Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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They taste like peanut butter cookie dough, but are made with nutritious ingredients.
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No baking required—just blend, roll, and enjoy.
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Perfect for meal prep; they store well in the fridge or freezer.
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Naturally sweetened with dates and maple syrup.
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Customizable with your favorite add-ins.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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1 cup rolled oats
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1 cup pitted Medjool dates (soaked in hot water for 10 minutes)
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1/3 cup natural peanut butter
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2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
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2 tablespoons maple syrup or date syrup
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1 scoop vanilla protein powder (optional)
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1–2 tablespoons water, as needed
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2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips
Directions
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In a high-speed food processor, blend the oats, ground flaxseed, and protein powder (if using) into a coarse flour.
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Add the soaked and drained dates, peanut butter, and maple syrup. Blend until a doughy texture forms, scraping down the sides as needed.
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If the mixture is too dry, add 1–2 tablespoons of water, blending until the dough sticks together when pressed between fingers.
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Transfer the dough to a bowl and fold in the mini chocolate chips by hand.
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Using your hands, form the mixture into 16 equal-sized balls.
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Store the energy balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer for best texture.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 16 balls
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Total Time: 10 minutes
Variations
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Nut-Free: Substitute sunflower seed butter for peanut butter.
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Chocolate Lover’s: Add 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder for a chocolatey twist.
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Superfood Boost: Mix in 1 tablespoon of chia seeds or hemp hearts for added nutrition.
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Spiced: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm flavor profile.
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Fruit-Infused: Incorporate dried cranberries or raisins for a fruity touch.
Storage/Reheating
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Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
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Freezer: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
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To Serve: Enjoy straight from the fridge or let thaw for a few minutes if frozen.
FAQs
Can I use a different nut butter?
Absolutely. Almond butter or cashew butter work well as substitutes for peanut butter.
Do I need to use protein powder?
No, the protein powder is optional. The energy balls will still hold together and taste great without it.
Can I make these without a food processor?
A food processor is recommended for the best texture, but a high-powered blender can also work. Ensure the dates are well-soaked to blend smoothly.
How can I make the mixture less sticky?
If the dough is too sticky to handle, refrigerate it for 15–20 minutes before rolling into balls.
Are these energy balls suitable for kids?
Yes, they’re a kid-friendly snack that’s both tasty and nutritious.
Conclusion
These peanut butter cookie dough energy balls are a delightful and wholesome treat that I love to have on hand. They’re quick to make, easy to customize, and perfect for satisfying sweet cravings in a healthy way. Whether I’m packing them for a snack or enjoying them as a dessert, they never fail to please.
Print
Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Energy Balls
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 16 balls
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These healthy no-bake energy balls are naturally sweetened with dates and packed with peanut butter, oats, and chocolate chips—perfect for a quick vegan snack.
Ingredients
1 cup rolled oats
1 cup pitted Medjool dates (soaked in hot water for 10 minutes)
1/3 cup natural peanut butter
2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
2 tablespoons maple syrup or date syrup
1 scoop vanilla protein powder (optional)
1–2 tablespoons water, as needed
2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips
Instructions
In a high-speed food processor, blend oats, flaxseed, and optional protein powder into a coarse flour.
Add soaked and drained dates, peanut butter, and maple syrup. Blend until a dough forms, scraping down sides as needed.
If dough is too dry, blend in 1–2 tablespoons of water until it sticks when pressed.
Transfer dough to a bowl and fold in mini chocolate chips.
Form mixture into 16 equal-sized balls with your hands.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer.
Notes
For a nut-free version, use sunflower seed butter.
Add 1 tbsp cocoa powder for a chocolate version.
For extra nutrition, mix in chia seeds, hemp hearts, or dried fruit.
Chill the dough if it’s too sticky before rolling.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Snack, Energy Bites
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
