Make ’em fruity: Replace the chocolate chips with dried fruit, like raisins, cranberries or chopped apricots, for a naturally sweet, chewy bite.
Switch up the nut butter: Try a different nut butter, like almond or cashew, for a slightly different flavor. Need a nut-free option? Try the oatmeal balls with sunflower butter made from sunflower seeds.
Boost the nutrition: Add 1 or 2 tablespoons of chia seeds, ground flaxseed or hemp seeds for extra fiber, protein and healthy fats.
How to Store Peanut Butter Oatmeal Balls
Store oatmeal peanut butter balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to one week.
Can you freeze peanut butter and oatmeal balls?
Yes! For longer storage, place the peanut butter and oatmeal balls in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until firm. Transfer them to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag and store them in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge or let them sit at room temperature to soften.
Peanut Butter Oatmeal Ball Tips
Are quick oats or old-fashioned oats better for energy balls?
Quick oats are thinner than old-fashioned oats, so they absorb moisture more easily and create a softer texture that holds together well. That makes them perfect for no-bake treats like these oatmeal peanut butter balls.
You can use old-fashioned oats, but your pb oatmeal balls will be chewier, and the mixture may not bind as well. You may need to add a spoonful of extra peanut butter or sweetener to help the mixture come together. You could also try pulsing rolled oats a few times in a food processor or blender to chop them into smaller pieces.
What kind of peanut butter should I use?
Creamy peanut butter is ideal for these pb oatmeal balls because it helps bind the ingredients and creates a smooth texture. Regular or natural peanut butter works well—just be sure to stir natural varieties first if there’s any oil separation. You can use chunky peanut butter for crunch, but the chunkier mixture might be tougher to roll.
Why are my peanut butter and oatmeal balls falling apart?
If your peanut butter and oatmeal balls aren’t holding together, it’s usually because the mixture is too dry and needs more moisture. When making energy balls, I always wet my hands with water before rolling—it adds enough moisture to keep the mixture from sticking and helps me form smooth, firm balls. If the mixture still feels crumbly, add a little extra peanut butter, honey or maple syrup to help it stick together.
Ingredients
1-3/4 cups quick-cooking oats
1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips
Directions
1
In a large bowl, combine all ingredients. Refrigerate 1 hour or until firm enough to roll. Shape into 1-1/2-in. balls. Store in the refrigerator.
Nutrition Facts
1 ball: 91 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 26mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
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