Looking for the perfect snack that’s filling, naturally sweet, and packed with protein and healthy fats? These No-Bake Oatmeal Peanut Butter Balls are just the thing you need for those moments when you’re hungry and don’t know what to grab. They’re nourishing enough to keep little (and big) bellies satisfied, with just the right touch of sweetness to feel like a treat.
When my kids ask for a snack, I usually give them the same canned answer: “You can have a meat stick, a cheese stick, an apple, or an orange.” I want to offer something that fills their little stomachs, supports good eating habits, and provides real nourishment. Most days, that does the trick—but sometimes they want something more substantial and with just a touch of sweetness. That’s where these come in.
I love that these power balls are rich in protein and healthy fats—two things I’m always trying to include more of in my kids’ diets. Most importantly, they love them…so much so that I can’t add them to my regular snack list, or I’d be making a batch every day!
Ingredients
I love the simplicity and nutrient density of the ingredients in these No-Bake Oatmeal Peanut Butter Balls—every single one is something I feel good about eating myself and serving my family. They’re also incredibly customizable, making it easy to switch things up or try a new flavor whenever you’d like—we usually do chocolate.
- Oats — Add structure and nutrient density. I use gluten-free sprouted rolled oats, but any oats you have on hand will work just fine.
- Peanut butter — Natural or organic peanut butter with a runny consistency works best. Look for one with just peanuts and salt on the ingredient label.
- Honey — Raw, unfiltered honey gives the best flavor and natural sweetness, but any honey you have will do the job.
- Cocoa powder — Brings in the chocolate flavor without needing extra sugar. Not feeling chocolate? Check out the Variations section for other flavors.
- Chia seeds — Add a boost of fiber and extra nutrition without changing the flavor or texture.
- Coconut oil – Adds healthy fat and helps the power balls hold together while giving a subtle coconut flavor; feel free to substitute butter or if you prefer.
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Step 1: Mix the wet ingredients
In a large bowl, mix the peanut butter, honey, coconut oil, and vanilla until smooth.
Step 2: Blend the dry ingredients
Add the oats, cocoa powder, and chia seeds to a blender and blend until finely ground.
Not feeling chocolate? Omit the cocoa powder and check out the Variations section below!
Step 3: Combine & mix
Pour the blended oat mixture into the bowl with the liquid ingredients and mix until fully incorporated. It may seem like it won't come together at first, but keep working it. Using your hands to knead it like dough toward the end really helps.
Step 4: Form into balls
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a 1½-tablespoon cookie scoop, portion the mixture and roll each scoop into a ball. Repeat until all the mixture is used.
Step 5: Enjoy & store
Enjoy right away or store in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer. This recipe makes about 30 balls.
Hint: I like to stick the parchment lined baking sheet with the balls on it in the freezer for a few minutes to firm up. I'll then transfer them to a container and keep in the fridge or put them in a freezer bag and store in the freezer. If freezing, they thaw in just a few minutes, making them perfect for grabbing on the go or packing in a lunchbox.
Substitutions
- Peanut butter - Swap with almond butter or another nut butter of your choice.
- Cocoa powder - If you’re not in the mood for chocolate, feel free to omit it and check out the variations below for additional flavor ideas.
- Chia seeds - Feel free to omit or substitute with flaxseeds instead.
- Coconut oil - If you prefer to avoid the hint of coconut flavor, butter works just as well.
Variations
Here are a few easy ways to switch these up and create new flavors:
- Double Chocolate - Make the No-Bake Oatmeal Chocolate Peanut Butter balls as is and mix in mini chocolate chips.
- Peanut Butter - Omit the cocoa powder and let the peanut butter flavor shine.
- Chocolate Chip - Omit the cocoa powder and mix in mini chocolate chips.
- Cinnamon - Skip the cocoa powder and substitute 1 tablespoon of cinnamon.
- Coconut - Leave out the cocoa powder and lean into the coconut flavor by adding shredded coconut instead.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Blender
- Cookie sheet
- Cookie scoop
Storage
Keep leftover balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, place them in a freezer bag and freeze for up to three months. They thaw in just a few minutes at room temperature, so you can pull out however many you need and they'll be ready to eat in no time.
Print
No-Bake Oatmeal Peanut Butter Balls
Looking for the perfect snack that’s filling, naturally sweet, and packed with protein and healthy fats? These No-Bake Oatmeal Peanut Butter Balls are just the thing you need for those moments when you’re hungry and don’t know what to grab. They’re nourishing enough to keep little (and big) bellies satisfied, with just the right touch of sweetness to feel like a treat.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 30 Balls
Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup honey
- ¼ cup melted coconut oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 6 cups oats
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- ¼ cup chia seeds
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix the peanut butter, honey, coconut oil, and vanilla until smooth.
- Add the oats, cocoa powder, and chia seeds to a blender and blend until finely ground. Not feeling chocolate? Omit the cocoa powder and check out the Variations section!
- Pour the blended oat mixture into the bowl with the liquid ingredients and mix until fully incorporated. It may seem like it won't come together at first, but keep working it. Using your hands to knead it like dough toward the end really helps.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a 1½-tablespoon cookie scoop, portion the mixture and roll each scoop into a ball. Repeat until all the mixture is used.
- Enjoy right away or store in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer. This recipe makes about 30 No-Bake Oatmeal Peanut Butter Balls
Notes
I like to stick the parchment lined baking sheet with the balls on it in the freezer for a few minutes to firm up. I'll then transfer them to a container and keep in the fridge or put them in a freezer bag and store in the freezer. If freezing, they thaw in just a few minutes, making them perfect for grabbing on the go or packing in a lunchbox.
Variations:
Double Chocolate - Make the No-Bake Oatmeal Chocolate Peanut Butter balls as is and mix in mini chocolate chips.
Peanut Butter - Omit the cocoa powder and let the peanut butter flavor shine.
Chocolate Chip - Omit the cocoa powder and mix in mini chocolate chips.
Cinnamon - Skip the cocoa powder and substitute 1 tablespoon of cinnamon.
Coconut - Leave out the cocoa powder and lean into the coconut flavor by adding shredded coconut instead.
- Category: Snack
- Diet: Gluten Free
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Joyce Carpenter says
Delicious! Will be making again - they are disappearing quickly! (Toddler & husband both approve as well!)