Chewy Oatmeal Balls Recipe

Simple Honey-Glazed Oatmeal Balls Recipe for Sweet Snackers

Rolled in cocoa and studded with chocolate chips, these no-bake energy oatmeal balls recipe pack a nutritious punch for busy mornings or afternoon snacks.

Hearty oats blend seamlessly with creamy peanut butter and sweet honey to create a delightful treat.

The mixture comes together quickly with just a few simple ingredients.

Protein-rich and naturally sweetened, these bite-sized balls offer a wholesome energy boost without refined sugars.

Chilled and compact, they’re perfect for grabbing on the go or enjoying during a mid-day break.

With minimal prep time and maximum flavor, you’ll want to keep a batch of these delectable oatmeal balls ready in your refrigerator.

Get ready to fuel your day with these irresistible, nutrient-dense morsels that taste like a guilt-free dessert.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time:

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 13

Oatmeal Balls – What You’ll Need

For Base and Texture:
  • Oats: Hearty whole grain that provides a robust, nutty foundation and creates satisfying chewiness.
  • Coconut: Adds tropical sweetness and delightful textural crunch with a subtle nutty undertone.
  • Peanuts: Delivers rich protein and creates delectable crispness throughout the mixture.
For Binding and Sweetness:
  • Peanut Butter: Creamy connector that holds ingredients together with deep, rich flavor.
  • Honey: Natural sweetener that helps ingredients stick and provides gentle golden warmth.
For Flavor Enhancement:
  • Vanilla: Introduces warm, comforting aromatic depth to the entire mixture.
  • Cinnamon: Brings warming spice that complements nutty ingredients beautifully.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies overall flavor complexity.
For Indulgent Touch:
  • Mini Chocolate Chips: Scattered bursts of decadent sweetness that surprise and delight in each bite.
For Optional Moisture:
  • Raisins: Soft, sweet fruit pieces that contribute natural sugar and pleasant chewy texture.

Tools for Rolling the Best Oatmeal Balls

  • Food Processor: Essential for breaking down oats, raisins, peanuts, and coconut into smaller pieces.
  • Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining peanut butter, honey, vanilla, and dry ingredients.
  • Whisk: Helps mix wet ingredients smoothly and evenly.
  • Cookie Dough Scoop (2 tbsp): Creates uniform portions for consistent oatmeal balls.
  • Parchment Paper: Prevents balls from sticking together during storage.
  • Airtight Container: Keeps oatmeal balls fresh in the refrigerator.

How to Make No-Bake Oatmeal Balls

  • Ingredient Fusion

Blend oats, raisins, peanuts, and coconut in a food processor, creating a rustic texture with gentle pulses that keep some delightful chunks intact.

  • Creamy Mixture

In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk together smooth peanut butter, golden honey, aromatic vanilla, warm cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until silky and well combined.

  • Chocolate Surprise

Fold the dry processed ingredients into the creamy base, then gently mix in mini chocolate chips for bursts of sweet excitement.

  • Chilling Time

Allow the mixture to rest and firm up in the refrigerator for a quick 20-minute cooldown, helping the ingredients meld and solidify.

  • Ball Formation

Scoop the chilled mixture using a cookie dough scoop, then roll each portion between your palms to create perfect, bite-sized spheres of deliciousness.

  • Storage Strategy

Preserve these energy-packed treats in an airtight container, layering with parchment paper to prevent any unwanted sticking and maintain their irresistible texture.

Add-In Tips for Boosting Oatmeal Ball Flavors

  • Pulse ingredients briefly in the food processor to maintain chunky texture, giving your oatmeal balls more satisfying bite and interesting mouthfeel.
  • Swap raisins with dried cranberries, swap peanuts with almonds, or add chia seeds for extra nutrition and crunch, making each batch uniquely delicious.
  • Freeze oatmeal balls for up to one month in a sealed container, allowing quick snacks anytime hunger strikes without compromising taste or quality.
  • Let children help roll balls or choose their favorite mix-ins, transforming recipe preparation into a fun family cooking adventure that builds kitchen confidence.
  • Always separate layers with parchment paper when refrigerating to prevent sticking, ensuring perfectly shaped and easily grabbed snack balls every single time.

