Need a healthy snack idea that will give you some energy for your day? These Peanut Butter Oatmeal Balls are the perfect healthy, make-ahead snack. These oatmeal energy balls are great for kids and grown-ups, as they have minimal refined sugar and made with just 5 simple ingredients.
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Do you need a healthier snack option for both you and your kids? Look no further, these healthier oatmeal energy balls are a simple make-ahead snack that taste like a cookie, but without all the added sugar.
Perfect for making and storing in your freezer, these no bake oatmeal balls need just 5 simple ingredients, and take just a few minutes to mix and roll into balls.
Great as an after-school snack, or a lunch box treat, these energy balls will come to be a favorite with everyone in your family.
What do I need to make oatmeal balls?
For this simple recipe, you’ll need just five ingredients to make these energy balls. Here’s a quick reference check list of the items you’ll need:
- Oatmeal – I recommend using old fashioned rolls oats, versus instant oats. Roll oats are less processed, and will hold up well when mixed with the peanut butter. They are also a more nutritious option versus instant oats.
- Peanut Butter – I prefer using creamy peanut butter, but you can also use chunky if you like bits of peanuts. I also recommend using a natural peanut butter than contains just peanuts and salt. Many peanut butters have added oils, refined sugar and other additives that are not good for us.
- Honey – honey is a great natural sweetener, and will also help the ingredients stick together to form balls. You could also use maple syrup as a substitute.
- Mini chocolate chips – for these energy bites, the size of mini chips work the best. I use and enjoy Lily’s Mini Baking Chips, which are refined sugar free.
- Mini M&M’s – great for adding a bit of color and sweetness. These are optional.
For exact ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions be sure to scroll down to the bottom of this post to the recipe card. Thanks!
How do I make peanut butter oatmeal balls?
The mixture for these energy balls comes together quickly and easily. Start by creaming together the peanut butter and honey, then add in the oats, M&M’s and chocolate chips. Combine together well.
Love peanut butter and oatmeal? Check out my peanut butter overnight oats recipe!
Do I need to refrigerate the mixture before rolling into balls?
Once the dough is mixed together, I recommend refrigerating for an hour or so. Refrigerating the mixture helps the ingredients stick together when rolling into balls.
Rolling the oatmeal energy balls
For uniform energy balls, I recommend using a cookie scoop. A cookie scoop with give you just the right amount of mixture to create a 1″ ball. Simply scoop, then firmly roll the ball with your hands.
It is helpful to place the balls on parchment paper. Once all the balls are rolled, freeze to help the energy balls hold their shape. I recommend freezing for at least 1 hour.
Once frozen, transfer the balls to a freezer zip-loc bag. Bites can be stored in the freezer. Need another make-and-freeze snack idea? My Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars and Cookie Dough Protein Bites are both great for freezing!
Do you love baking with M&M’s? Check out some of our favorite recipes with M&M’s:
- Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies
- M&M Cookie Bars
- The Best Monster Cookie Recipe
- M&M Oatmeal Cookie Bars
- Peanut Butter M&M Brownies
- M&M Brownies in a Jar
- Monster Cookie Bars
FAQ’s about making oatmeal energy balls:
Yes, once you roll out the oatmeal balls they can be frozen. Store in a freezer container or zip-loc freezer bag. They will keep in the freezer for up to three months.
Yes, energy balls can definitely be healthy *if* you make them with good quality ingredients. Use nut butters with minimal ingredients (watch out for added oils and refined sugar) and use chocolate chips that are low or no sugar added. Adding nuts and seeds are a great way to add nutritional value.
Energy balls are great just before a workout when your looking for a boost in energy. They are also a great post-workout snack when you need to replenish your energy and your muscles are in need of vitamins and nutrients to help repair muscle mass.
Depending on the ingredients you use, energy balls can contain high amounts of refined sugar. Use ingredients like low or no sugar added chocolate chips. Limit the amount of dried fruits, which often contain high amounts of sugar. Use nut butters that contain no refined sugars or high fructose corn syrup, and use either honey or maple syrup when are natural sweeteners and unrefined.
Inspired to make more homemade healthy snacks? Check out our other homemade snack recipes:
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Peanut Butter Oatmeal Balls
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups old fashioned rolls oats dry/unprepared
- 2/3 cup natural peanut butter creamy
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips like Lily’s no sugar added mini chips
- 1/2 cup mini M&M’s
Instructions
- In a bowl, cream together the peanut butter and honey using a rubber scraper. Add in the oatmeal, chocolate chips and M&M's. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Refrigerate the mixture 1 hour to chill. (This step is optional, but chilling the dough helps the balls form easier.)
- Once chilled, use a cookie scoop, to scoop out the balls. Roll the balls in your hands to form. Place on a lined cookie sheet. Once all the balls are formed, place in the freezer for 1 hour. This will help the balls hold their shape.
- Place the balls in a freezer container or freezer zip-loc bag. Store in the freezer and take out snacks when ready to eat.
Notes
Nutrition
I have had this idea floating in my head for months now – a cookie dough snack bite- LOVE the added m&m’s SO yummy!!