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‘Tis the season for fun food! Our Christmas Energy Balls are a festive and nutritious twist on traditional holiday treats. Packed with healthy fats from pistachios, fiber-rich coconut flour, and antioxidant-rich matcha, these homemade bite-sized morsels will keep you energized and satisfied for hours. If you are looking for another healthy Christmas snack idea, check out our Cucumber Christmas Trees!
Table of Contents
- Why you’ll love this recipe
- What are Christmas Energy Balls?
- Ingredients
- Variations/ Adaptations
- How to make Christmas Energy Balls
- Tips for the best result
- Choosing Good Matcha for your Energy Balls
- OKAY, so what IS Matcha anyway?!
- Serving Suggestions
- Leftover Storage and Reheat Instructions
- Recipe FAQs
- Nourishing Christmas Energy Balls Recipe
Why you’ll love this recipe
- No-Bake: These easy energy balls are a no-bake recipe that is perfect for a holiday season that is already jam packed.
- Packed with nutrition: Flaxseed, matcha powder and pistachios are the star nutritional ingredients in this festive energy bite recipe.
- Crowd favorite: Share these with your entire Christmas party because even the kids will love them.
Looking for more energy ball recipe ideas? Check out some of our other favorites like Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge, Chocolate Brownie Energy Balls, Energy Packed Trail Mix Balls
What are Christmas Energy Balls?
Our red, green and white colored Christmas Energy Balls are extra special and healthy sweet treats, perfect for the holiday season when you really want to have some fun healthy treats. With no refined sugars, no artificial additives, and loads of vitamins and minerals, you can feel good about sharing these with loved ones.
The combination of healthy fats, complex carbohydrates, and natural sweetness from honey and dried cranberries makes them a perfect snack for busy holiday schedules.
They’re easy to make and can be prepped ahead, so you can focus on what matters most…spreading joy and making memories.
Ingredients
The delicious ingredients that come together and make this Christmas Energy Ball recipe fantastic are the following:
For the balls:
1/2 cup shelled pistachios
1/4 cup coconut flour
1/4 cup almond flour
2 Tbsps organic unsweetened shredded coconut
2 tsps matcha powder
2 tsps pure vanilla or almond extract
1 Tbsp unrefined organic coconut oil
1/4 cup raw honey or pure maple syrup
For the Coating:
1/4 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
2 Tbsps unsweetened shredded coconut
See the recipe card for full information on all ingredients and quantities.
Variations/ Adaptations
- Replace the nuts: If you have a nut allergy, consider using ground seeds, like sunflower seeds, or roasted chickpeas instead.
- Replace the sugar: If you are sugar free, you may want to consider using an alternative to maple syrup or honey. I suggest allulose, stevia, or a monk fruit sweetener as a zero calorie alternative, or mashed banana or apple sauce for a natural sweetener with more fiber. Keep in mind, you will need to adjust the amount of flour you use based on the sweetener you use.
How to make Christmas Energy Balls
Step 1. Add your pistachios into a food processor and process until crumbled.
Add in the coconut flour, almond flour, shredded coconut, matcha, vanilla, and melted coconut oil. Process until combined, scraping the sides of the food processor as needed.
Add in the honey and process until everything starts to come together into a sticky ball.
Step 2. Take a spoonful of your mixture and roll it between your palms to create 8 evenly sized balls.
Step 3. Very finely chop your dried cranberries then whisk them together with the shredded coconut.
Step 4. Roll each of the balls in this mixture. Gently apply some pressure to help the coconut-cranberry coating adhere.
Step 5. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Step 6. Enjoy this fun and healthy holiday treat!
Tips for the best result
Use High-Quality Matcha: A high-quality matcha will increase the health benefits of these Christmas Energy Balls.
Choosing Good Matcha for your Energy Balls
Choosing a high-quality matcha powder can be a bit overwhelming, but here are some tips to help you make the right choice:
- Look for ceremonial or premium grade: Ceremonial grade matcha is of higher quality and is intended for drinking/consuming. Premium grade matcha is also high quality but may have a slightly lower L-theanine content.
- Check the origin: Matcha from Japan, particularly from the Uji region of Kyoto, is considered to be of higher quality.
- Color and aroma: High-quality matcha should have a vibrant green color and a fresh, grassy aroma.
- L-theanine content: Matcha with higher L-theanine content (around 40-50mg per 8oz cup) is considered better quality.
- Price: High-quality matcha can range from $20 to $50 or more per ounce, depending on the grade and origin.
- Certifications: Look for certifications like USDA Organic, JAS Organic, or Fair Trade.
- Taste: Try a small sample before buying a larger quantity to ensure you like the taste.
- Packaging: Matcha is sensitive to light and air, so look for packaging that protects it from both.
- Expiration date: Make sure the matcha has a clear expiration date or a “best by” date.
- Research the brand: Learn about the brand’s reputation, sourcing, and production processes to ensure you’re getting a high-quality product.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to choosing a high-quality matcha powder that will provide you with a delicious and nutritious addition to your healthy lifestyle.
OKAY, so what IS Matcha anyway?!
