Peanut butter oatmeal balls are the ultimate make-ahead snack. This no-bake recipe is chewy, nutty, naturally sweetened and includes chocolate—perfect for an afternoon energy boost or satisfying a sweet craving.
Peanut butter oatmeal balls are the perfect bite-sized treats to meal prep for grab-and-go snacks or little pick-me-ups throughout the week. This healthy snack is made with just four pantry staples, with no cooking required. They’re chewy, nutty and naturally sweetened, with just enough chocolate to satisfy your sweet tooth. They’re sized just right for packing in lunchboxes, taking on road trips or anytime you need an energy boost between meals.
Ingredients for Peanut Butter Oatmeal Balls
Oats: We recommend using quick-cooking oats, which give these snack balls a softer texture that holds together well. You can use old-fashioned oats in a pinch, but they’ll produce a heartier, chewier texture.
Honey or maple syrup: Either is a great choice for natural sweetness and will help bind everything together. Honey gives a lighter, floral-like sweetness, while maple syrup brings more depth and caramel notes.
Peanut butter: Creamy peanut butter gives these energy balls a rich, nutty flavor and a smooth texture. You can use chunky, but the added peanut pieces may make the balls trickier to roll and hold together.
Chocolate chips: Mini chocolate chips are sized just right for mixing evenly throughout the dough and adding a hint of chocolate in each bite without overpowering the other ingredients.
Directions
Step 1: Mix the ingredients
Combine the oats, sweetener, peanut butter and mini chocolate chips in a large mixing bowl. Stir until well combined and evenly coated. The mixture will be thick, but a sturdy wooden spoon or spatula can help bring it together.
Editor’s Tip: If your peanut butter is a little stiff, warm it in the microwave for about 15 seconds to make mixing easier.
Step 2: Chill until firm
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for one hour, until the mixture is firm enough to roll without sticking to your hands.
Step 3: Roll into balls, then store
Shape the mixture into 1-1/2-inch balls.
Editor’s Tip: A cookie scoop works great for scooping the mixture into uniform portions.
Pack the oatmeal peanut butter balls in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator.
Peanut Butter Oatmeal Ball Variations
Try trail mix balls: Toss in crushed pretzels, seeds, dried fruit, mini M&M’s or your favorite trail mix combo for a sweet-and-salty snack.
Create double-chocolate balls: Stir 1 to 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder into the mixture for peanut butter and chocolate energy balls.
Prep coconut-chocolate balls: Add 1/4 cup shredded unsweetened coconut for tropical flavor. Roll the peanut butter and oatmeal balls in extra coconut for even more texture.
Assemble cookie balls: Add a sprinkle of ground cinnamon and a splash of vanilla extract for cozy oatmeal cookie vibes.
Add protein: Increase the protein with a scoop of protein powder. Vanilla or chocolate flavored varieties work well, but use your favorite. You may need more honey or maple syrup if the mixture becomes too dry.
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