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Easy No-Bake Peanut Butter Protein Balls: The Best 5-Minute Healthy Snack

easy no-bake peanut butter protein balls - featured image

These no-bake peanut butter protein balls come together in just five minutes with simple pantry ingredients. They are chewy, sweet, salty, and perfect for a quick, healthy snack that fuels your day without the crash.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup rolled oats (100 grams)
  • 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed or chia seeds
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (130 grams)
  • 1/4 cup honey (85 grams)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (45 grams)

Instructions

  1. Combine the dry ingredients. In a mixing bowl, add 1 cup of rolled oats, 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed or chia seeds, and a pinch of salt. Stir together with a spatula until evenly distributed.
  2. Add the wet ingredients. Measure out 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter and 1/4 cup of honey. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Spoon everything into the bowl with the dry ingredients.
  3. Mix until combined. Use a spatula to stir everything together, pressing the peanut butter into the oats. Mix until no dry oat patches remain. The dough should be thick, slightly sticky, and hold together when pressed. If too dry, add a tablespoon of peanut butter or a teaspoon of honey. If too wet, add a tablespoon of oats.
  4. Fold in the chocolate chips. Add 1/4 cup of mini chocolate chips and fold gently until evenly distributed.
  5. Portion the mixture. Line a baking sheet or plate with parchment paper. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop out even portions (about 1 tablespoon each) and place them on the prepared sheet. You should get about 18 to 20 balls.
  6. Roll into balls. Wash your hands or put on disposable gloves. Roll each portion between your palms to form a smooth ball. If the mixture sticks, lightly dampen your palms with water.
  7. Chill and set. Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes (or 10 minutes in the freezer) until the balls are firm to the touch but still soft inside.
  8. Store and enjoy. Transfer the chilled protein balls to an airtight container. Keep in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or freeze for up to three months.

Notes

Use room temperature peanut butter for easier mixing. Do not skip the chill timeโ€”it helps the balls hold their shape. If the dough is too sticky, lightly dampen your hands before rolling. The flavors improve after a day in the fridge. For a vegan version, replace honey with maple syrup and use dairy-free chocolate chips.

Nutrition

Keywords: no-bake protein balls, peanut butter protein balls, healthy snack, 5-minute snack, energy balls, gluten-free snack, kid-friendly snack