Fun Ways to Serve Oatmeal Balls

  • Pack Perfectly for Lunch: Wrap these oatmeal balls individually in small plastic wrap or wax paper for easy grab-and-go snacks during work or school.
  • Create Delightful Breakfast Companions: Serve alongside a warm cup of coffee, tea, or morning smoothie to boost energy and add a sweet touch to your breakfast routine.
  • Elevate Party Platters: Arrange these bite-sized treats on a decorative tray with toothpicks for a fun, crowd-pleasing appetizer or dessert at gatherings and potlucks.
  • Customize with Toppings: Roll finished balls in crushed nuts, shredded coconut, or cocoa powder for extra flavor and a beautiful presentation that adds texture and visual appeal.

Storage Advice for Fresh and Portable Oatmeal Balls

  • Refrigerate Smartly: Keep oatmeal balls in an airtight container, layering with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together, maintaining their perfect shape and texture.
  • Extend Freshness: These energy-packed snacks stay deliciously fresh in the refrigerator for up to 7 days, making them ideal for weekly meal prep and quick grab-and-go options.
  • Freeze for Later: Pack oatmeal balls in a freezer-safe container and store up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight for a convenient, ready-to-eat snack anytime.
  • Portion Control Hack: Prepare multiple batches ahead of time, dividing them into individual serving containers for easy portion management and nutritious snacking throughout the week.
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Chewy Oatmeal Balls Recipe

Chewy Oatmeal Balls Recipe


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4.6 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Homemade oatmeal balls combine wholesome ingredients for a delightful snack perfect for wellness-focused individuals. Rolled with care and packed with nutritional benefits, these treats offer quick energy and satisfying comfort for hungry palates.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 cups (360 ml) old fashioned whole rolled oats
  • 0.5 cups (120 ml) mini chocolate chips
  • 0.5 cups (120 ml) raisins or dried cherries or dried cranberries
  • 0.5 cups (120 ml) unsalted peanuts or cashews
  • 1 cup (240 ml) natural creamy peanut butter (no sugar added)
  • 0.33 cups (80 ml) + 2 tbsps honey or maple syrup
  • 0.33 cups (80 ml) shredded coconut (unsweetened or sweetened)
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 0.5 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 0.5 tsp salt

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Pulse rolled oats, raisins, peanuts, and shredded coconut in a food processor to create a coarse, textured mixture without completely grinding the ingredients.
  2. Wet Mixture: Whisk peanut butter, honey, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and sea salt in a large mixing bowl until smooth and thoroughly combined.
  3. Combining Ingredients: Gradually fold the processed dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring consistently to create a uniform blend, then gently incorporate chocolate chips to ensure even distribution.
  4. Chilling: Refrigerate the mixture for 20 minutes to firm up and enhance moldability.
  5. Shaping: Using a cookie dough scoop, portion out the chilled mixture onto a clean surface. With clean hands, roll each portion into compact, uniform spheres, applying gentle pressure to maintain structural integrity.
  6. Storage: Place the oatmeal balls in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper, and refrigerate to preserve freshness and texture for several days.

Notes

  • Pulse Precisely: Briefly process ingredients to maintain texture, avoiding over-blending that could make the mixture too fine or pasty.
  • Blend Thoroughly: Whisk wet ingredients until completely smooth to ensure even distribution of flavors and consistent texture.
  • Chill for Success: Refrigerate mixture for 20 minutes to enhance binding and make rolling easier, preventing sticky hands during shaping.
  • Smart Storage: Use parchment paper between layers to prevent balls from sticking together, keeping them fresh and individually intact in the refrigerator.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 60 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Mia Reynolds

Mia Reynolds

Food Writer & Home Cooking Specialist

Expertise

Easy Home Baking, Recipe Writing and Storytelling, Local and Seasonal Ingredients, Baking for Beginners

Education

New England Culinary Institute (NECI), Montpelier, Vermont

  • Certificate: Baking and Pastry Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Hands-on baking skills, pastry basics, and creating delicious, approachable baked goods.

Community College of Vermont, Winooski, Vermont

  • Degree: Certificate in Food and Beverage Management
  • Focus: Essential knowledge of recipe development, ingredient sourcing, and food business basics.

Mia Reynolds fell in love with baking as a teenager experimenting in her family kitchen. Her passion took her to New England Culinary Institute, where she learned practical pastry techniques, and later to Community College of Vermont to deepen her understanding of food management.

Mia combines clear, simple baking instructions with heartwarming stories, making home baking approachable for everyone.

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