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Oatmeal Energy Balls require only 4 ingredients! Quick oats, peanut butter, honey, and mini chocolate chips for snack-sized energy oatmeal balls which make the perfect after school snack or healthier treat.
ENERGY OATMEAL BALLS
These energy oatmeal ball snacks have saved me during this “no-school-quarantined-at-home-with-4-kids” part of my life. You would think my kids are ravenous animals who have not eaten in weeks because they just snack and snack all day long.
But thanks to these energy balls, which I have been making at least 2x per week lately, my kids have a grab & go snack that they can get themselves, and they are somewhat nutritious for them and will keep them full…… for like 10 minutes.
I also have these steel cut oatmeal energy balls and monster cookie energy balls on my site. But today’s recipe is my favorite because it’s only 4 ingredients, and the ingredients are mostly pantry staples that hopefully you already have.
HOW TO MAKE ENERGY BALLS
Quick Oats – I love quick oats for these energy balls because they have a finer, smaller texture which is more appealing to kids. Yes you can use whole, old-fashioned oats but I find that the balls tend to not hold together as well when you use the old fashioned oats. So for best results, stick with the quick oats.
Creamy Peanut Butter – Creamy peanut butter is best. Crunchy peanut butter can be used but it’s a lot thicker and drier, and therefore will end up drying out the energy balls. It’s also best to use the regular old peanut butter with all the oil. Natural peanut butter tends to be drier because it has less oil, which will effect the end result of the energy ball.
Honey
Mini Chocolate Chips – I like using the mini chocolate chips because of the small size. But go ahead and use regular chocolate chips, semi-sweet chips, or even peanut butter chips if that’s what you have in your pantry.
MY TIPS FOR THIS RECIPE
- If there are peanut allergies in your house then feel free to substitute the peanut butter with some other alternative. I don’t know much about them, but I do know they sell SunButter in the stores which is a great alternative, and I have heard from readers that they use that in my no flour monster cookie bars with great success.
- The refrigeration time before rolling into balls is necessary and important! It helps the dough to not be sticky so you can easily roll into balls. It’s only about 20 minutes or so of refrigeration time.
- This recipe makes 30 energy balls. They store well in the fridge for several days. I put mine in a quart-sized Ziploc bag (or use a Tupperware type container) and put it inside the snack drawer of the fridge. It’s an easy grab & go snack that the kids can get themselves.
TRY THESE OTHER KID FRIENDLY SNACK RECIPES
- mini chocolate chip muffins
- cinnamon & sugar banana muffins
- one bowl applesauce muffins
- chocolate chip banana snack bars
- s’mores energy bites
Oatmeal Energy Balls
Ingredients
- 3 cups quick oats
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup honey
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients into a mixing bowl and stir together until well combined. You can either stir by hand with a wooden spoon or spatula OR use a handmixer and beat on LOW speed until combined. Increasing speed as needed.The mixture is thick so it will take a few minutes to fully mix it all together.
- Roll into balls. I use a small cookie scoop to get even sized energy balls, which holds about 1 tablespoon of the energy ball dough. TIP : If you are having difficulty getting the mixture to roll into a ball, try pressing the energy ball dough between your fingers (to loosen it up/warm it up) and then roll into a ball. TIP : If the energy ball dough is too sticky, which it will be naturally as there is honey in it, try refrigerting for about 20 minutes to see if that helps.
- Eat right away or you can refrigerate for a couple of hours if you want to serve them cold. I think they're best tasting when they are cold so I always make them before I need them (like for after school) so they have time to refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours.
- Store leftovers in the fridge, in a covered container, for several days.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Did You Make This Recipe?
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Love this recipe. Curious on the nutrition is it that for 1 energy ball or what is the serving size?
The nutrition recipe is per oatmeal ball.
This can’t be correct . There is 16 g of fat in just 2 TBSP so peanut butter.
I will double check it. Nutrition facts are for informational purposes only. I am not a dietitian or anything. The recipe makes quite a bit of energy balls, so it’s not like each ball has 2 tablespoons of peanut butter.
