If you feel happier after a snack, then make whipping up this Peanut Butter Protein Balls recipe a part of your weekly routine. Keeping them on hand is a sure, easy way to up the quality of your everyday.

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An Easy Protein Balls Recipe for Everyday
A mix of protein-packed ingredients like peanut butter, protein powder, flax seeds, and chia seeds, along with a touch of honey for natural sweetness and chocolate chips for good measure, these easy protein balls take fewer than 15 minutes to pull together.
They don’t require any special equipment.
No food processor, no mixer.
Just you, a bowl, and all the peanut butter you care to lick off your fingers!

About Protein Balls
Protein balls can be good for you when they are made with healthy ingredients, keep sugar to a minimum, and are enjoyed in moderation.
- Protein balls are the perfect size for easy snacking between meals or to enjoy as a post-workout energy boost.
- Yes, protein balls call for high fat ingredients like peanut butter, but it’s healthy fat. Further, fat is important to make the protein balls satisfying.
- Other important factors to consider when weighing the health benefits of protein balls is the amount of fiber, protein, and sugar.
- Fiber and protein (along with fat) make a snack filling so that you aren’t digging in the pantry again an hour later, still hungry.
When your fridge or desk are stocked with healthy options like these peanut butter oatmeal protein balls, you’ll be less likely to turn to processed foods or expensive store-bought protein bars (which often have lots of sugar).

How to Make Protein Balls
This high protein ball recipe is lightly adapted from my go-to Energy Balls, with the addition of protein powder.
- Like the originals, they are filling and wholesome, but (thanks to the protein powder), they offer more grams of protein per ball.
- Unlike protein balls with dates (which require blending), you don’t need a food processor to make this recipe.
- Feel free to change up the flavors and create variations! You can replace the chocolate chips with finely chopped pecans, raisins, dried cranberries, another baking chip of your choice, or simply omit them.
TIP!
For a meal-sized bar, check out my Peanut Butter Protein Bars or Vegan Protein Bars.
The Ingredients
- Peanut Butter. While drippy, natural style peanut butter may not be the best in baked recipes where it can separate (like these Peanut Butter Protein Cookies), it works wonderfully for no bake protein balls like these.

- Oatmeal. Fiber-rich oats make these peanut butter balls filling and help hold them together. For a version without oats, check out these Protein Balls with Coconut Flour.
- Flaxseed Meal. This super food is loaded with omega-3s and fiber (more here).
TIP!
Since it contains oils, flaxseed meal can go bad quickly. Store it in the refrigerator for freezer. If it smells rancid or bitter, it has gone bad and needs to be thrown out.

- Chia Seeds. Another super food! These cutie seeds pack a wallop of fiber and omega-3s in a low calorie package.
- Vanilla Protein Powder. Adding protein powder is the best, easiest way to create a high-protein snack that’s still reasonably low calorie. You can use any vanilla protein powder you enjoy. (Garden of Life, About Time, Bob’s Red Mill, and Optimum Nutrition are my favorites.) For a dairy-free version, use a protein powder without whey.
- Honey. Just 2 tablespoons are all you need for perfectly sweet protein balls. Feel free to add more to taste (you’ll want to add more protein powder or oats if the dough feels too sticky and lose).
- Chocolate Chips. Because why settle for just peanut butter when you can have CHOCOLATE peanut butter protein balls? I like the dark chocolate mini chips here, which roll in the balls nicely.
The Directions

- Place the ingredients in a large mixing bowl.

- Stir together.

- Use a 1 tablespoon cookie scoop to scoop dough into your palms.

