Peanut butter oatmeal balls are an easy no-bake snack made with 3 ingredients in just 5 minutes. They’re chewy, lightly sweet from honey, and easy to make ahead for quick snacks all week.

More oatmeal balls we love include these monster energy balls and chocolate peanut butter protein balls!

Peanut butter oatmeal balls stacked on top of each other in a white bowl.

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Key Takeaways: Peanut Butter Oatmeal Balls

  • Just 3 ingredients: Rolled oats, peanut butter, and honey make a quick, no-bake snack.
  • Healthy. Naturally dairy-free and gluten-free, plus can be adapted to a plant-based diet with a simple swap of honey for maple syrup. 
  • Customizable: Stir in mini chocolate chips or another favorite mix-in for extra flavor and texture.
  • Easy to make ahead: Store the balls in the fridge for up to 3 weeks or freeze them for up to 3 months. Perfect to grab and go!

Why I Love This Recipe

These peanut butter oatmeal balls have the peanut butter and oat flavor I love in my peanut butter no-bake cookies, but they’re ready in 5 minutes with just 3 ingredients.

I’m always looking for quick snacks for my kids, especially after school or between meals. They love these oatmeal peanut butter balls, and I do too. When we want to switch things up, my 5-ingredient energy balls and Kodiak cake protein balls are two other favorites.

XO - Jamielyn

Ingredients Needed

Rolled oats, peanut butter and honey for peanut butter oatmeal balls.

Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.

  • Oats: For this recipe, I like to use old-fashioned rolled oats as they are coarser than quick oats or instant oats which gives them more texture. 
  • Peanut butter: I use creamy, but that’s a personal preference! You can use regular or natural peanut butter. There is a lot of oil separation in natural nut butter so you’ll want to make sure to stir it well! You can also use any nut butter you prefer.
  • Honey: Regular, or raw and unrefined honey works for added sweetness. Swap with maple syrup for a vegan option or any other liquid sweetener.

Peanut Butter Oat Balls Mix-Ins and Variations

  • Swap the nut butter: Use creamy almond or cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter.
  • Change the sweetener: Use maple syrup instead of honey. Keep it to a liquid sweetener so the mixture holds together.
  • Add a mix-in: Stir in mini chocolate chips, coconut flakes, raisins, dried cranberries, or a small amount of chia, hemp, or ground flaxseed. A splash of vanilla, a pinch of cinnamon, or a little salt adds extra flavor.

How to Make Peanut Butter Oatmeal Balls

It takes a few simple steps to make pb oat balls and you’re done. Make a double batch because these energy bites will last for weeks!  

Ingredients for PB oat balls in a glass bowl with a white spatula.
  1. Process oats (not into a powder). Add the oats to a food processor or blender and pulse for a couple of seconds. You do not want to turn them into flour, but you will see some powder. This helps to bind the no-bake peanut butter oatmeal balls. 
  2. Mix ingredients. In a large bowl, stir the oats, peanut butter, honey, and any additional mix-ins until combined. You can use a food processor for this as well. 
  3. Form the balls. Use a small cookie scoop or Tablespoon to scoop out the dough in even amounts. Plop them onto a plate or baking sheet and roll them into 1-inch balls with your hands. Wet your hands if needed to prevent sticking. 
  4. Serving. Enjoy them immediately or store them in the fridge or freezer for later!
Peanut butter oatmeal balls in a white bowl.

Recipe Tips

  • Make mixing easier: Microwave the peanut butter and honey for 20 seconds before adding the oats.
  • Keep hands from sticking: Lightly wet your hands before rolling.
  • Adjust the texture: If the mixture is dry, add a little peanut butter and honey. If it’s sticky, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of oats or chill briefly.
  • Use old-fashioned oats: They give the balls a chewier texture.
  • Try the bar version: Make my no-bake peanut butter oatmeal bars for an easy variation.

Peanut Butter Oatmeal Balls FAQs

Are energy balls and protein balls the same?

They can overlap, but the terms don’t always mean the same thing. Energy balls are a broad category of no-bake snack bites, while protein balls are usually made with added protein-rich ingredients or protein powder. These peanut butter oatmeal balls aren’t specifically designed as a high-protein snack

Why aren’t my peanut butter oatmeal balls sticking together?

The mixture may be too dry. Stir in a little more peanut butter or honey until it holds together. If it feels too sticky, add oats a tablespoon at a time.

Are peanut butter oatmeal balls healthy?

They’re made with oats, peanut butter, and honey. Check the nutrition estimate in the recipe card and serving size to see how they fit your needs.

Can I add protein powder?

I haven’t tested protein powder in these peanut butter oatmeal balls, so I can’t recommend how much to add without changing the texture. For a recipe that includes protein powder, try my pumpkin protein balls.

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Peanut butter oatmeal balls with a bite taken.

If you love peanut butter and oats, try these peanut butter overnight oats, chocolate peanut butter protein balls or my 5-ingredient energy balls!

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No bake peanut butter oatmeal balls in a white bowl.

Peanut Butter Oatmeal Balls

5 from 186 votes
Recipe by: Jamielyn Nye
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 12
These 3-ingredient peanut butter oatmeal balls are a wholesome snack to make in 5 minutes. They’re chewy, lightly sweet from honey, and easy to make ahead.
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Ingredients 

  • ¾ cup old fashioned oats , plus more as needed
  • ⅓ cup creamy peanut butter
  • 2 Tablespoons honey , plus more to taste

Optional Mix-in's: Splash of vanilla, Pinch salt, Pinch cinnamon, or 2 Tablespoons mini chocolate chips

Instructions

  • In a food processor or blender, pulse 3/4 cup oats until broken. You don't want to turn it into oat flour but break it enough that there is some powder. This will help bind the balls.
  • Stir the oats, 1/3 cup peanut butter, 2 Tablespoons honey, and any desired mix-ins in the food processor or a bowl until combined.
  • Using a small cookie scoop or Tablespoon, scoop the dough onto a plate or baking sheet. Roll into 1-inch balls, wetting hands if needed. Eat right away or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Last step: Please leave a comment and rating after you make the recipe.

Notes

Optional Mix-ins: Occasionally I like to add a splash of vanilla, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of cinnamon. A handful of mini chocolate chips are also a great addition. You can also substitute maple syrup in place of honey to make it vegan. 
Note: If you add extra ingredients and the mixture feels too dry, add a little more peanut butter and honey. If it feels too sticky, add a Tablespoon or two more of oats.
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks or in the freezer for up to 3 months. 
 

Nutrition

Serving: 1ball, Calories: 73kcal, Carbohydrates: 8g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 4g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2g, Sodium: 31mg, Potassium: 61mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 4g, Vitamin C: 0.02mg, Calcium: 6mg, Iron: 0.4mg

Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.