I did tha math on my LoseIt app. I got 24 balls out of this recipe using a small cookie scoop.
Altogether there is 250g of PB in this recipe, which amounts to 10.4g/ball, which equals 61cal of PB/ball, which is 6.8g fat/ball. I also came up with 121 cal/ball.
Just so you know.
What if they are crumbly and don’t form well?
They should not be so crumbly that they don’t form well. Did you by chance use a natural peanut butter? Those peanut butters are drier and don’t have the oil that’s needed to bind. Or maybe just try refrigerating it for longer before rolling into balls. Hopefully that helps.
could I add a tbsp or 2 of melted butter, because I use natural peanut butter
I think that would help or even adding coconut oil would work too.
I use all natural peanut butter and this happened to me too. But I found that refrigerating it for about 20 minutes made it so much easier. And don’t roll it in your hands like you would with cookie dough because it crumbles, if you squeeze it and keep transferring it back and forth between your hands you will eventually get it into a solid ball! Hope this helps!
Looking forward to making these. I am just getting back to work and I can keep these there in the freezer and put 2 in the fridge for the day.
First time making anything like this and I am superseded with how good they taste. Perfect way to food prep my weekly snacks for work.
Is there any sugar-free substitution for the honey that would work in this receipe? Thanks
I am not familiar with sugar-free substitutes so I can’t say for sure. I’ve only ever used the honey. Sorry I can’t help more!
I used sugar free maple syrup because I don’t care for honey that much. They came out great.
How much maple syrup did you use in place of the honey?
I used maple syrup but agave might work also.
I use agave since I’m not a fan of honey, and it works great
looks yummy!
i will give this a try. Is the oats raw?
Yes!
There is Sugar-free imitation honey. I live in Ohio and the brand I use is called Great Lakes.
Can these be frozen? If so how long will they keep in the freezer?
Yes they could. And they could probably keep well in the freezer for forever 🙂 It’s just oats, peanut butter, chocolate, and honey so I would say they would keep well in the freezer for several months.
Can these be made with Gluten Free Oats as I am celiac?
Yes it can. Enjoy!
How long are they good for in the refrigerator?
I think about 2 weeks. If you think you won’t be able to eat them all in that time they also freeze well.
I put the dough in the fridge for 30 minutes, then form into balls. Flash freeze for an hour, then they go in a ziploc bag in the freezer. I pull a few out in the morning as my coffee is brewing, and they thaw pretty quickly!
Delicious, very filling, and so easy to make. I store in a Ziploc bag in the freezer and take one out at a time.
I made these with cocoa instead of coconut and they are devine,,Can be rolled in icing sugar too..great for potluck or any ivites Going to try half coconut half cocoa..should be tasty..
Made these with cocoa instead of coconut and rolled in icing sugar. very tasty.. will try half and half next time
These are so good and the perfect little snack! I switched the Quick Oats for the Old Fashioned Oats just because I like the texture better.
Ok, I do not like the idea of protein balls ( they just don’t look appetizing) but I am nursing and Momma needs a hearty healthy easy snack. I try not to change recipes but I had to use syrup because I didn’t have enough honey. The underwhelming ingredient list is misleading because these are stupid good. Just a good mix of good simple ingredients- my favorite. Thank you so much.
Made these for meal prep. They are good. I used Lilly’s dark chocolate baking chips and added a packet of Splenda. I am going to freeze them. Thanks for the recipe
how many calories and macros per ball?
The nutrition information is at the bottom of the recipe. That will tell you all that stuff.
Me & my kids love these! We make them all the time!
I’ve made these multiple times and I love them. I also tried them a couple times with half crunchy peanut butter and they were awesome and added another element to them. They are great if you want something sweet and don’t have anything in the house. Lol
These little guys are so yummy! I will make them again and again! Even thinking of different sub iIngredients just to have different options!!
Yay! yes there are so many add-ins you can sub with which makes them fun to make. Thanks for your comment.
