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Peanut Butter Protein Balls - Easy, No-Bake Bites for Snack Time

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup natural peanut butter (creamy or crunchy; stir well if oil is separated)
  • 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (use certified gluten-free oats if needed)
  • 1/2 cup protein powder (whey, pea, or your favorite; vanilla or unflavored works best)
  • 2 tablespoons chia seeds or ground flaxseed (optional, for fiber and texture)
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt (skip if your peanut butter is salty)
  • 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips or cacao nibs (optional, for a little crunch and sweetness)
  • 2–4 tablespoons milk (dairy or non-dairy), as needed to bring the mixture together

Method
 

  1. Stir the wet ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla. Mix until smooth and glossy.
  2. Add the dry ingredients. Stir in the oats, protein powder, chia or flax, and salt. The mixture will be thick and a bit crumbly at this stage.
  3. Adjust texture. Add milk 1 tablespoon at a time and mix until the dough holds together when pressed. You want it soft but not sticky.
  4. Fold in the extras. Add chocolate chips or cacao nibs and mix just to distribute evenly.
  5. Chill briefly (optional but helpful). Pop the bowl in the fridge for 10–15 minutes. Slight chilling makes rolling easier and cleaner.
  6. Roll into balls. Scoop about 1–1.5 tablespoons of dough per ball and roll between your palms. You should get 18–22 balls, depending on size.
  7. Set and store. Place on a lined tray and chill for 20–30 minutes to firm up. Then transfer to an airtight container.