- Then roll into balls and refrigerate to enjoy!
Storage Tips
- To Store. Refrigerate protein balls for up to 2 weeks in an airtight container.
- To Freeze. Freeze protein balls for up to 3 months or longer (if they are airtight, you can freeze them practically indefinitely). Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature if you are in a hurry.
Meal Prep Tip
Since protein balls are so freezer friendly, make a double batch and freeze a portion for future busy weeks.
More Protein Packed Snacks
Recommended Tools to Make this Recipe
- Measuring Spoons. These stay well organized in your drawer thanks to their magnetic feature.
- Spatula. Silicone spatula that’s stiff, easy to clean, and exceptionally heat resistant.
Frequently Asked Questions
NOPE! You can use regular peanut butter. Your dough will be dryer, so add additional water as needed. You also can make the peanut butter protein balls with coconut oil (add a few teaspoons of melted coconut oil along with the regular peanut butter).
Yes, I recommend storing protein balls in the refrigerator to extend their shelf life. They are fine out of the refrigerator for several hours if you’d like to take them on-the-go or pack them in your lunch.
Yes, because the oats in energy balls are not actually raw! Rolled oats are steamed and pressed prior to being packaged, so you don’t need to worry about cooking them first.
I recommend vanilla protein powder, but beyond that you can use any brand you like. I’ve tested these with both plant-based protein powder and whey protein powder with good results.
Here’s the thing: protein balls are healthy but they are generally not very low calorie. Healthy fats in the peanut butter and flaxseed make these satisfying, filling, and also offer omega-3s. Compared to most protein ball recipes however, this one is fairly low calorie since it uses so little added sugar.
Protein balls are one of many names for a pocket-sized snack made with high-energy ingredients, such as nut butter, oatmeal, flaxseed, and protein powder. Other popular names include bliss balls, energy balls, energy bites, and protein bites.
Protein Balls
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Ingredients
- ¾ cup drippy peanut butter or almond butter or sun butter
- ⅓ cup vanilla protein powder
- ½ cup old fashioned rolled oats or quick oats; do not use instant oatmeal
- ¼ cup ground flaxseed meal
- 3 tablespoons mini chocolate chips or unsweetened shredded coconut or a mix
- 2 tablespoons honey or pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- Water as needed
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, place the peanut butter, protein powder, rolled oats, flaxseeds, chocolate chips, honey, and chia seeds.
- With a wooden spoon, sturdy rubber spatula, or your hands, mix the dough together. (I start with a spatula and then switch to my hands.)
- Judge the dough’s consistency. Depending on how drippy your peanut butter is and your brand of protein powder, you may need to add water (if it is too dry) or additional protein powder or oats (if it is too wet and sticky). If you need to add water, add it 1 teaspoon at a time. If oats or protein powder, you can add a few teaspoons at a time. The dough should be easy to roll into a ball, similar to a yummy cookie dough. I recommended getting it to where you think it is just right then letting it sit for a few minutes. Sometimes the oats and protein powder will absorb additional moisture, and you will want to adjust as needed so that the balls are not dry.
- Use a 1 tablespoon cookie scoop to scoop dough into your palms.
- Roll into balls until all dough is gone. If at any point it is clinging to you or seems just a tiny bit too dry, lightly wet your hands. You should have roughly 16 balls.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Video
Notes
- TO STORE: Refrigerate protein balls for up to 2 weeks in an airtight container.
- TO FREEZE: Freeze protein balls for up to 3 months or longer (if they are airtight, you can freeze them practically indefinitely). Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature if you are in a hurry.
Nutrition
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It’s always a great idea to have healthy snacks around for quick consumption whenever the craving strikes. Here are some of my favorites:
This recipe is perfection! I’ve made one like this before but the addition of the vanilla protein powder is golden! Adding a tiny bit of water also made them the perfect consistency! My 3 year old devoured them too!
Hi Marybeth! So glad you enjoyed them! Thank you for this kind review!
Made these protein several times and used half Nutella with the peanut butter. Keep them frozen for a quick healthy snack.
Hi Belinda! So glad you enjoyed them! Thank yo for this kind review!
Delicious, easy & healthy!
Hi Caryn! So glad you enjoyed the protein balls! Thank you for this kind review!
Hi ! Does it matter what kind of
Protein you use? I want to use plant protein.
Hi Jenna, I don’t think it matters too much which protein you use. Hope you enjoy them!
These are amazing! My kids loved them. Super easy to make. Great snack after sports.
Hi Marie! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
Hi your recipe is amaizing for these, but I am somewhat new to nutrition, I am trying to count calories and for one ball it says it’s 100 kcal, so would one ball be 1000 calories? I think I’m just confused because that’s almost half my calories for the day?
Hi Josh! The calories for each ball at 100. Hope this helps!
My only complaint they were gone too fast. My kids loved them. Next time I am making a double or a triple batch. Thanks for the recipe.
Hi Shannon! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
Delicious!!!!! I used chocolate protein powder instead… OMG. This will be something I enjoy more regular when I need something sweet.
Hi Shan! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
These are delicious!! Thank you for the recipe.
Hi Raj! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
I am trying to log in my name and e-mail is enter but it won’t take my pass word .It say that name is already enter and it says that name already entered and it is me.
Hi Peggy! Please email us at hello@wellplated.com so someone can help you troubleshoot this issue. Thank you!
I changed it slightly by using almond butter, halved the amount of chocolate chips and added raisins and coconut. They are delicious!
Hi Cathy! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
I have made these countless times and am in love! Thank you for creating such an amazing Recipe!
Hi Laura! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
Made these with chocolate protein powder and chocolate peanut butter instead of the traditional options and they turned out great! Great for a quick, fulfilling snack :)
Hi Jordan! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