Could I sub the peanut butter for sunflower butter? My son is allergic .
Yes you can. I have had some people email and let me know that it works great in this recipe. I have never used it but others have with success. Hope that helps!
Can I use steal cut oats
Sure you can. The quick oats are softer which is ideal in this recipe. But if you do choose to use them just make sure they are the quick cook steel cut oats. Steel cut oats have a heartier, thicker texture to them so as long as you don’t mind that then go ahead and use those instead of quick oats.
I have made this 3 times now. Great for a pre workout boost. Usually eat a couple about mid afternoon to give me a boost. I have used the whole oats and crunchy peanut butter also. Easy to prepare.
I make a batch of these every week. Usually have one or two for lunch with a protein shake. That will hold me till supper plus gives me that extra boost of energy that I sometimes need.
Is the honey, or sugar substitutes necessary? Has anyone tried with the recipe without additional sweetener?
You would need something to hold it together like the same consistency as the honey. I have heard of agave (I have never used it) but I believe it’s the same consistency as honey. Or if you’re familiar with sugar substitutes, cause I am not, try using one that resembles honey in texture and thickness.
Can you add chia seeds for additional nutrients? If so about how much? Thanks!
Yes that would work fine. I would just start with a little bit (like 1 tablespoon or less) and see from there. You just want to make sure that you don’t have too many dry ingredients or else the energy balls will be crumbly and not hold together well. But you should be just fine adding a little bit of chia seeds. Enjoy!
Just to add to earlier comment. I have started using the extra crunchy peanut butter. Gives it a little more crunch and added protein. Still loving them!!
Just threw this together and I have to say a little disappointed. They are definitely filling and provide some sweetness, but it’s a little too much. This ends up tasting of predominately honey, and it’s a very sweet recipe. If you’re able to I’d try and find some way of lessening the honey, but I’m concerned it may not hold as well. I’ll follow up after they sit in the fridge for a few hours or a day, I think that it may help the flavors develop.
Obviously individual taste will vary but I think this recipe gives a good base. Work with it once and doctor it for different mix-ins and flavors. I think it would have been helped with a little vanilla and salt.
You could definitely add a pinch of salt and vanilla extract if that’s what you prefer. Personally, when I was testing the recipe I tried adding vanilla extract and I thought it was way too sweet and over powering in the recipe. Sorry they did not turn out for you. Thanks for your comment.
I threw these in the freezer and with time the sweetness became much more agreeable, however the flavor of honey is still a little much for me. No one else seems to have this issue so I think it’s just a personal preference, but all in all the recipe works well! I’ll be using this base again in the future, I think I’ll just reduce the amount of honey and I’ll play with flavors and mix-ins. Thank you for the recipe and for the reply!
I mash the whole thing in a plastic storage container and cut into bars any size. It’s much easier and faster to me. Then I keep it in refrigerator but it’s not necessary to do so. I love these bars!❤️
What a great idea! And much easier too 🙂 Thanks for leaving your feedback and comment.
I have made these numerous times, I love love these little protein balls. They definitely give you a boost in the afternoon. I make the balls and place them in a Tupperware, cover and then freeze. They last a long time and are great to grab 1 or 2 to satisfy that sweet tooth!! I know the recipe by heart now. Kudos to Together as Family!!!! ♥️
I love these. I add a little chocolate protein powder and also roll in crushed almonds. Yummy.
Oh my goodness, that sounds delicious. I need to try that!
Love the recipe, I’ve added 1/2 cup of white chocolate, and 1/2 cup of dry craneberry.,1/4 tsp of cinnamon it tastes awesome. Thank you for sharing the recipe.
Love the idea of adding white chocolate chips, dried cranberries and cinnamon! Thank you for sharing!
I have made this recipe several times now and have given it to others who have tasted it. I made a few additions for my health benefits. 2T chia seeds, 2T flax seeds and a scoop of unflavored protein powder. I had weight loss surgery so these additions are great for my daily fiber and protein intakes. Thank you so much for the recipe.