Matcha is a finely ground green tea powder that offers numerous health benefits due to its high antioxidant content and unique nutrients. Here are some of the key health benefits of matcha:
- High in Antioxidants: Matcha contains high levels of antioxidants called catechins, which may help protect against heart disease, cancer, and other diseases.
- Boosts Energy and Alertness: Matcha contains caffeine, which can help increase energy and alertness. However, the L-theanine content in matcha helps balance out the caffeine, providing a calm and focused energy.
- Supports Weight Loss: Matcha has been shown to aid in weight loss by increasing metabolism and fat burning.
- May Help Lower Cholesterol: Studies have shown that matcha may help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.
- Anti-Inflammatory: Matcha contains anti-inflammatory compounds that may help reduce inflammation and improve overall health.
- Supports Brain Health: The L-theanine in matcha may help improve focus, concentration, and memory.
- May Help Regulate Blood Sugar: Matcha has been shown to help regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity.
- Supports Immune System: Matcha contains antioxidants and other nutrients that may help support the immune system.
- May Help Reduce Stress: The L-theanine in matcha may help reduce stress levels and promote relaxation.
- Supports Healthy Digestion: Matcha contains fiber and other nutrients that may help support healthy digestion.
Overall, matcha is a nutrient-dense food that can be a great addition to a healthy diet and lifestyle. However, it’s important to note that more research is needed to confirm some potential health benefits.
Looking for more recipes that include matcha powder? Try one of these: Raspberry Matcha Chia Pudding, Matcha Yogurt Breakfast Bowls, Energizing Icy-Cold Matcha Latte
Serving Suggestions
These Christmas energy bites are perfect for snacking or adding to a holiday spread. Here are a few more of my clean recipes you can add to your holiday table:
- Christmas-Morning Cranberry Spread
- Gingerbread Overnight Oats
- Creamy Micro Chopped Salad
- Festive Pumpkin Pie Tarts
Leftover Storage and Reheat Instructions
Refrigerate these energy balls until ready to serve. They will stay good in the fridge for 2 weeks and in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Recipe FAQs
Are energy balls actually healthy?
All of the ingredients are nutrient dense, whole foods. Each ingredient provides unique vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
How many energy balls can you eat a day?
How many energy balls can you eat a day?
A serving size is 1 or 2 balls depending on your appetite, goals, activity level etc.
Just be mindful of portion sizes, as these energy balls are calorie-dense.
Are homemade energy balls good for you?
The ingredients in these Christmas Energy Balls are generally considered healthy and nutritious.
- Dried cranberries: Rich in antioxidants and fiber, dried cranberries support heart health and immune function.
- Pistachios: Rich in healthy fats, protein, and fiber, pistachios support heart health and satisfy hunger.
- Coconut flour: High in fiber and protein, coconut flour is a popular choice for low-carb and gluten-free baking.
- Almond flour: A good source of healthy fats, protein, and fiber, almond flour is a nutritious alternative to traditional flour.
- Unsweetened shredded coconut: Rich in fiber and antioxidants, unsweetened coconut supports digestive health.
- Matcha powder: Packed with antioxidants and caffeine, matcha powder boosts energy and supports overall well-being.
- Unrefined organic coconut oil: A healthy source of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) that support heart health.
- Raw honey or pure maple syrup: Natural sweeteners that contain antioxidants and have antimicrobial properties.
Do energy balls give you energy?
Yes! Healthy fats are good for energy. They provide a steady, long-lasting fuel source that keeps you going throughout the day. This recipe contains whole food healthy fats such as pistachios and coconut.
Matcha also gives you energy. It contains caffeine and the amino acid L-theanine, which work together to provide a sustained, balanced energy boost.
Will regular flour work in this recipe?
No. I would not recommend using all purpose flour for this recipe. The combination of coconut flour and almond flour create the best texture and flavor for these balls.
Do you love healthy sweet treats as much as I do? Then you will love these healthy recipes: Chocolatey Brownie Muffins, Blueberry Cottage Cheese Bake, Peanut Butter Apple Cookies.
Nourishing Christmas Energy Balls
Ingredients
For the balls:
- 1/2 cup shelled pistachios
- 1/4 cup coconut flour
- 1/4 cup almond flour
- 2 Tbsps organic unsweetened shredded coconut
- 2 tsps matcha powder
- 2 tsps pure vanilla or almond extract
- 1 Tbsp unrefined organic coconut oil, melted
- 1/4 cup raw honey or pure maple syrup
For the Coating:
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
- 2 Tbsps unsweetened shredded coconut
Instructions
- Add your pistachios into a food processor and process until crumbled.
- Add in the coconut flour, almond flour, shredded coconut, matcha, vanilla, and melted coconut
- oil. Process until combined, scraping the sides of the food processor as
- needed.
- Add in the honey and process until everything starts to come together into a
- sticky ball.
- Take a spoonful of your mixture and roll it between your palms to create 8 even sized balls.
- Very finely chop your dried cranberries then whisk them together with the shredded coconut.
- Roll each of the balls in this mixture. Gently apply some pressure to help the coconut-cranberry coating adhere.
Notes
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- These stay good in the refrigerator for a week and the freezer for 2 months.
