These peanut protein balls are the perfect bite when you’re craving something a little sweet.
Simple ingredients and ready in 20 minutes, these easy peanut butter protein balls are destined to be a new favorite treat. Lightly sweetened with honey and a combo of oatmeal, coconut, dried cherries, and chocolate chips, these bites will leave you satisfied without the sugar rush.
I’m so excited to share these peanut butter protein balls with you! This is a recipe that is my daughter’s favorite. Jersey has been making these for several years and is her all-time favorite snack.
She loves that they’re bite-sized, and I love them because they’re simple and not loaded with sugar. Win-win for us! She says she learned this recipe from her friend, Emily, but I think she forgets that I used to make a version of these when she was small.
She insists this isn’t true and that I never made peanut butter oatmeal balls, but I did – the only difference is that the originals had raisins instead of dried cherries.
We haven’t quite come to terms on this disagreement, but one thing we do agree on: these are the perfect snack when you’re craving something sweet.
No-bake, ready in 20 minutes, and irresistible. You will want to try these soon!
Ingredients
- Quick oats
- Peanut butter
- Honey
- Mini chocolate chips
- Roughly chopped dried cherries
- Shredded flakes
How to Make Them
Combine all of the ingredients in a large bowl.
Use a 3/4″ cookie scoop to form the dough into bite-sized balls. It helps to roll them lightly between your hands so they are smooth.
Place them on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper. Chill the protein balls for at least 30 minutes on the pan.
Once chilled, transfer them to an airtight container. They are best stored in the refrigerator.
Recipe Suggestions
When Jersey makes these she likes to leave out the coconut and dried cherries. When I make them I include them because they’re my favorite part. Either way works.
You can substitute the cherries for raisins or other dried fruit that you like. Just make sure to chop them up.
For a different texture, try using chunky peanut butter instead of smooth.
You could also add some finely chopped nuts like almonds, walnuts, or macadamia nuts.
FAQs
If you keep them in an airtight container, they will keep in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. You can also freeze them for up to a month.
They’re healthy-ish! They have very few ingredients and way less sugar than cookies. They are a well balanced treat.
You can, but your protein ball will be chewier. You can blitz the old-fashioned oats in the food processor to break them down, too.
I wouldn’t try baking them. There isn’t a binder, and they will turn crumbly and fall apart on you. They are meant to be no-bake and best that way.
Our whole family loves these peanut butter oatmeal bites, but Jersey and I love them. They’re easy to make and easy to eat! Make a batch this week, and let me know what you think. I know you’ll get rave reviews – Enjoy! xoxo San.
More Easy Snack Recipes
Here are a few more sweet snacks we love, too. Or browse all of my snack recipes and find a new favorite.
Don’t forget to pin this to your favorite Pinterest board to save for later!
Peanut Butter Coconut Protein Balls
Ingredients
- 3 cups quick oats
- 3/4 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup dried cherries roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup coconut flakes
Instructions
- Mix all of the ingredients together in a large mixing bowl until well combined.
- Using a 3/4 inch cookie dough scooper, scoop the dough, then roll together between your hand until smooth.
- Place on a plate or parchment paper on a pan and place in the refrigrator for 30 minutes. Then put all the protein balls in a airtight container. Best stored in the refridgerator.
Bet you can’t eat just one! – seriously that good.
You’re so kind sharing these peanut butter protein balls. It looks amazing, thank you!
I like the combo of the chocolate and cherries. Thanks for keeping me on track so far this year
This looks like the perfect healthy pick me up snack!