No-Bake Oatmeal Energy Balls

No-bake oatmeal energy balls that taste just oatmeal cookie dough! These easy energy bites are made with six simple ingredients, naturally sweetened with honey and filled with delicious mini chocolate chips. The perfect nourishing snack or treat!

I’m a huge proponent of having nutritious snacks around the house, and especially snacks that taste just like a dessert!

These simple, healthy No-Bake Oatmeal Energy Balls are just the thing — they take mere minutes to whip together and they’re packed with nutrients and healthy fats, which are super satisfying. Additionally, these bites of goodness are naturally sweetened with honey. They’re soft, doughy, and speckled with chocolate chips throughout. Yum!

Ingredients in No-Bake Oatmeal Energy Balls

These little bites have a good bit of fiber, protein, and heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, so they are a great way to satisfy a sweet tooth while giving your body a healthy boost of energy as well. I actually found this recipe on the back of my Trader Joe’s flaxseed meal bag. Here’s everything you’ll need to make them:

• Old-fashioned rolled oats: if you want to make these gluten-free, make sure to use gluten-free rolled oats.
• Flaxseed meal: Ground flaxseed adds a boost of nutrients!
• Peanut butter: I recommend using all-natural crunchy peanut butter with only peanuts + salt as the ingredients. You can also make them with almond butter or another nut or seed butter. 
• Honey: you’ll just need a bit to help sweeten these energy balls.
• Vanilla extract: The vanilla is what gives these bites that delicious cookie dough flavor. I recommend real, pure vanilla extract and not fake imitation vanilla — here’s the difference.
• Mini chocolate chips: If you want to keep this snack as nutritious as possible, use dark chocolate miniature chocolate chips. (Dark chocolate has antioxidants and other healthful properties.)

How to Make No-Bake Energy Balls

This energy balls recipe is seriously the easiest! The best part is you don’t even need a food processor – all of the ingredients get stirred together in one bowl. And these balls have a decent amount of protein (3 grams) without having to add protein powder. I know some people prefer recipes without protein powder, especially for kids, and this is that recipe!

Here’s the simple process, but for full, printable instructions, reference the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

1. Combine all ingredients in a medium to a large bowl and mix well.
2. Roll about 1 tablespoon per ball in your palms. Place on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Freeze for about 1 hour and then enjoy!

Customize This Recipe

Looking to switch up ingredients? Here are some suggestions:

• Nut butter: instead of crunchy peanut butter, feel free to use almond butter or sunflower seed butter. You can also use a natural, creamy nut or seed butter instead of crunchy if preferred. 
• Vegan option: to make these vegan, simply use pure maple syrup instead of honey and also be sure to use dairy-free/vegan chocolate chips.
• Gluten-free option: as long as you make sure that the oats you’re using are certified gluten-free, these energy balls are naturally gluten-free.
• Mix-ins: chocolate chips can be left out or subbed for another add-in like raisins, dried cranberries or blueberries.

How to Store Energy Bites

In the fridge: No-bake oatmeal energy bites are great stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.

In the freezer: You can also store these oatmeal energy balls in the freezer for up to 3 months. If they get too hard, let them sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before eating.

I hope you enjoy these tasty snacks as much as my family does! I love them pre or post-workout as a quick snack and they’re the perfect sweet treat with an afternoon cup of coffee. And my kids just love them packed inside their lunch boxes!

More Easy Energy Ball Recipes:

Looking for more portable snack options? You’re sure to love our other favorite energy ball recipes!

• No-Bake Matcha Protein Bites
• Pumpkin Chip Energy Bites
• Peanut Butter & Jelly Energy Bites
• No-Bake Chocolate Hemp Brownie Bites
• Carrot Cake Energy Balls

Thanks so much for reading! You can watch the video down below and if you make this recipe I would love for you to give it a ★ rating below.  And be sure to follow me on YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook for more healthy food inspiration.