Peanut Butter Oatmeal Balls

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.
• 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.