Peanut Butter Oatmeal Balls Recipe

I created an almost impossibly simple 4 ingredient no bake snack that will make you curious how it becomes Peanut Butter Oatmeal Balls.

I keep finding myself telling people about these Peanut Butter Oatmeal Balls, even when I should be quiet. They’re no bake, just four ingredients, and honestly weirdly addicting.

I used old fashioned rolled oats (not instant) and creamy peanut butter and maybe that’s all you need to believe me, but there’s a twist that makes them feel like a secret. Call them 4 Ingredient Energy Oatmeal Balls or Homemade Protein Bites Energy Balls if you like, they still surprise you.

I didn’t expect something so simple to taste so good, it makes me wonder what other tiny swaps could level them up.

Ingredients

These peanut butter oatmeal balls are simple snacks that actually taste like a treat, not health food.

Theyre quick, a little messy, and packed with stuff that matters.

Every bite has chew from oats, creamy peanut butter, sticky sweetness, and tiny chocolate surprises.

Kids love em, adults too.

• Rolled oats are whole grain, high in fiber, help keep you full longer.
• Creamy peanut butter adds protein, healthy fats and a rich nutty flavor.
• Honey sweetens naturally, adds stickiness, more calories than sugar though.
• Mini chocolate chips bring melty chocolate hits, little antioxidants, mostly sugar.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup old fashioned rolled oats (not instant)
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• about 1/3 cup honey
• 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips

How to Make this

1. In a medium bowl stir 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter and about 1/3 cup honey until smooth and combined, if your peanut butter is the natural kind stir the oil back in first and warm the honey 5-10 seconds in the microwave so it mixes easier.

2. Add 1 cup old fashioned rolled oats (not instant) and mix until all the oats are coated, let the mixture sit a minute so the oats absorb some moisture.

3. Fold in 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips until evenly distributed.

4. Check texture: if too sticky add a tablespoon or two more oats, if too dry add a teaspoon of honey or peanut butter and mix again, dont overdo it.

5. Pop the bowl in the fridge for 10 minutes to make rolling easier.

6. Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, portion the mixture and roll between your palms into balls about 1 inch in diameter, press firmly so they hold.

7. Place finished balls on a parchment lined tray or plate as you go.

8. Chill the tray in the fridge for another 20-30 minutes to set, or freeze 10 minutes if you cant wait.

9. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week or freeze up to 3 months, thaw a few minutes before eating for best texture.

10. Quick tips: use mini chips so they stick better, if you want add a pinch of salt or a splash of vanilla for extra flavor, and dont roll with oily hands or they’ll get messy.

Equipment Needed

1. Medium mixing bowl
2. Silicone spatula or a wooden spoon, whatever you got
3. Measuring cups (1 cup, 1/2 cup, 1/3 cup) and measuring spoons (tsp and tbsp)
4. Microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan to warm honey a few seconds
5. Tablespoon or a small cookie scoop for portioning
6. Parchment paper
7. Baking sheet or a plate to chill the balls on
8. Refrigerator or freezer for chilling and setting
9. Airtight container for storing leftovers

FAQ

Peanut Butter Oatmeal Balls Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Old fashioned rolled oats: swap for quick oats if you don’t mind a softer, chewier bite, same amount. Or pulse into oat flour (use about 3/4 cup oat flour for 1 cup oats) but add a tablespoon or two of peanut butter or honey if it feels dry.
• Creamy peanut butter: use almond butter or cashew butter 1:1 for a milder nut flavor. For a nut free option try sunflower seed butter same amount, but note it can taste a bit greener.
• Honey: replace with maple syrup or agave nectar 1:1, they keep the mixture sticky. You can also use mashed ripe banana (about 1/3 cup) but the balls will be softer and need refrigeration.
• Mini chocolate chips: swap for chopped dark chocolate, raisins or dried cranberries, or chopped toasted nuts for crunch. Use roughly the same volume, taste will change depending on choice.

Pro Tips

1) Toast the oats quick in a dry skillet for 3 to 5 minutes until fragrant, then let them cool. It gives a nuttier flavor and firmer texture, just dont walk away or theyll burn.

2) Chill your bowl, scoop or hands for a few minutes before rolling so the balls set easier, and if they still stick wet your palms slightly with cold water instead of oil, youll get less greasy hands.

3) If you add protein powder, ground flax, or seeds, start with 1 tablespoon and mix well, then add a tiny splash of honey or peanut butter if the mix seems dry. Too much powder and they turn crumbly, so go slow.

4) For neater chocolate distribution, pop the mini chips in the freezer for 5 to 10 minutes before folding them in; they hold their shape better and dont melt into the mixture.