No Bake Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookie Balls

No bake peanut butter oatmeal cookie balls are the perfect quick snack—packed with protein, naturally sweet, and so satisfying. I love how simple they are to make with just a few ingredients, and they’re the perfect combination of nutty, sweet, and chewy. These little bites of goodness are great for meal prep, a post-workout snack, or just when I need something quick to curb my sweet tooth.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s no-bake, incredibly easy, and perfect for customizing. The combination of peanut butter, oats, and honey makes them naturally sweet without being overly sugary. Plus, they’re gluten-free and can easily be made vegan if you swap out a couple of ingredients. They’re also super versatile—I can add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit for extra texture and flavor.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 cup rolled oats

• 1/2 cup peanut butter (or any nut butter)

• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup

• 1/4 cup ground flaxseed (optional, for added fiber and omega-3s)

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

• Optional: chocolate chips, raisins, or shredded coconut

directions

1. In a large mixing bowl, I combine the rolled oats, peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), flaxseed, vanilla extract, and salt.

2. I mix everything together until fully combined. The mixture should be thick and sticky.

3. If I want extra flavor or texture, I stir in chocolate chips, raisins, or shredded coconut at this point.

4. I use my hands or a spoon to roll the mixture into small bite-sized balls (about 1 inch in diameter).

5. I place the cookie balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet or plate and refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes to firm up.

6. Once set, I transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the fridge. They’re ready to enjoy!

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 12–15 cookie balls. Prep time is 10 minutes, and chilling time is about 30 minutes, so you can have these delicious, no-bake treats ready in under 45 minutes.

Variations

• I sometimes add mini chocolate chips for a bit of sweetness.

• For extra crunch, I mix in chopped nuts like almonds, walnuts, or cashews.

• I’ve swapped peanut butter for almond butter or cashew butter for a different flavor.

• Adding a bit of cinnamon or cocoa powder can give them a spicy or chocolatey twist.

storage/reheating

I store the cookie balls in the fridge for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months—just thaw in the fridge before eating. I don’t need to reheat them, as they’re best eaten cold or at room temperature.

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Yes, quick oats work well in this recipe, though they might give the balls a slightly different texture—softer and less chewy.

How do I make these cookie balls vegan?

To make them vegan, I use maple syrup instead of honey and check that my peanut butter doesn’t contain any added animal products. Some peanut butters contain honey, so it’s always good to double-check the label.

How do I make the mixture less sticky?

If the mixture is too sticky, I add a bit more oats or ground flaxseed to help it bind together. You can also refrigerate it for 10–15 minutes before rolling to make it easier to handle.

Can I make these without the flaxseed?

Yes, flaxseed is optional, but it does add extra nutrients like fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. If you don’t have it, the recipe still works just fine.

Can I use another nut butter?

Yes! Almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or cashew butter are great substitutes for peanut butter. They’ll change the flavor slightly but will still give you that creamy, nutty base.

Conclusion

No bake peanut butter oatmeal cookie balls are a quick, easy, and healthy snack that I love to keep on hand. They’re naturally sweet, packed with protein and fiber, and customizable to fit my taste. Whether I’m looking for a pre-workout boost or just a quick treat, these little balls of goodness never disappoint. Plus, they’re so simple to make—perfect for anyone who loves a homemade snack without the hassle.