An energy ball that tastes like one of my all-time favourite cookies? Yes please! These oatmeal cookie energy balls are made from oats, seeds, peanut butter and sweetened with the perfect amount of honey. They're the perfect grab-and-go snack for a busy day!
Energy balls are one of my favourite go-to snacks. They are easy to make, require minimal ingredients and can be totally customized based on what you have on hand! On their own, they make a filling snack. They can also be crushed up as a perfect addition to your yogurt or oatmeal bowls! Regardless of how you eat them, these oatmeal cookie energy balls taste just like your Grandma's oatmeal cookies. Except they also give you that extra push to get you through the day. They're basically your favourite oatmeal in a ball!

Like I said- one of my favourite things about energy balls is how customizable they are. Change up the nut butter you use, or add in different nuts/ seeds. This specific recipe is for energy balls without dates (which I find makes clean up SO much easier) however the possibilities are endless! These no bake cookie dough bites would also be amazing with some drizzled chocolate. Use this as an opportunity to get creative!
Ingredients in These Oatmeal Cookie Energy Balls:
Oats- You can't have oatmeal cookies without oats. For these, I use minute oats but you can use any rolled, minute or quick oats you have on hand!
Protein powder- I use my favourite protein powder (Smooth Vanilla is the best!). However feel free to use any vanilla or unflavored protein powder. When I'm low on protein powder I have also used this collagen powder with great results! If you don't have any protein powder on hand feel free to substitute with oat flour or almond flour.
Flax/Chia seeds- These are the secret ingredient in these energy balls. I love adding chia seeds or flax seeds to these. They bring added protein and healthy fats turning these from just regular old energy balls into the perfect energy balls.
Cinnamon- The key to good oatmeal cookies? LOTS of cinnamon. They key to good oatmeal cookie balls? LOTS of cinnamon. I think you get the point.
Peanut Butter- Use a natural peanut butter and look for one that's made from just peanuts and salt like this one! Any nut/seed butter will work here but just be aware it may slightly alter the taste of these energy balls.
Honey- For sweetness! In many energy ball recipes, dates are used to hold together everything. Since these are energy balls without dates, I use honey as a binder! I love the combination of peanut butter, cinnamon and honey in these it's just so comforting. I've never tried to substitute with any other liquid sweetener. If you try- let me know how it turns out in the comments.
Chocolate- Optional but recommended! Chocolate makes not only the world but also these balls better! Try these vegan chocolate chips too!
If you're looking for other high-protein or energy dense snack ideas don't forget to check out these no-bake protein bars!
I love seeing you make my recipes! If you make these oatmeal in a ball bites don't forget to tag me on Instagram @nourishedbynic or leave a comment on this post telling me how it turned out!
📖 Recipe
Oatmeal Cookie Energy Balls
Ingredients
- 2 cups oats rolled or minute oats
- ½ cup unflavored or vanilla protein powder *see recipe notes for substitutions
- ½ cup ground flax seeds
- ¼ cup chia seeds
- ½ tablespoon cinnamon
- ½ cup natural peanut butter
- ⅓ cup honey
- large handful chocolate chips
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all of the ingredients using a large wooden spoon (you may have to use your hands at some point to really mix everything in)
- Place the bowl in the fridge for about 30 minutes ( this will help the balls stick together better when you are rolling them)
- After you take it out of the fridge roll about 1 tbs sized balls by hand and place them on a cookie sheet ** if the mixture is a bit dry add in a tiny bit more honey or peanut butter
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 2 months!