Healthy Cookie Dough Oat Balls (no-bake recipe)

In this post, learn how to make the perfect quick grab snack full of protein, fat, and fiber – healthy cookie dough oat balls!

These little no-bake snack balls are loaded with protein, healthy fats, and fiber which makes them a filling snack that will leave you full and satisfied. They are nutrient packed, contain antioxidants, and are also gut-friendly as s certain ingredients act as prebiotics to feed your gut bacteria, strengthening your gut microbiome. They are also super easy to make – I often double or triple this recipe when I make them because they tend to go fast!

These are also perfect as a one-handed, easy snack if you are postpartum and nursing. I will definitely be making a bunch of these ahead of my due date this spring!

Why I love this recipe

I have tried so many “oat ball” recipes through the years, and this one by far is my favorite for two reasons. First, these balls are not overly sweet! So many recipes out there honestly taste like candy to me..and that’s not what I want. The sweetness does not overpower in this recipe, and if you want to go even lighter on the (natural) sugar, you can cut the maple syrup in half. I personally prefer the recipe as is, but feel free to play around to find your perfect mix! I also love that these balls hold their shape. Many recipes I’ve tried are too crumbly and make a mess, which is not conducive to one hand snacking or feeding to littles.

Key Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

Oat flour – Oats are loaded with soluble fiber which will help you feel fuller longer, and also help improve digestion and help the body excrete cholesterol as it forms a gel in the digestive tract. This soluble fiber, mainly beta-glucan, also acts as a prebiotic that feeds your gut bacteria. Oats are also rich in phosphorous, manganese, non-heme iron, and antioxidants, and have a low glycemic index meaning they prevent sharp blood sugar spikes after consuming.

Almond flour – Almonds are high in protein, healthy fats, and fiber, which is the perfect macronutrient combination to help you feel full and satisfied for longer. They are also rich in Vitamin E, magnesium, manganese, and antioxidants. Since this type of flour is ground from almonds instead of grains, it contains little to no carbohydrates and therefore will not cause a blood sugar spike.

Chia seeds – these little superfoods are loaded with fiber, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids, along with iron, magnesium, calcium, and antioxidants.

Dark chocolate chips – Dark chocolate contains powerful antioxidants such as polyphenols and flavanols which help your body fight oxidation and inflammation. It’s rich in copper, magnesium, iron, and manganese and generally has less added sugar than milk chocolate. I love these mini dark chocolate chips for this recipe.

Sea salt – I like to use Redmond real salt as it’s an unrefined sea salt that contains over 60 trace minerals. Adding salt to any recipe, even sweet recipes, can help boost the flavor as salt binds to the receptors on your tase buds allowing them to work better!

Wet Ingredients

Peanut butter – Peanut butter is a good source of protein, fat, and fiber which will helps you stay full and satisfied for longer. Peanuts are rich in Vitamin E, iron, selenium, magnesium, and B6. Just be sure to stick to peanut butters that only contains peanuts (and maybe salt) and avoid those that have added oils and sugars.

Coconut oil – Rich in medium-chain fatty acids, this source of fat has a neutral flavor that mixes well into baking recipes.

Maple syrup – Maple syrup is an excellent natural sweetener as it’s easy to mix into any recipe and is loaded with antioxidants that help fight oxidative stress in the body. It’s also a good source of manganese, zinc, potassium and has a lower glycemic index than refined sugar, meaning it will not cause as big of a blood sugar spike after consumption.

Vanilla – Vanilla is a great way to add natural sweetness and a depth of flavor to a recipe without having to actually increase the sugar content.

Equipment

• Food processor
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Cookie scoop (optional)

How to make healthy cookie dough oat balls

1. If using old fashioned oats, blend in blender or food processor until they reach a fine powder to make flour. If using oat flour, skip this step.
2. Add oat flour, almond flour, chia seeds, and salt to medium bowl. Stir to combine.
3. Add coconut oil, peanut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla to bowl. Stir until wet ingredients are fully incorporated into dry.
4. Fold in chocolate chips.
5. Roll dough into balls with your hands, or use a cookie scoop to speed up the process, and place the balls on parchment paper.
6. Place in freezer for 30 minutes or until set. I like to place the parchment on a small cutting board before placing in the freezer to keep them stable while freezing.
7. Once frozen, transfer to an airtight bag and store in freezer for up to 3 months.

Dietitian Tip

These healthy oat balls are loaded with fiber, healthy fats, & protein, which makes them a great balanced snack. The combination of these macronutrients will act as a “buffer” to any of the carbohydrates consumed within this snack, which will lead to a more subtle spike in blood sugar. Keeping your blood sugar more steady & stable throughout the day will lead you feeling fuller longer, have better energy, and will help reduce cravings.

How to store healthy cookie dough oat balls

Once frozen, I transfer to an airtight bag and then keep them in the freezer to store. They will keep in the freezer for 3 months, although I’m certain they will not last that long!

These healthy cookie dough oat balls come together so quick & you will love having them on hand. They are full of protein, fat, and fiber, making them pretty filling for such a small snack. I love to grab a couple to eat on the go, or they are also delicious crumbled up on top of vanilla yogurt if you are are in need of a more significant snack, or you want something sweet yet healthy at night!

If you enjoy this recipe, I would definitely check out my healthy cookie dough bites as well. They are similar but have more of a cookie feel to them, and are delicious! I also have great recipes for healthy banana bread, chocolate chip blondies, and pumpkin magic bars if you are in the mood for some baking!