No-bake oatmeal energy balls that taste just like 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, treat, or grab-n-go breakfast – and perfect for meal prep!
I’ve always loved all things oatmeal — from 3-ingredient oatmeal cookies to oatmeal pancakes, you name it, I’m here for it! And since I love keeping healthy snacks on hand, these oatmeal energy balls have quickly become one of my favorite ways to use rolled oats. Whether you need a no-bake snack, a grab-and-go breakfast, or an afternoon pick-me-up, these little bites check all the boxes.
😋 Kitchen Confession: My kids absolutely love these! They say these No-Bake Oatmeal Energy Balls taste like cookie dough — soft, doughy, and dotted with chocolate chips. I have to make a double batch if I want any left for myself! It’s a good thing I love to meal prep.
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.
I actually found this recipe on the back of my Trader Joe’s flaxseed meal bag and loved it so much that I used it as inspiration to create these pumpkin oatmeal energy bites as well—oatmeal energy bites for every season, lol!
Here’s a peek at the ingredient line-up:
A note on oatmeal! The type of oats you use matters. Trust me on this becasue I tested these energy balls using three types of oats and here’s what I found:
- Rolled oats create the best texture since they are nice and hearty. This is my first choice and what I reccomnd you use.
- Quick Oats are bit softer but also work. If you like a doughy texture, this is your oat of choice.
- Steel cut oats do not work for this recipe, which I learned the hard way, lol. They don’t soften enough and end up making the energy balls tough and chewy instead of soft and doughy.
A few other ingredient notes to keep in mind:
- Always use ground flax seeds (not whole flax seeds). Our bodies can’t fully digest whole seeds, plus the ground seeds help to bind the balls togetehr – which is ivery important!
- I love using all-natural crunchy peanut butter with only peanuts + salt as the ingredients for this recipe. But you need to use a brand that is loose and runny (not super dry!) or the balls will have a hard time rolling and sticking together. And yes, creamy peanut butter works as well.
How to Make No-Bake Energy Balls (The Easy Way!)
This energy ball recipe is seriously the easiest! 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 adding protein powder. I know some of you prefer recipes without protein powder, especially for kids, and this is that recipe!
In a pinch? Keep these simple swaps in mind:
- All nut and seed butters work. Yes, I love this recipe with peanut butter. But almond butter, sunflower seed butter, and cashew butter work as well. These oatmeal raisin energy bites are made with almond butter, walnuts, and raisins. A must try!
- Vegan option: I mentioned this above, but it’s important to note for all of my vegan friends that swapping pure maple syrup for honey and choosing dairy-free/vegan chocolate chips will keep this recipe 100% plant-based.
- Mix-ins: Chocolate chips can be left out or substituted for another add-in like raisins, dried cranberries, or blueberries. Cacao nibs are also delicious for those who want a lower sugar option!
No-Bake Oatmeal Energy Balls
Ingredients
- 1 cup (80 grams) rolled oats
- 1/2 cup (52 grams) flaxseed meal (aka ground flaxseeds)
- 1/2 cup (128 grams) crunchy peanut butter
- 1/3 cup (113 grams) honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (85 grams mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a medium-sized bowl and mix well.
- Roll about one tablespoon 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. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Comments
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?
Sara says
I found a trick wet hands a little and they will roll easier. I used syrup
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
Amanda Brown says
I tweakedna few things – added dried cranberries and walnuts. One bite of the batter and I literally said aloud “these are DANGEROUS!” I mean, holy guacamole good! This will be a mainstay for me! I can’t wait to play around with the recipe and see what I come up with!
Dani Spies says
Hi Amanda! I’m so glad you enjoyed this recipe and YES!! There are so many ways to make it your own. Have fun experimenting.
Bea Didio says
Thank You for the recipe is there a substitution for the flax seed ?
Katie says
I tripled the recipe and got the exact servings! Also substituted crunchy almond butter and dried cranberries. Simple, quick, and delicious.
Dani Spies says
I’m so glad you enjoyed them, Katie!! Thank you for taking the time to let me know (and for leaving a review!).
Sarah Ponce says
These were delicious. Had 3 just now
Dani Spies says
So glad you enjoyed them! Thanks for letting me know.
Jena says
Can you leave out the flaxseed?
Dani Spies says
I bet that would be just fine!
Stephanie Sanders says
Made twice now, first time with the chocolate chips and creamy peanut butter. Delicious, next time I used almond slices and crunchy peanut butter instead of chocolate chips. Very yummy. Did have problems with batter being very sticky but after frozen both were very good
Fawn says
These are great for what they are (a no-blend no-date energy bite;) I just found the finished result underwhelming!
Annelies says
Hi Dani,
These balls were so easy to make (hardest bit is waiting for them to come out of the freezer!). They are so delicious, and such a bonus that they only have a handful of ingredients. I followed the recipe as it was, and when I thought I may find it a little hard to roll the mixture into balls, I wet my hands and lightly dried them, and then rolled the balls with damp hands – excellent results! We ended up with 24 balls. I made these this afternoon when the children had friends over to play, and I had barely placed them on the table for a mid-play snack when they disappeared in less then two minutes. They were such a hit! I have tried so many energy ball recipes over the years, but none as simple and yet delicious as these ones. I will print this recipe and make it over and over again, they are just ideal for a snack anywhere and anytime.
Dani Spies says
Hi Annelies! I’m so glad the energy balls were such a hit! They are a great kid-friendly snack and are also great before and after a workout as well.
Elisha says
For this recipe, do we use old fashioned rolled oats?
Dani Spies says
Yes! Old fashioned rolled oats is perfect.
Elisha says
Thank you!
joanie says
i just made these..they are in the freezer as im typing this…i left out the flaxseed…dont know to much bout that stuff….im sure they will taste good…they looked yummy..cant wait to try ’em
Dani Spies says
Yes! They should sill be delicious. The flaxseeds do help to bind the energy ball together so they may be a little more delicate but sill delicious.
Isabel says
I just made these put them in the freezer and then dip them in chocolate instead of putting chocolate chips inside and the mixture was crumbling when putting it together so I got the ball and squeezed it In my hands for 30 seconds and then rolled it into a ball which worked perfectly, they taste so good I loved them my kids loved them definitely going to make again 5 stars
Jeannine says
Okay, this is now a weekly staple in my house. I love chocolate and this is the perfect amount of sweetness for me. A former student of mine has an apiary so I purchase honey from his farm and I love how I can get local honey into this recipe. I gave my husband a bite and his automatic response was “these will never NOT be good.” haha. He came back and stole another one. Safe to say we are fans! What I love is that the flaxmeal gives a texture similar to the Reeses PB cup. I was even nervous about how it would come out because I had the super runny/oily PB in my cabinet, but it came out great! Thanks for this great recipe!
Dani Spies says
I’m so glad you enjoy this recipe. I love that you are using local honey for this, makes it even more special!
Craig says
Can you use steel cut oats in the receipt?
Dani Spies says
I don’t recommend using steel cut oats as they are much harder than rolled oats and will not soften.
Julianna says
Thank you! Very easy to make.the kids loved it
Tracy says
These are SO good! I will be making a double batch from now on. Super easy too.
Dani Spies says
Yay! I’m so glad you enjoyed them.
Jenna D'Auria says
So good. Subbed goji for choc chips and added brewers yeast for lactation balls
RENE says
These are delicious. One thing that I do is use a mini scooper which is about one tablespoon. It’s just a cleaner way if you don’t want to get your hands dirty
Jan says
These are delicious and surprisingly satisfying. We will continue to make these.
Allyce Tasanasanta says
Fantastically easy and nutritious recipe! Love!