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No-Bake Cookie Balls

These No-Bake Cookie Balls are chewy, chocolatey bites made with rolled oats, peanut butter, honey, and mini chocolate chips. They come together in about 20 minutes with zero oven time required. Perfect for snacking, gifting, or satisfying a sweet craving any time of day.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 20 balls
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 118

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 2/3 cup creamy peanut butter warmed slightly if stiff
  • 1/3 cup honey or pure maple syrup
  • 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips dairy-free if needed
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp ground flaxseed optional
  • 1/4 tsp fine sea salt

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Cookie scoop or tablespoon
  • Parchment-lined baking sheet
  • Plastic wrap

Method
 

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, mini chocolate chips, ground flaxseed (if using), and sea salt. Stir together until evenly distributed.
  2. Add the peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Stir thoroughly until everything is fully combined and a sticky, cohesive dough forms. If the mixture is too dry, add one more tablespoon of honey. If too wet, add a small handful of oats.
  3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the mixture for 20 to 30 minutes until it is firm enough to roll without sticking to your hands.
  4. Remove the mixture from the fridge. Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, portion out the dough and roll each portion between your palms into a smooth ball about 1 inch in diameter. Lightly dampen your hands if the mixture sticks.
  5. Place the finished balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet or plate. Refrigerate for an additional 15 minutes to firm up completely before serving. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Notes

For the cleanest results, roll each ball a second time after the 15-minute chill to smooth out any cracks. Do not substitute steel-cut oats as they will not absorb the wet ingredients properly. Natural peanut butter can make the mixture looser, so reduce honey slightly if needed. These freeze well for up to 3 months.