Peanut butter oat balls are made with just four simple ingredients, require no baking, and are one of the easiest snacks you'll ever make! They're quick, effortless, and absolutely delicious!
Why I Love This Recipe
These are a huge hit in my household! I keep them in my freezer for an easy, grab-and-go snack whenever someone's craving something sweet. My daughter has even been asking for them in her lunch every single day this week!
If you're looking for a simple homemade snack that's packed with protein (hello, peanut butter!) and comes together in minutes, this is it!
The best part? These are cheap, fast, and healthy-what's not to love!? You only need four basic ingredients. Actually, this recipe is super similar to my peanut butter oat bars (which you might want to try too!). Just mix everything in a bowl, roll into balls, and you're done-no baking required! It really couldn't be easier.
Featured Comment
"So easy! We love this recipe! This is an easy "go to" recipe that we will continue to use over and over again! Perfect amount of sweetness mixed with peanut butter. I pack 2-3 balls in my lunch and kids lunches to act as a little "pick me up" when you need a quick snack." - Daniels
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Ready for the easiest recipe ever!? You'll have this energy bites recipe whipped up in under 10 minutes. The only time-consuming part is rolling them into balls.
Recipe Ingredients
- 3 cups old fashioned rolled oats or quick oats
- 1 ¼ cup creamy peanut butter, almond butter or sunflower seed butter
- ¾ cup maple syrup or honey
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
Optional Add-Ins
These can add extra nutrition or boost the flavor. My only recommendation is to not use too much. You want to make sure that the balls will still stick together nicely.
- Nuts - Add chopped almonds or peanuts for crunch (pulse in a blender for smaller pieces).
- Seeds - Try chia, hemp, or ground flaxseed for extra nutrition. Use pumpkin or sunflower seeds sparingly.
- Protein Powder - Mix in 1-2 scoops (plain or chocolate).
- Molasses - Swap for maple syrup if you love its deep flavor.
- Dried Fruit - Add raisins, cranberries, or chopped dried mango/pineapple.
- Coconut - Use unsweetened shredded coconut to avoid extra sugar.
- Chocolate Drizzle - Melt and drizzle for a decadent touch.
- Mini M&Ms - A fun swap for chocolate chips!
How To Make Peanut Butter Oatmeal Balls
Full ingredients and instructions are also in the recipe card at the bottom of this blog post.
STEP 1: Mix Ingredients
Add 3 cups oats, 1 ¼ cups peanut butter, ¾ cup maple syrup, and ½ cup mini chocolate chips to a large bowl. Mix until well combined. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to help firm up the mixture.
STEP 2: Roll Into Balls
Roll into 1-tablespoon-sized balls and place on a baking sheet.Store in the fridge or freezer until ready to eat.
Recipe Tips
- Swap peanut butter with nut butter, sunflower seed butter or tahini. This is what helps the energy balls to stick together.
- If you're having trouble getting the balls to stick together, you can add a little more peanut butter to see if that helps.
- Be sure to refrigerate the oat mixture for 10 minutes before forming the balls. This will firm up the texture and make it easier to roll.
- Energy balls soften when they are at room temperature. This is why I recommend storing in the fridge or freezer. If taking one for lunch, store it in the freezer and pop one into your lunch bag. It will be thawed by lunchtime.
- Use a small cookie scoop or 1 Tbsp measuring spoon to roll the balls into similar sizes.
- Lay the energy balls flat while freezing. This will help them maintain their shape and keep them from sticking together.
Can You Eat Raw Oats In Energy Balls?
Yes! Oats can be eaten raw, but you'll get the best texture if they're soaked first. Mixing them with the other energy ball ingredients takes care of that, making them soft and easy to eat.
How To Store Leftovers
My top recommendation is to store these in the freezer-I love the texture when they're frozen!
- Freezer: Place the balls on a baking sheet and freeze for 2-3 hours to prevent sticking. Once firm, transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 6 months. They're easy to eat straight from the freezer!
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for 4-5 days. If stacking, separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Peanut Butter Oat Balls
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Ingredients
- 3 cups old fashioned rolled oats - or quick oats
- 1 ¼ cup creamy peanut butter - nut butter or seed butter
- ¾ cup maple syrup - or liquid honey
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Add 3 cups oats, 1 ¼ cups peanut butter, ¾ cup maple syrup, and ½ cup mini chocolate chips to a large bowl. Mix until well combined. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to help firm up the mixture.
- Roll into 1-tablespoon-sized balls and place on a baking sheet.Store in the fridge or freezer until ready to eat.
Nutrition
Nutrition info is auto-calculated and meant to be an approximation only.
Will says
Thank you for this recipe. Question: can i use Almond Butter instead of peanut?
Andi Anne says
It should work the same way. I haven't tried it personally though.
Dawn says
These are so easy and yummy! I use honey instead of maple syrup and Smuckers natural peanut butter. These make great treats and also a wonderful breakfast on the go!
Brooke says
I love to shake some cinnamon into my mix too!
Lori Schmitt says
My little grands love these, but I don’t like the mess. As they are eating them (right out of the freezer) their hands end up gummy from the peanut butter
Heather Fletcher says
Would I be able to use sugar free syrup?
Andi Anne says
It should work! Let me know if you try it
Krysta Joyner says
How many would be considered one serving ?
Andi Anne says
Hi. 1-2 energy balls would be a serving.
Maddie says
Love these! I like to add chia seeds and salt to mine!
Yasmeen says
So do the oats need to be soaked before making these?
Andi says
Hi! No they don't need to be.
Jessie D says
Delicious and the girls love them 🙂 thank you for sharing.