Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Gingerbread Energy Balls are not only incredibly tasty but also easy to make and packed with nutritious ingredients. The combination of oats, nuts, and spices gives them a hearty, satisfying texture, while the dates provide natural sweetness and energy. The ginger, cinnamon, and cloves add a festive touch, making them a great holiday snack. These energy balls are also vegan, gluten-free, and can be made in under 15 minutes, making them perfect for busy days when you need a quick snack on the go!

Ingredients

1 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup almond butter (or peanut butter)
1/2 cup dates, pitted (about 6-8 dates)
1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut (optional)
1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Pinch of sea salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Blend the ingredients:

In a food processor, combine the oats, almond butter, dates, shredded coconut (if using), maple syrup or honey, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, sea salt, and vanilla extract.
Pulse the ingredients together until well combined. The mixture should be sticky and hold together when pressed. If the mixture feels too dry, add a little water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together. If it’s too wet, add more oats.

2. Form the energy balls:

Once the mixture is well combined, use your hands to roll it into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. If the mixture is sticky, dampen your hands with a little water to help with rolling.
Arrange the energy balls on a baking sheet or plate.

3. Chill and serve:

Place the gingerbread energy balls in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to firm up. This step helps the balls hold their shape and makes them more enjoyable to eat.
After chilling, the energy balls are ready to serve! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Servings and timing

Servings: 12-16 energy balls
Total time: 45 minutes
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Chilling time: 30 minutes

Variations

Add-ins: You can add a handful of raisins, cranberries, or even chocolate chips for extra sweetness and texture.
Nut alternatives: If you’re allergic to almonds, try using cashew butter, sunflower seed butter, or peanut butter as an alternative.
Protein boost: Add a scoop of your favorite protein powder to the mixture for an extra protein boost.
Sugar-free version: Skip the maple syrup or honey, and rely on the natural sweetness of the dates to sweeten the energy balls.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store Gingerbread Energy Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Just let them thaw for a few minutes before enjoying.
Reheating: These energy balls are meant to be enjoyed cold, so no need to reheat. Just take them straight from the fridge or freezer and enjoy as a refreshing snack.

FAQs

Can I use a different nut butter?

Yes, you can substitute almond butter with peanut butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter. Each will give a slightly different flavor, but all will work well in this recipe.

Are these energy balls suitable for a vegan diet?

Yes! This recipe is completely vegan, as it doesn’t contain any animal-based products.

Can I make these energy balls without a food processor?

Yes, if you don’t have a food processor, you can finely chop the dates and combine the ingredients in a bowl. You may need to mash the dates and mix the ingredients by hand until the mixture comes together.

Can I make these energy balls without maple syrup or honey?

Yes, the dates provide natural sweetness to the energy balls, so you can skip the additional sweeteners. The maple syrup or honey is optional and can be omitted if you prefer less sweetness.

How can I make these energy balls firmer?

If your energy balls are too soft, add more oats or a little coconut flour to the mixture until they hold their shape better.

Conclusion

Gingerbread Energy Balls are the perfect healthy snack to satisfy your cravings for gingerbread cookies without the guilt. Packed with nutritious ingredients like oats, dates, and almond butter, these bite-sized treats provide lasting energy and are perfect for a quick snack on the go. The warm, spiced flavors of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves make them a festive option during the holiday season, but they’re so delicious, you’ll want to enjoy them year-round. Make a batch today and enjoy the perfect combination of sweet and spiced in a convenient, no-bake snack!