Say hello to your new go-to protein balls that are oh-so chewy, moist, and made with a handful of real, wholesome ingredients you can feel good about enjoying! Ready in just 30 minutes, they’re perfect for breakfast on the run, a post workout pick-me-up, or anytime you need a little treat without the guilt.
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I live for snacks that actually do something, like keep you full, give you energy, yet taste like they were made in a bakery! Enter this protein balls recipe, your new favorite energy bites!
I’ve tested these energy balls in every way imaginable, to find the best blend of oats, binder, and sweetener, and I’ve got the tricks that make them chewy, soft, and never dry or crumbly.
Toss them in your gym bag or lunchbox on-the-go and feel great about snacking (plus try my good-for-you Granola Recipe!). And because these protein balls are so easy to make, you’ll never reach for the store-bought kind again!
Why You’ll Love This Protein Balls Recipe
- Uses simple ingredients: you probably already have them on-hand
- One-bowl, 30-minute recipe: whip them up in no time with minimal cleanup
- Make ahead meal prep magic: they’re the perfect on-the-go snack for all us busy people
- Delicious and nutritious: no BS, just a wholesome snack that tastes ridiculously good
- BEST texture: like a chewy, moist cookie…IYKYK (if you know, you know)
Ingredients
Make these protein balls with just a few ingredients. I bet you have most of them already on hand!
- Old-fashioned rolled oats – old-fashioned rolled oats will create the perfect chewy, cookie-like texture. Look for gluten-free certified if you want these protein bites to be gluten-free!
- Smooth peanut butter – you can use regular, natural or Homemade Peanut Butter, as long as the PB is stirred together well. Peanut butter helps the oats stay together and bake into the perfect soft, moist texture.
- Egg whites – I use Eggland’s Best Egg Whites for ease (instead of separating yolks from whites). Egg whites give you pure protein without extra fat or calories. Plus egg whites create light, chewy cookie-like balls.
- Honey – honey sweetens things up and helps bind the bites together.
- Vanilla extract – vanilla adds deep, warm flavor.
- Salt – salt enhances flavor.
- Mini dark chocolate chips (optional) – a little chocolate never hurt!
How to Make Protein Balls
You honestly can’t get much easier than this recipe! Here’s how to make the best protein balls in just 3 steps (this is an outline; the full recipe is in the recipe card below):
- Mix. Preheat oven to 350℉. Mix together all ingredients. Let stand for 3 minutes.
- Roll. Roll 2 tablespoon balls and drop on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake. Bake for 11-13 minutes until just set. Let cool for 5 minutes before placing on a wire rack or digging in!
Recipe Variations
- Try a different nut butter (or make them nut-free): try almond, cashew, or sunflower butter (for a nut-free version). If the mixture is too wet (since other butters tender to be a bit looser than peanut butter) add an extra tablespoon or two of oats.
- Add dried fruit instead of chocolate chips: try raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped dates.
- Add protein powder: add 1-2 scoops and reduce oats by 2-3 tablespoons.
- Use maple syrup instead of honey: increase oats by 1-2 tablespoons.
- Add spices: fold in a dash of cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, or cocoa powder.
My Pro Tip
Pro Tips
- Wait a few minutes before scooping the protein balls onto the baking sheet, to give the oats time to absorb the liquid.
- Line your pan with parchment for easy removal and no sticking.
- Bake until just set with light golden edges. Don’t overbake for the best, moist texture!
How to Store Protein Balls
To store: store at room temperature for up to 8 hours (like taking them to work!). After that, store them in the fridge for up to a week in an airtight container in the fridge, after cooling completely.
To reheat: serve room temp, chilled, or microwave for 10 seconds, or until warm.
To freeze: freeze for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temp for an hour.
More Healthy Snack Recipes You’ll Love!
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Breakfast
Acai Bowl Recipe (Easy!)
Snacks & Side Dishes
Crispy Roasted Chickpeas (5 Flavors!)
Breakfast
Easy Fruit Salad Recipe
If you’ve tried this Protein Balls Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please let me know in the comments below. I love hearing from you. Please consider leaving a 🌟 star rating while you are here!
BEST Peanut Butter Protein Balls
Ingredients
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- ½ cup smooth peanut butter
- ¼ cup egg whites, I use Eggland’s Best Egg Whites
- ¼ cup honey
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup mini dark chocolate chips, optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350℉. Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well combined. Let stand for 3 minutes to give time for oats to absorb liquid.
- Roll 2 tablespoon balls (using a cookie scoop if possible) and drop on a parchment-lined baking sheet, at least 1 inch apart.
- Bake for 11-13 minutes until just set with light golden edges. Let cool for 5 minutes before placing on a wire rack to cool completely – or enjoying!
Video
Notes
- If using natural peanut butter, make sure to stir it well before using.
- These are fine at room temp for up to 8 hours (think snack at work!), but after that, store in the fridge for up to a week (or freeze!).
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Are these good for a diabetic? I hope so.
OMG THESE ARE ADDICTING. If there is such thing as a healthy Reeseโs peanut butter cup that also high in proteinโฆ.this is it. I make two full freezer bag ahead of time.
I can’t get over how good these are either!! Cheers!
Grace