Banana Oatmeal Cookie Balls
Banana Oatmeal Cookie Balls are naturally sweet, energy-boosting, and a guilt-free treat perfect for warm days when you want a quick, healthy bite without baking. These no-bake delights combine the wholesome goodness of oats with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, creating a snack that satisfies your sweet tooth while providing sustained energy.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 0 minutes mins
Chilling Time 30 minutes mins
Total Time 40 minutes mins
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 20 balls
Calories 85 kcal
Mixing Bowl
Fork or Potato Masher
Base Ingredients
- 2 ripe medium bananas brown spots are perfect for natural sweetness
- 2 cups rolled oats old-fashioned oats provide better texture, but quick oats work too
- 1/4 cup almond butter substitute with peanut butter or sunflower seed butter for nut-free option
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup optional, depending on your desired sweetness
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract the fragrant backbone that elevates the flavor profile
Spices and Add-ins
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon adds warmth and subtle spice notes
- 1/4 teaspoon salt balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor
- 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips dark chocolate offers antioxidant benefits; can substitute with cacao nibs
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds optional, for added omega-3 fatty acids and fiber
Peel and mash your ripe bananas in a medium-sized bowl until smooth. The riper your bananas, the sweeter your cookie balls will be.
Add the almond butter, vanilla extract, and honey or maple syrup (if using) to your mashed bananas. Mix until well combined and creamy.
Fold in the rolled oats, cinnamon, and salt. If you're using chia seeds, add them now. Mix until all ingredients are evenly distributed and the mixture feels cohesive.
Gently fold in the chocolate chips, being careful not to overmix.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 15-30 minutes to allow the oats to absorb moisture and the mixture to firm up.
Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, portion the mixture and roll between your palms to form 1-inch balls. Slightly damp hands prevent sticking and create smoother balls.
For grain-free option: Replace oats with a mixture of almond flour and coconut flakes.
Lower sugar version: Omit added honey/maple syrup and use extra-ripe bananas.
Protein boost: Add 2 tablespoons of your favorite unflavored or vanilla protein powder.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Calories: 85kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 2.3gFat: 3.2gSaturated Fat: 0.8gSodium: 32mgPotassium: 110mgFiber: 1.8gSugar: 4.5gVitamin A: 25IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 0.7mg
Keyword Banana, Oatmeal, No-Bake, Energy Balls, Healthy Snack, Vegan Option