Stir together the vanilla extract and espresso powder, pour into the mix. Process until the mixture holds its shape when pressed together. Use the pulse button to incorporate the mini chips.

Portion using a small cookie scoop or teaspoon, then press together and roll into 1-inch balls. 

Store in the refrigerator. 

Chocolate Brownie Energy Balls


I think I need a little snack! A chocolate brownie snack!



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