Make a batch of these no-bake Peanut Butter Oatmeal Energy Balls to have on hand for hungry kiddos during the week—or to feed yourself a naturally sweet snack whenever you need one! They taste so good and are filled with nutritious ingredients. Plus: They’re ready in under 10 minutes!

peanut butter oatmeal balls with toddler hand

Before anyone states the obvious, I do realize that most toddlers do not need more energy! They usually have plenty all on their own. But these “energy balls” are such a delicious (and easy snack) full of nutritious ingredients for little bodies.

These are an easy snack to make at home and keep in the fridge. Plus, you don’t need to use any fancy ingredients or complicated methods to make these energy bites. You simply warm the wet ingredients and stir them into the dry—all in under 10 minutes.

And they have a texture that’s sort of like cookie dough so they’re great for younger toddlers, too—just dice them up if needed.

We love these for afternoon snack with some milk, as an easy bedtime snack, or a quick on-the-go bite.

(You may also like Peanut Butter Muffins, Bliss Balls, and no-bake Chewy Granola Bars, and Chocolate Balls.)

Ingredients You Need

Here’s a look at the pantry ingredients you’ll need to make this recipe to share with the kids so you know what to have on hand.

ingredients in peanut butter oatmeal balls
  • Creamy unsweetened peanut butter: I like the “natural” kind from Smuckers or Teddies, but any brand will do.
  • Honey: The honey in this recipe helps the bites hold together. You can also swap in brown rice syrup for a less sweet taste.
  • Vanilla extract: You can use pure or imitation vanilla extract here.
  • Rolled oats: You can use the oats as they are out of the canister or bag, or you can grind them up in a food processor or blender to make a finer texture. (We like them ground up so the bites have the texture of cookie dough.)
  • Chia seeds: These little seeds add some texture and additional fats. You can omit them if you don’t have them.
  • Raisins or chocolate chips: Add these in for more flavor and yumminess.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s a look at how to make this easy energy ball recipe so you know what to expect. Scroll to the bottom of the post for the full recipe.

how to make peanut butter oatmeal balls step by step
  1. Warm the peanut butter and honey. Stir together
  2. Cut the raisins in half, if large, to make the balls easier to bite into for the little eaters.
  3. Add all ingredients to a medium bowl and stir together.
  4. Roll into balls.

TIP: The recipe works with regular oats, but grinding the oats—or using quick oats or oat flour—makes the balls taste more like cookie dough. You can skip the chia seeds if you don’t have any!

peanut butter oatmeal energy bites in blue bowl

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add chocolate?

Sure, just use mini chocolate chips in place of the raisins! That will definitely taste like cookie dough and I expect will make the kids really happy. (And probably the grown ups too!)

Can I make these nut-free?

If you can’t do peanut butter in your house or you need a nut-free snack to send to preschool or school, try these energy bites with sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter. They should work just fine and taste similar.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Sure thing, just reach for certified gluten-free rolled oats and you should be good to go.

How to Store

You can keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. They will likely be gobbled up well before that. though—I make these as much for my kids as I do for myself. I store each batch in a quart-size mason jar in the fridge and cut them up for younger eaters to ensure they are easy to chew.

peanut butter oatmeal bites cut in half on blue cutting board

Best Tips for Success

  • Grind the oats in a blender or food processor. Or use quick oats or oat flour. This will make the final texture smoother and more like cookie dough.
  • Cut the raisins in half if they are very large so they are easier for the kids to bite into and chew.
  • Warm the peanut butter and honey so they are easy to stir into the other ingredients.
  • Use sunflower seed butter to make these nut-free.
  • Use a tablespoon, measuring spoon, or a small spoon to portion out the dough.
  • Cut up if needed to serve to younger kids.
  • If they feel too firm for younger eaters, simply let sit at room temperature for a bit before storing.
  • Use mini chocolate chips instead of raisins if you prefer.

I’d love to hear your feedback on the recipe if you try it, so please comment below to share!

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peanut-butter-oatmeal-energy-balls

Peanut Butter Oatmeal Energy Balls

These no-bake bites taste like a cross between oatmeal raisin and peanut butter cookie dough. I use natural creamy peanut butter (like the kind from Smuckers), and it works really well.
4.95 from 128 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Cuisine American
Course Snack
Calories 122kcal
Servings 12 balls

Ingredients

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Instructions

  • Place the peanut butter and honey in a heat-proof container (such as a glass measuring cup) and warm for 15-30 seconds in the microwave.
  • Add to a medium bowl with the rest of the ingredients.
  • Stir thoroughly with a wooden spoon as much as you can. If the dough is at all stiff, mix with clean hands.
  • Use a tablespoon-size measuring spoon to portion and roll into balls. Squeeze the batter, then roll it into a ball to help it hold together easily.
  • Serve or store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. 

Notes

  • To store, place in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Let sit at room temperature to soften slightly if needed for your toddler. 
  • If you don’t have chia seeds on hand, you can simply skip them.
  • Nut-free: Use Sunbutter or another sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter.
  • Grind the oats in a blender or food processor or use quick oats or oat flour. This will make the final texture smoother and more like cookie dough.
  • Cut the raisins in half if they are very large so they are easier for the kids to bite into and chew.
  • Warm the peanut butter and honey so they are easy to stir into the other ingredients.
  • Use a tablespoon measuring spoon or a small spoon to portion out the dough.
  • Cut up if needed to serve to younger kids.
  • Try snipped dried cherries, cranberries, or apricots instead of the raisins.
  • Use mini chocolate chips instead of raisins.

Nutrition

Calories: 122kcal, Carbohydrates: 15g, Protein: 4g, Fat: 6g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 3g, Trans Fat: 1g, Sodium: 51mg, Potassium: 125mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 7g, Vitamin A: 1IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 12mg, Iron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Rate in the comments and tag @yummytoddlerfood on IG!

This recipe was first published June 2017.

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4.95 from 128 votes (67 ratings without comment)

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Comments

  1. 5 stars
    These are delicious! I left the raisins out due to not having any and they were still delicious! Thank you for a yummy recipe!

  2. 5 stars
    I made this without the raisins and let me just say it tastes just like the peanut butter Perfect Bar! It’s actually crazy haha

  3. 5 stars
    JUST made these with my toddler (2.5) for the first time! Used GF Bob’s Red Mill quick cooking oats and a Vitamix to make oat flour…subbed prunes for raisins because..you know…and topped with rainbow sprinkles. She ate the first one before I even finished rolling the rest in sprinkles and promptly asked for another one. New family fave!

  4. 5 stars
    My whole family, adults and kiddos, LOVE these! I’m not kidding when I say I make a batch per week.
    *We don’t use raisins but add shelled hemp hearts for extra protein and healthy fat. Saving this recipe forever!! Thanks Amy!

  5. 5 stars
    I don’t usually comment on recipes but I have this saved in my favourites and ALWAYS have a stash of these in the fridge – it’s part of my Sunday routine now to replenish that stash. When my toddler is being exceptionally fussy these are the only things he will consistently eat with no hassle – they are a life saver!

  6. 5 stars
    These turned out PERFECTLY! Not crumbly, and my toddler devoured every single one. Will make more and more of these!

  7. 5 stars
    I put the dough in the fridge for a few minutes before rolling and thought they were easier that way. My daughter loved helping make them and we added sprinkles to make them more fun. She probably would’ve ate all of them if I let her!