If you need a quick and healthy snack that you can make ahead and grab anytime, these gluten free peanut butter protein balls are exactly what you’re looking for.
They’re made with simple ingredients like natural peanut butter, honey, oats, and chocolate protein powder. No baking required, and they come together in about 10 minutes.
Each bite is packed with protein and healthy fats, which makes them a great option before or after a workout, or just when you need a little pick-me-up in the afternoon.
And yes, they are 100% gluten free. I use gluten free rolled oats to keep everything safe for anyone avoiding gluten, without losing any of the taste or texture.
The mini chocolate chips add just enough sweetness to make these feel like a treat, even though they’re actually good for you. Trust me, once you try them you’ll want to keep a batch in the fridge at all times.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
No Baking Required – These peanut butter protein balls don’t need an oven at all. Just mix everything together, roll them up, and pop them in the fridge to set.
Packed With Protein – Between the natural peanut butter, chocolate protein powder, and ground flaxseed, these little balls are loaded with protein to keep you full and energized throughout the day.
Totally Gluten Free – Made with gluten free rolled oats and naturally gluten free ingredients, these protein balls are a safe and delicious snack for anyone avoiding gluten.
Tastes Like a Treat – With peanut butter, mini chocolate chips, and a touch of honey, these protein balls honestly taste more like cookie dough than a healthy snack. You won’t believe how good they are.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Natural Peanut Butter
- 1/3 cup Honey
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1 1/2 cups Gluten Free Rolled Oats
- 1/2 cup Chocolate Protein Powder
- 1/4 cup Ground Flaxseed
- 1/3 cup Mini Chocolate Chips
- Pinch of Sea Salt
How to Make
Step 1
In a large bowl, mix peanut butter, honey, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
Step 2
Add gluten free oats, protein powder, ground flaxseed, and sea salt. Stir until everything is evenly incorporated.
Step 3
Fold in mini chocolate chips, then refrigerate the mixture for 15 minutes to make it easier to handle.
Step 4
Roll the mixture into 20-24 balls, about 1 inch in diameter, using your hands.
Step 5
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 2 months.
Helpful Tips
Stir Your Peanut Butter Before Measuring
Natural peanut butter separates in the jar, with the oil floating to the top and the thick stuff sinking to the bottom. If you scoop straight from the jar without stirring, you might get a measurement that’s too oily or too dry, and that throws off the whole recipe.
Give the jar a really good stir until it looks smooth and creamy all the way through. Then scoop out your 1 cup. This way you get the right ratio of oil to peanut butter, and your balls will hold together perfectly.
Don’t Skip the Refrigerating Step
After you mix everything together, the 15 minutes in the fridge might seem like something you can skip, but it really does matter. The cold firms up the peanut butter and honey so the mixture becomes way easier to roll into balls without sticking to your hands.
If you try to roll them right away, the mixture will be soft and sticky and you’ll end up with a mess. If after 15 minutes it still feels too soft, give it another 5-10 minutes. The exact time depends on how warm your kitchen is.
Wet Your Hands Slightly Before Rolling
Even after chilling the mixture, it can still stick to your palms a bit because of the honey and peanut butter. A simple fix is to lightly dampen your hands with water before you start rolling. You don’t want them dripping wet, just barely moist.
Re-wet your hands every few balls or whenever you notice the mixture starting to stick again. This makes the rolling process so much faster and gives you smoother, rounder balls.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I store these peanut butter protein balls?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks. They hold their shape best when chilled, and the texture stays perfectly chewy straight from the fridge.
You can also freeze them for up to three months. Just place them on a baking sheet in a single layer to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag so they don’t stick together.
Gluten Free Peanut Butter Protein Balls
Ingredients
- 1 cup Natural Peanut Butter
- 1/3 cup Honey
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1 1/2 cups Gluten Free Rolled Oats
- 1/2 cup Chocolate Protein Powder
- 1/4 cup Ground Flaxseed
- 1/3 cup Mini Chocolate Chips
- Pinch Sea Salt
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix peanut butter, honey, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Add gluten free oats, protein powder, ground flaxseed, and sea salt. Stir until everything is evenly incorporated.
- Fold in mini chocolate chips, then refrigerate the mixture for 15 minutes to make it easier to handle.
- Roll the mixture into 20-24 balls, about 1 inch in diameter, using your hands.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 2 months.