Love the additions you use! Thanks for your comment!
My family loves these!! Thank you!
Love to hear it! Thanks for your comment!
Can you freeze them?
Totally!
Had sunflower seed peanut butter which gave it a unique taste which we liked. I should have chopped up my choc chips because they were not minis. Added flax and chai seeds. Going to make another batch today and add some shredded coconut. Probably cut back on honey because the coconut is sweetened. Thanks for the recipe
I also add protein powder which boosts the protein
Love that idea!
I made this recipe for me and my husband. I was shocked how much he liked it. thank you
You are so welcome! Thank you for your comment!
Made these for my visiting grandkids, they loved them! Their mom doesn’t like them to eat chocolate so I substituted the chocolate chips with raisins! I’m going to keep making them for my husband to snack on, he loved them also! Thanks for the easy recipe.
You are very welcome! Love the idea of substituting raisins for chocolate!
I made these quite a while ago, and my hubby & I lovvved them!! I’m about to make them again! Thank you for the recipe! 😍 I can’t remember though, do they have to be refrigerated? Or can they be stored at normal room temp?
Thank you so much! I love to read when a recipe is loved! They’re best stored at room temp.
love this make alot and I have shared with my friends thanks for the recipe can I add chia seeds
Chia seeds would be great! I would start out adding a couple of tbsp at a time. If you notice the mix is too crumbly and not sticking together add a little more peanut butter and honey to help the balls combine.
This recipe is very fun and easy I didn’t have any peanut butter so I thought I could try to substitute with nutella and it worked perfectly
I love the idea of using Nutella! Thanks for commenting!
Added 3/4 cup vanilla protein powder to keep me fuller longer 👌🏼
Great idea, thanks for sharing!
I made these and they are so good! I put mine in the freezer. I was going to take them to my daughter and 3 grandkids but this batch didn’t make. I am making a new batch to take to them. Thank you for this recipe.
I love storing these in the freezer! The same thing usually happens to me- a batch for me and a batch for others 😆
It is a candy, a cookie all in one.Once you start eating them it’s hard to stop that how good they are. delicious..
I LOVE your description, so true. I love that they’re sweet but also help to make me feel full.
I just put them in the fridge but tasted them first and they taste great. Thank you!
You’re welcome! I can’t help but sneak a taste before putting these in the fridge. 🫢
Excellent. When I take them out of the fridge I put them in a freezer bag and freeze them. Good for 3 months but I have never had them last that long. Happy eating.
I always try to trick myself into treats lasting longer by putting them in the freezer but it doesn’t work too well. 😆 I’m glad to know I’m not alone! Thanks for your review and comment!
Can I replace the chocolate chips with raisins? Thank you
I’ve never tried it myself but I think it would work!
love these and super easy to make
So glad you loved them! Thank you for commenting 😊
Have made several times. Always hated the mixing and rolling. This time I wore rubber gloves Game Changer. Worked Great!
That is a genius idea, I’ll have to try it! Thanks for sharing!
Love these! I added dried cranberries and coconut. Awesome!
Yum 🤤 I need to try that!
Hi there! Can you freeze them?
Yes 👍🏻
Made these today and they taste amazing! I do have one question though…how do you keep the balls from not falling apart? I would love if they all stuck together more! Please help!
I’m glad you like them! I would suggest letting the mix sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to see if that helps.
My favorite protein ball recipe! I make this same one once a week and I absolutely devour it! Not only is it the easiest recipe with cheap ingredients but it’s so delicious. I find myself wanting one all day!
Amen to everything you said! Thanks for your comment 😊
Have made these twice now (first time I halved the recipe) and they’ve turned out great! I’ve definitely noticed a difference while at work with not getting as hungry between breaks and not raiding the pantry as often. Highly recommend!
Am I able to substitute almond butter for the peanut butter?
Thanks!
Yes, almond butter would work great. Enjoy!
I make this regularly. I add different chips.
This was so easy! I made them for a bake sale and double the recipe. I had never made them before and they were so yummy! Definitely will make them again.