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:Â 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 an 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.Â
- 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:Â 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.
- Combine all ingredients in a medium to large bowl and mix well.
- Roll about 1 tablespoon per ball in your palms. Place on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Freeze for about 1 hour and then enjoy!
Customize This Recipe
Looking to switch up ingredients? Here’s 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.Â
- Vegan option:Â 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.
No-Bake Oatmeal Energy Balls
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup flaxseed meal aka ground flaxseeds
- 1/2 cup crunchy peanut butter
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a medium-sized bowl and mix well.
- Roll about 1 tbsp. of the dough between your palms to form a small ball. Place on a plate or rimmed baking sheet that has been lined with parchment paper (or sprayed with cooking spray) and freeze for one hour. Makes 20 balls. Enjoy!
Ursula says
These are great! I mede them for our skiing trip. Great snack on the go. I switched chocolate for walnuts and orange peel ,but next time I will use dark chocolate.
Paige Steinke says
Love these!!! They are amazing. But I am having one hard time rolling them. Both batches that I have made are near impossible. Is it because we use maple syrup instead of honey?
Dani says
Hmmmm, are you rolled oats? Or instant oats?
Audrey Larsgard says
Hi Paige,
I had the same issue with the batch I just made (I also used maple syrup instead of honey). I popped the bowl into the freezer for a few minutes and found that once the mixture had cooled, the balls were much easier to form.
I hope this helps!
Michelle says
I had a hard time the first time. The second time I think I used more crunchy peanut butter and that really helped. Btw I also used syrup.
Jacqueline Foster says
Hi can I add protein powder to the mixture
Dani says
I bet you could get away with adding some….
Jan says
I love adding chia seeds, protein powder and collagen. If needed I add a bit more peanut butter or almond butter.
I keep mine in the freezer and pop one or two out for a snack!
Sherry says
Can I use almond butter?
Thank u
Jeannie says
I love these No Bake Oatmeal cookies! I do add in 1/2 TBS Turmeric, 1/2 TBS Ground Ginger and 1/2 TBS Chili powder. I have put in walnuts and or almonds, pecans I’d say just whatever you like on nuts. I don’t put in nuts all the time, but I do put in the spices all the time.
I have made them with and without the Honey and they are awesome either way.
Dani says
That sounds awesome!! Thanks for sharing.
Michelle Piazza says
Followed directions and used rolled oats. Trader Joe’s brands. And I cannot get the balls to stay together – very frustrating. They just crumble. I used honey.
Dani says
It’s important that your nut butter is loose and runny and not dried up. I always try to make these using a new jar.
Thia says
I used Organic chunky Peanut butter..new jar..a bit difficult to stir before using but worth it..balls rolled easily, flavor delicious, esply when cold..used local avacado honey (tastes just like regular but a bit richer and thicker, used flaxmeal, couldn’t find seeds…practising for grandchildren visiting soon..came out great !
Kara says
Excellent recipe, as is everything I have tried from Clean and Delicious. I make these just as the recipe states, no issues with rolling. Excellent taste and great for post workout snacks.
Thanks
Dani says
Thanks so much for sharing Kara! So glad you enjoyed them.
Kandi Brooks says
I made these this morning and they are so good!! I used pure maple syrup and added in about a tablespoon of vanilla protein powder. I just realized that I forgot to add the vanilla extract, but they are still delicious! I also added a bit of slivered almonds.
The rolled very nicely. Thanks!
Anna says
Followed the recipe exactly except used the TJ’s agave instead of maple syrup. Used the TJ’s PB with flax/chia seed. Wet your hands lightly to help with the rolling.
Anybody have a calorie breakdown?
Mary Lee Lux says
Would using creamy peanut butter make a difference? I rated it five as I am sure I will like them.
Mary K says
I realize that this recipe was posted a few years ago, but I happened upon it by accident as I was preparing to give birth to my first child last fall. Since they contain flaxseed and oats, they can double as a lactation cookie without all of the extra ingredients and fuss of baking! I have enjoyed these so much as a quick power bite during these crazy first few months and have made several batches already. I reduced the honey to about 1/4 cup because I found they were cloyingly sweet with 1/3 cup of Costco brand honey as noted in the original recipe. Thank you Dani.
Dani says
Anytime!! So glad you are enjoying the recipe Mary!
Laura says
Thanks For posting. Someone threw out the TJs bag and I was bummed to lose the recipe. Love these!
Dani says
Enjoy!!
NANCY says
Quick and easy recipe! I doubled the batch.I am taking some for work for a quick snack.
M says
What is the nutritional breakdown of these.
Alina says
I absolutely love them. I added ground almonds and hemp hearts for extra nutrients and they are amazing.
Sandie Brothers says
These are delicious!! I made them for the first time and they are the perfect bite-size sweet treat!! I may try raisins instead of chocolate next time?? They are so easy to make and a real joy to eat!!
Vince says
Followed the recipe but added cinnamon. Came out fantastic! Used a number 40 ice cream scoop and got 32 portions. Perfect bite!
Leonora says
Enjoyed these and will be making these again real soon. I accidentally left out the vanilla extract but they were still delicious. Thank you, Dani
Dani says
I’m so glad you enjoyed them, Leonora! Thanks for taking the time to let me know.
Jess says
So my boyfriend (who is FAR from a “Clean & Delicious” eater) is obsessed with these energy bites!! I mean, so am I, but it’s nice to see him turning to healthier options, ya know? I have come back to this recipe so many times and I really love how customizable the stir-ins can be…our two fav combos are 1. dark chocolate and pumpkin seeds, and 2. white chocolate and craisons – we just do 1/4 cup of each and it is perfect. Also we have subbed out the honey for maple syrup and that is just as delish!
Thanks for the great snack Dani <3