Make a batch of these no-bake Peanut Butter Oatmeal Energy Balls to have on hand for hungry kiddos during the week—or to feed yourself a naturally sweet snack whenever you need one! They taste so good and are filled with nutritious ingredients. Plus: They’re ready in under 10 minutes!

Peanut Butter Oatmeal Energy Balls

Before anyone states the obvious, I do realize that most toddlers do not need more energy! They usually have plenty all on their own. But these are such a delicious (and easy snack) full of nutritious ingredients for little bodies.

These are easy to make ahead and keep in the fridge for easy snacking. Plus, you don’t need any fancy ingredients or to use any complicated methods to make these energy bites. You simply warm the wet ingredients and stir them into the dry—all in under 10 minutes.

And they have a texture that’s sort of like cookie dough so they’re great for younger toddlers too—just dice them up if needed.

We love these for afternoon snack with some milk, as an easy bedtime snack, or I often grab one when I’m busy, but really need to eat something quickly.

Ingredients You Need

Here’s a look at the pantry ingredients you’ll need to make this recipe:

• creamy unsweetened peanut butter 
• honey
• vanilla extract
• rolled oats
• chia seeds
• raisins or chocolate chips

TIP: I like the “natural” kind from Smuckers or Teddies, but any brand will do.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s a look at how to make this easy energy ball recipe so you know what to expect. Scroll to the bottom of the post for the full recipe.

1. Warm the peanut butter and honey. Stir together
2. Cut the raisins in half, if large, to make the balls easier to bite into for the little eaters.
3. Add all ingredients to a medium bowl and stir together.
4. Roll into balls.

TIP: The recipe works with regular oats, but grinding the oats—or using quick oats or oat flour—makes the balls taste more like cookie dough. You can skip the chia seeds if you don’t have any!

Frequently Asked Questions

Best Tips for Success

• Grind the oats in a blender or food processor. Or use quick oats or oat flour. This will make the final texture smoother and more like cookie dough.
• Cut the raisins in half if they are very large so they are easier for the kids to bite into and chew.
• Warm the peanut butter and honey so they are easy to stir into the other ingredients.
• Use a tablespoon measuring spoon or a small spoon to portion out the dough.
• Cut up if needed to serve to younger kids.
• If they feel too firm for younger eaters, simply let sit at room temperature for a bit before storing.
• Use mini chocolate chips instead of raisins if you prefer.
• You may also like Graham Cracker Peanut Butter Balls, No-Bake Energy Bites, and my Granola Bites.

I’d love to hear your feedback on the recipe if you try them, so please comment below to share!

This recipe was first published June 2017.

Peanut Butter Oatmeal Energy Balls

These no-bake bites taste like a cross between oatmeal raisin and peanut butter cookie dough. I use natural creamy peanut butter (like the kind from Smuckers) and it works really well. (Recipe updated slightly in June 2021 to ensure the best texture.)

Prep Time 10 mins

Cook Time 0 mins

10 mins

Total Time 20 mins

Course Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 12 balls

Calories 122 kcal

Ingredients 

US CustomaryMetric

 

1x2x3x

• 1/2 cup creamy unsweetened peanut butter
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 cup rolled oats ground into a coarse flour in a blender or food processor (or use quick oats or oat flour)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon chia seeds
• 1/4 cup raisins, cut in half (optional, but recommended for overall texture)

Instructions 

• Place the peanut butter and honey in a heat-proof container (such as a glass measuring cup) and warm for 15-30 seconds in the microwave.

• Add to a medium bowl with the rest of the ingredients.

• Stir thoroughly with a wooden spoon as much as you can. If the dough is at all stiff, mix with clean hands.

• Use a tablespoon-size measuring spoon to portion and roll into balls. Squeeze the batter, then roll it into a ball to help it hold together easily.

• Serve or store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. 

Notes

• To store, place in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Let sit at room temperature to soften slightly if needed for your toddler. 
• If you happen to not have chia seeds on hand, you can simply skip them.
• Nut-free: Use Sunbutter or another sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter.
• Grind the oats in a blender or food processor or use quick oats or oat flour. This will make the final texture smoother and more like cookie dough.
• Cut the raisins in half if they are very large so they are easier for the kids to bite into and chew.
• Warm the peanut butter and honey so they are easy to stir into the other ingredients.
• Use a tablespoon measuring spoon or a small spoon to portion out the dough.
• Cut up if needed to serve to younger kids.
• Try snipped dried cherries, cranberries, or apricots instead of the raisins.
• Use mini chocolate chips instead of raisins.

Nutrition

Calories: 122kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 4gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 1gSodium: 51mgPotassium: 125mgFiber: 2gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 1IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 12mgIron: 1mg

Keyword peanut butter balls, peanut butter energy bites, peanut butter oatmeal balls

Filder Under:Dairy-Free, Egg-Free, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Recipes, Snacks, Vegan, Vegetarian