This granola balls recipe is all you need to make nutrient-dense, protein-rich, kid-approved energy balls. They are perfect as a quick snack and double as a fiber-rich grab-and-go breakfast. I've been making these for over a decade, and my kids love them! Ready to eat in under 30 minutes!
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These granola balls were among the first recipes I shared on the blog when I started sharing recipes online, and judging by the rave reviews in the comments section, they are extremely popular with anyone who has tried them.
Because of their popularity, I have created other healthy snacks, such as my Cardamom Date Balls and Healthier Coconut Truffles, and if you'd rather have a cereal-esque recipe, there's always my homemade granola.
A Quick Look at the Recipe
⏲️Ready In: 25 mins
👪Yield: 20 balls
🍽 Calories and Protein: 123 kcal, 3g.
📋 Main Ingredients: Rolled oats, honey, almond butter, chocolate chips.
📖 Dietary Notes: Vegetarian, gluten-free.
⭐ Why You’ll Love It:
- Healthier than store-bought energy balls.
- Easy and quick to make with just a few pantry staples.
- A great grab-n-go option for breakfast. Like this 15-minute Chia Seed Cereal.
- Meal prep-friendly and freezer-friendly, just like these no-bake chocolate date energy bars.
Summarize & Save This Content With AI
"These are so good! Such a quick recipe and easy to eat on the go and when you want something quick. Satisfy my chocolate cravings! Obsessed with them!" Zoya N.
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Key Ingredients for this granola balls recipe
- Rolled oats: Also called old-fashioned rolled oats. I like to toast the oats for crunch, but if you're in a hurry, you can use them straight from the bag.
- Almond butter: Nut butter helps bind the oatmeal balls together. You can also use peanut butter or even sunflower seed butter (if nut-free). Always read your labels and stick to nut butters without added sugars or other controversial ingredients.
- Flax meal & chia seeds: High in Omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and fiber. I didn’t originally add chia seeds to these granola balls, but lately both my boys have wanted more protein in their food, so these add that plus a nice crunch, too.
- Chocolate chips: I use dark chocolate chips to balance the honey's sweetness, but you can use semi-sweet or even milk chocolate chips (which my kids actually prefer!).
Variations
- Change mix-ins. Use cranberries or nuts instead of chocolate chips.
- Add coconut to the mixture for a Bounty-like pairing, or use it instead of the chocolate chips. You may need to adjust the almond butter to help the granola balls bind.
- Add a spice like cinnamon or pumpkin spice for fall flavors.
- Swap for seed butter for a nut-free option, or use peanut butter or cashew butter instead.
How to Make the Best Granola Balls
Step 1: Make the mixture. Add all the ingredients to a bowl and mix till fully combined. Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes.
Step 2: Roll into balls. Use a tablespoon or small cookie scoop to make evenly sized balls. Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
Pro Tips
- I have found that toasting the oats gives them that crunch factor that works really well in this recipe. If you do decide to toast them, let them cool completely for about 30 minutes so that the chocolate chips don't melt into the whole mix.
- Oats are naturally gluten-free but may be processed in the same facility as wheat, which can cause cross-contamination. If you are on a gluten-free diet, choose oats labeled explicitly as gluten-free.
- I usually find alcohol free vanilla extract at Trader Joe's, Sprouts, or this one by Simply Organic.
- Refrigeration helps manage these granola balls before shaping them, but if they get sticky, wet your hands just a touch to make them easier to shape.
Granola Balls recipe FAQs
That depends on the ingredients. This granola balls recipe calls for whole ingredients like honey, oats, and almond butter. They are refined sugar-free and contain nutrient-dense seeds like flax and chia.
The granola balls won’t stick together if the mixture is too dry. This could be because the measurements are off. Too little almond butter or too much of any or all of the dry ingredients could cause this. Follow the ingredient list exactly for the perfect mix.
Store these granola balls in an airtight container in the fridge. They should stay fresh for up to a week.
You can freeze them as well. Store them in an airtight container or bag for up to three months. Thaw them on the countertop for a few minutes before enjoying.
More Sweet Snack Recipes to Try
If you tried this granola balls recipe or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments. I love hearing from you! You can also follow me on Pinterest or subscribe to our newsletter to get more deliciousness straight to your inbox!
Chocolate Chip Granola Balls
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup almond butter
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 cup flax meal
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract optional
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients and mix till well incorporated. Chill the mixture for about 15 minutes to make it easier to form into balls.
- Once chilled, form into golf ball-sized balls. Use a cookie scoop to scoop out equal amounts for uniform-sized balls.
- Enjoy right away or store in the fridge in an airtight container.
Video
Notes
- I have found that toasting the oats gives them that crunch factor that works really well in this recipe. But many times, I make them straight out of the bag. If you do toast them, let them cool completely for about 30 minutes so that the chocolate chips don’t melt into the whole mix.
- I usually find alcohol free vanilla extract at Trader Joe’s, Sprouts, or the one by Simply Organic.
- To prevent the mixture from sticking to your hands, chill it before forming the balls, and wet your hands while you work.
Nutrition
zoya noorani says
These are so good! Such a quick recipe and easy to eat on the go and when you want something quick. Satisfy my chocolate cravings! Obsessed with them.
Zeeshan says
Yay! I am so glad you enjoyed these Zoya!Thank you for your review!
Naureen Hashim says
These were delicious!
Zeeshan says
Yay!! So happy you think so too! On repeat here in my home!
Hajra says
Thank you so much for this recipe! It was fun and easy to make, tasty, and I am so glad that it is healthy as well! I LOVE THEM ? ??????
Zeeshan says
You’re very welcome! Makes it even sweeter that they’re so good for you right?
Hajra says
I just made these… they are AMAZINGLY AMAZING!!! They taste great, are easy to eat, and are healthy! I LOVE THEM!!! ??????
Zeeshan says
I am so glad you love them Hajra! I hope you try the other recipes too!!
Shehreyar Shah says
AMAZING!! YUUUMMM
Zeeshan says
Thank You Shehreyar:)