Hi! I’ve made these twice now, and they are delicious! I was wondering if you have experimented with adding more protein powder? I’d like to have double the amount of protein per ball. Just don’t know if doubling the protein powder would throw the recipe off.
Hi Karen! So glad you enjoyed the recipe. Thank you for this kind review! I have not experimented with adding more. If you decide to experiment, let me know how it goes!
Made these for myself and my husband and we love them. Making my 3rd batch now. It’s hard just to eat one or two!!!
Hi Daisy! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
Amazing recipe, would definitely recommend! They have the best taste and are perfect before hitting a workout in the mornings!
Hi Kranberny! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
I have made these three times so far and they are delicious. I am not a huge fan of chocolate (I know, that’s weird), so I take out the chocolate and just add a little more oats. I also cut the maple syrup in half, so I use 1 TBS instead of 2. Thank you so much for sharing this recipe. I love that it takes care of my sweet craving and is still good for me.
Hi Kim! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review and feed back on changes!
I’ve been eating these every day this week! Such an easy and healthy
Hi Elaine! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
My family loves these. They are healthy, yet yummy!
Hi Cathie! So glad you enjoyed them! Thank you for this kind review!
Can I use vanilla instead of vanilla protein powder,if not what vsnilla protein powder would u recommend?
Hi Viola! You would not be able to substitute vanilla for the protein powder. It’s a liquid and the other ingredient is in powder form. Here is the brand I typically use: https://amzn.to/2JbWgq9 Hope you enjoy the balls!
Delicious and so easy to make!
Hi Meghan! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
Hi Erin. I want to try this recipe but cannot digest flaxseed. Can I use hemp seed instead and continue with the other ingredients?
Thanks.
Hi Chantry! I’ve only tested the recipe as written but you likely could. If you decide to experiment, let me know how it goes!
i used hemp seeds and they turned out great! needed to add quite a bit of water to get a good consistency but not sure if that is because of the protein powder or peanut butter i used.
Hi Randy! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
I could not find where this recipe actually says how much protein in each serving?
Hi Bonnie! It’s listed in the recipe card at the bottom under the label “Nutrition”. Hope this helps!
Is it necessary to add protein powder?
Hi Sandra, I’ve only tested this recipe with the protein powder. It’s lightly adapted from my go-to energy ball recipe if you want to check it out; https://www.wellplated.com/energy-balls/ if you decide to experiment with these, let me know how it goes!
Curious if I could exchange the oats or some of the oats for oat powder. I hate the texture of oats.
Hi Nicolette! I’ve only tested the recipe as is, so it would be hard to say for sure. If you decide to experiment, let me know how it goes!
Has anyone tried substituting liquid allulose for the honey? Or any other natural sugar substitute?
Can I use coconut flour instead the oats
Hi Ana! I’m sorry, no I don’t believe that would work. The flour is a different consistency than the oats and you won’t be baking these.
I made these today and they are outstanding. I am already thinking about other ingredients I can use in future batches besides chocolate chips and coconut (I used both in my first batch).
Hi Mike! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
I have always wanted to make peanut butter balls, and this recipe is so healthy! I’m so glad it is made with natural peanut butter and they are delicious using coconut and honey!
Hi Julie! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
Could you use chocolate protein powder?
Hi Rita! It might change the flavor some but I’m sure you could! Enjoy!
Where can I find the nutrition facts on this recipe?
Hi Nolan! All of the nutritional facts are located in the bottom of the recipe card. Enjoy!
Very good recipe- thanks! I omitted honey/maple syrup as they were sweet enough for me and had no trouble staying together.
Hi Alli! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
These are amazing!! A friend of mine that I go to the gym with shared this recipe with me. I have made them several times and they are a hit! I have shared them with co-workers and everyone asks for the recipe! Only thing I do is I make them more like a monster cookie ball by adding in mini M&Ms instead of chocolate chip! I love them! They are quick and easy to make and not to mention delicious!
Hi Stephanie! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
The balls came out ok. I really don’t like the aftertaste of stevia and that’s exactly what my vanilla flavored organic protein powder mix has in it. I was hoping with the other ingredients I wouldn’t taste it as much. Unfortunately I do.
Hi Denise! I’m sorry to hear these didn’t turn out for you. I haven’t tested it with stevia so I can’t guarantee the results.
Probably a dumb question: if I have no protein powder, should I add more of something else? How do I work around it?
Thanks!
SL
Hi Sylvie! Here are my energy balls without protein powder: https://www.wellplated.com/energy-balls/ Enjoy!
I had several similar recipes, I keep coming back to this one. I deleted the other ones.
Costco sells a boxed mix that is pretty much the same recipe. I bought one box and thought it was way too expensive.
I googled recipes and I had all of the ingredients and made these after a few other attempts.
This recipe is a 100% winner!!!!!! You will not be disappointed.
Hi Joy! That makes me so happy to hear! Thank you!
Hi Erin! Thanks for sharing. I’d like to try this recipe, but I have a question. How many grams is each bite approx? if the recipe gives 22-24 units
Hi Pilar, no idea, I did not measure them out in grams. Once you make them you can use a standard kitchen scale to figure that out. Enjoy!
How many balls should the recipe make?
Hi Bonnie, serving size is 16. Enjoy!
Looks good, I’ll try these!
Hope you enjoy them, Brenda!
I love this recipe and my husband loves it when I make them. Thank you Erin!
Thank you Mimi!
Easy to make and so good!!!
Thank you Christy!
Made these as written but used unflavored protein powder and they were delicious!
Yay! Thank you Hannah!
Quite tasty and easy to make. I’ll try again with some substitutions.
Thank you Brigid!
So yummy!!! The problem is resisting eating the whole batch at once!
Exactly! Thanks Lisa!
I would make this recipe again! I made a double batch and they are almost gone 24h later ( family of 6). Even my picky eater loved them. I didn’t have flax seed so left that out and they turned out great.
So glad to hear! Thank you!
Nice recipe, but I’m gonna play with macros. These are more like carb/fat balls rather than protein balls.