Delicious, no-bake Peanut Butter-Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Balls come together quickly for a satisfying and healthy snack!
Without fail, about three days after I start a “clean eating” period, my sweet tooth launches a rebellion. Usually, it wins. This tragedy repeats itself over and over in my life, no matter which diet I choose. But over the years, I’ve learned something important about my sweet tooth: it’s there to stay, and if I give in to it here and there, I’ll sometimes end up eating a pint of ice cream in one sitting! I’ve also learned that there are healthy ways to feed a sweet tooth, and these peanut butter-chocolate chip oatmeal balls are one way to do that.
One thing I love about this recipe is the lack of cooking. The only equipment you need to make these balls is a food processor, and there’s no waiting around for them to set. You can eat them right off the plate after you roll them!
This recipe combines a lot of different flavors I tend to crave in sweets, like peanut butter and chocolate, with the heartiness of rolled oats. The balls are sweetened and held together by Medjool dates, which I like to keep around as a natural snack. The chocolate chips also help to sweeten this treat. It’s the perfect recipe to knock out a sugar craving!
Are Peanut Butter-Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Balls Healthy?
As far as desserts go, yes! These peanut butter-chocolate chip oatmeal balls are absolutely healthy. Let’s start off with the chia seeds—these little marvels provide fiber, healthy fats, protein, magnesium, and more. Oats have plenty of fiber and some protein, along with important minerals such as iron, potassium, and zinc. Aside from the chocolate chips, this recipe is devoid of processed sugar. Instead, it’s sweetened with Medjool dates. To make these balls even healthier, ditch the Jiff and Skippy and opt for real peanut butter—the kind that’s made with just one ingredient: peanuts. To make this recipe vegan, simply opt for vegan chocolate chips.
The Marvelous Medjool Dates
Have you heard of Medjool dates? Chances are you’ve seen them in the produce aisle or the bulk bin at your grocery store. They look like comically-large raisins. In fact, it’s one of the most popular types of dates in America. I find that Medjool dates have a maple syrup or caramel-like sweetness, which is why I think they’re the perfect sugar alternative in recipes. Sure, they are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, but they’re useful, too. The sticky, dense texture of the dates plays nicely with the peanut butter, acting as a binding agent for the rest of the ingredients while lending a distinct type of sweetness to the finished treat. This is one ingredient you definitely don’t want to leave out.
How To Make Ahead And Store
If you plan on eating the oatmeal balls right away, it’s fine to keep them at room temperature. For longer storage, carefully place the balls in a plastic container and keep them in the fridge for about 1 week. If you end up with more than one layer of balls, use wax or parchment paper between each layer to prevent sticking. If you’d like a tastier way of keeping them stick-free, sprinkle them with cocoa powder, coconut flour, or even powdered sugar.
The balls can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Use freezer-safe baggies or containers. For best results, freeze the balls on a baking sheet before you put them in a freezer bag so they don’t stick.
Serving Suggestions
I enjoy eating these peanut butter-chocolate chip oatmeal balls with a glass of milk, or even a cup of herbal tea, like chamomile or rooibos. I also wouldn’t say no to an adult beverage to complement this treat, like a White Russian or a Bushwacker Drink. For a morning treat, serve these alongside a Coffee Smoothie or a Homemade Caramel-Vanilla Iced Coffee.
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup coconut flakes
- 10 Medjool dates pitted
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
Instructions
- Place the oats and coconut flakes into a food processor and blend until they form a coarse, crumbly mixture.
- Add the Medjool dates, peanut butter, chocolate chips, and chia seeds. Blend until it's smooth and begins to come together. Scrape mixture into a medium bowl.
- Roll the mixture into balls that are about 2 tablespoons in size. Serve immediately, or store in the fridge.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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