Blue Ribbon Group Cha Cha Chai Energy Balls
Healthy No Bake Cookie BItes
These Cha Cha Chai Energy Balls are essentially “healthy no-bake cookie bites.” They come together easily – as in minutes – and have a rich, complex and completely satisfying taste.
With vanilla protein powder, chia seeds, and peanut butter, you have key ingredients that help you power through the day.
They make a both a great daytime snack or a bite-sized after-dinner dessert.
These chai energy balls were inspired by a 2022 Minnesota State Fair blue ribbon winning recipe by Amy Ellenberger, so recipe credit goes to her.
Chai Spice Blend
To make these chai energy balls, you start with a chai spice blend. I make it in bulk with this combination of ingredients and amounts.
- 4 tablespoons cinnamon
- 4 teaspoons cardamom
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 2 teaspoons ground cloves
- 2 teaspoons allspice
- 2 teaspoons freshly ground nutmeg
If you make it in bulk, you’ll have the chai spice blend any time you want to make these. And believe me, you’re going to want to make these chai energy balls again and again. You can make them ahead of time and freeze the “dough.” Just bring it to room temperature before rolling them into balls. With the extra chai spice blend, you can use it for an additional batch or put it your coffee. I make a chai iced coffee with it by adding the blend to leftover coffee, and adding half and half or cream, plus some ice. Delish!
What’s also great about this recipe is you can make it as spicy or mild as you like by increasing or eliminating the cayenne in them. If you wanted to “skip the rolling into balls” step, you can instead press it into a wax-paper-lined 9″x13″ inch pan. You can easily cut them into whatever size you like.
Enjoy!
-Cyndi
Cha Cha Chai Energy Balls
3 tablespoons chai spice blend (cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, allspice, and nutmeg)
2 cups rolled oats
2 cups rolled oats
1/2 cup vanilla protein powder
1/4 cup chia seeds
1/2 cup chocolate chips
1 tablespoon espresso powder
1 teaspoon cayenne (optional)
2 cups creamy peanut butter, no sugar or oil added
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Dash of salt, or to taste
In a large bowl, mix chai spice blend, oats, protein powder, chia seeds, chocolate chips, and espresso powder, plus cayenne, if desired. Add peanut butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix thoroughly with a sturdy spatula, wooden spoon, or clean/gloved hands, until all ingredients are incorporated. Scoop and shape mixture into 1-inch balls. Makes 48 (1 ounce) balls.
