Some recipes just hit the sweet spot—literally and figuratively. This easy peanut butter balls recipe is one of those keep-in-your-back-pocket treats. It takes minimal effort, no oven time, and results in a snack that walks the line between dessert and energy bite.
Perfect for meal prep, late-night cravings, or after-school snacks, these peanut butter balls are healthy-ish, kid-approved, and ready in less than 10 minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup natural peanut butter (or any smooth nut butter)
- 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional but recommended)
- Pinch of salt
Optional Add-Ins:
- 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed or chia seeds
- Shredded coconut
- Chopped nuts or dried fruit
How To Make Peanut Butter Balls
- Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, stir together the peanut butter, honey (or maple), and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. - Add Dry Ingredients
Stir in the rolled oats and pinch of salt. If you’re adding chocolate chips or any extras (like flax or coconut), now’s the time. - Chill the Mixture
Place the bowl in the fridge for 15-20 minutes. This firms up the mixture, making it easier to roll. - Roll into Balls
Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll into bite-sized balls. You should get about 18-20 balls. - Store or Serve
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months.
Why You’ll Love These Peanut Butter Balls
- No baking required
- Made with pantry staples
- Perfect balance of sweet and salty
- Naturally gluten-free
- Great for lunchboxes, hikes, or late-night Netflix snacking
You get the idea. These bites are a triple threat: easy, tasty, and wholesome.
Peanut Butter Oatmeal Balls Variations
Feel like getting creative? Swap and play with flavors!
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the mix.
- Oatmeal Raisin Energy Balls: Skip the chocolate chips and add raisins + cinnamon.
- Crunchy Version: Use crunchy peanut butter or toss in chopped almonds.
- No Honey: Use date syrup or agave as a swap for honey/maple.
Peanut Butter Balls Without Protein Powder
If you’re tired of energy bites that taste like gym supplements, this one’s for you. These peanut butter balls no protein powder version uses oats for texture and fiber instead of chalky protein powders. But if you want to add some protein, go ahead and mix in 1-2 tablespoons of your favorite blend.
Tips for Success
- Use natural peanut butter (just peanuts + salt). The processed kind can make the mixture too stiff.
- Let it chill. Don’t skip the fridge step—it makes rolling way easier.
- Add salt. Just a pinch lifts all the flavors. Don’t leave it out.
- Sticky hands? Wet your palms lightly before rolling.
Are These Peanut Butter Balls Healthy?
That depends on how you define healthy, but here’s the scoop:
- No refined sugar (if using maple or honey)
- Packed with fiber and healthy fats
- Whole-food ingredients
Basically, these healthy peanut butter balls give you that feel-good bite without the crash. They’re energy balls that actually taste like dessert.
Tips for Trying This Recipe
- Kids can help: Let little hands do the mixing and rolling.
- Customize for allergies: Use sunflower seed butter for nut-free.
- Meal prep tip: Double the batch and freeze half.
- Add a drizzle: Melt chocolate and drizzle on top for a bakery-style finish.
- Make them bigger: Want more of a treat than a bite? Scoop with a cookie scoop and flatten into energy discs.
Final Thoughts
There’s something about these peanut butter oatmeal balls that makes them feel like the adult version of childhood treats. They’re quick to make, ridiculously satisfying, and endlessly customizable.
Whether you’re making a batch for busy mornings, post-workout snacks, or just because your sweet tooth called, this easy peanut butter balls recipe has your back.
Easy Peanut Butter Balls (No-Bake)
Ingredients
Method
- In a mixing bowl, stir together the peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla until smooth.
- Add the oats, salt, and chocolate chips. Stir until fully combined. If you’re adding any extras like flaxseed or coconut, mix them in now.
- Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge for 15–20 minutes. This helps firm up the mixture so it’s easier to roll.
- Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball with your hands. Repeat until all the mix is used. You should get around 18–20 balls.
- Store the peanut butter balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage.
Notes
- Use natural peanut butter with just peanuts and salt for the best consistency.
- Don’t skip chilling the mix—it makes rolling way easier and less messy.
- If your mix is too dry, add a spoonful of peanut butter. If too wet, toss in more oats.
- These are super freezer-friendly, so double the batch and save some for later!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes! The texture will be slightly softer, but they work just fine.
How long do peanut butter balls last?
They keep in the fridge for up to 1 week and in the freezer for 2-3 months.
Can I make these vegan?
Definitely. Just use maple syrup instead of honey and vegan chocolate chips.
What if the mixture is too sticky to roll?
Add a bit more oats or refrigerate longer. Sticky hands? Lightly oil your palms.
Can I make these without chocolate chips?
Absolutely. Leave them out or swap with chopped nuts or dried fruit.
Do I have to refrigerate them?
Yes. They need to set in the fridge to firm up and keep their shape.
