No-Bake Gluten Free Oatmeal Cookie Energy Balls

Prep: 15 min20 servingsmediumAmerican
No-Bake Gluten Free Oatmeal Cookie Energy Balls

Simple no-bake energy balls that capture all the warm, comforting flavors of classic oatmeal cookies without any baking required. Made with wholesome rolled oats, oat flour, and warm cinnamon, these bite-sized treats are naturally sweetened with maple syrup and held together with coconut oil. Perfect for meal prep, lunchbox snacks, or post-workout fuel. The optional chocolate chips add sweetness while keeping them refined sugar-free when using sugar-free varieties.

Ingredients

20 servings
  • ¾ cup gluten free rolled oats
  • 3 gluten free oat flour
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon(optional)
  • 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
    honey1:1vegetarian

    similar sweetness

    Full guide →
  • 3 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
    melted butter1:1vegetarianadds dairy

    adds richness

    Full guide →
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 2 ¼ mini or regular vegan chocolate chips or sugar free chocolate chips(optional)
    regular chocolate chips1:1vegetarian

    same texture

    Full guide →
  • 2 tablespoons vegan chocolate chips or sugar free chocolate chips
    regular chocolate chips1:1vegetarian

    same texture

    Full guide →

Instructions

  1. 1

    Line a small baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper and set aside

  2. 2

    Add oats, oat flour, cinnamon, maple syrup, oil and vanilla to a medium bowl

  3. 3

    Stir with a spoon until thickened and well incorporated

  4. 4

    Use a rubber spatula to fold together into a cohesive dough if needed

  5. 5

    Fold in chocolate chips if using

  6. 6

    Chill in the freezer for 10-15 minutes until firm but scoopable

  7. 7

    Using a cookie scoop, scoop and drop balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet

  8. 8

    Shape into spheres with your hands or keep as scooped

  9. 9

    Dot with remaining chocolate chips if desired

Tips

Tip 1

Chill the mixture in the freezer for the full 15 minutes to ensure easy scooping and shaping without sticking to your hands.

Tip 2

Use a small cookie scoop for uniform size and faster assembly, or roll by hand for a more rustic look.

Good to Know

Storage

Store covered in refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months

Make Ahead

Make up to 1 week ahead and store refrigerated

Serve With

Serve chilled or at room temperature

Common Mistakes

Watch

Chill the mixture adequately to avoid sticky, difficult-to-shape balls

Watch

Don't skip lining the baking sheet to prevent sticking

Substitutions

vegan chocolate chips
regular chocolate chips1:1vegetarian

same texture

Full guide →
coconut oil
melted butter1:1vegetarianadds dairy

adds richness

Full guide →
maple syrup
honey1:1vegetarian

similar sweetness

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I make these without chocolate chips?

Yes, simply omit the chocolate chips for plain oatmeal cookie energy balls. You could add chopped nuts or dried fruit instead.

How long do these keep?

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months for best quality and texture.

What if my mixture is too dry?

Add an extra tablespoon of maple syrup or melted coconut oil gradually until the mixture holds together when pressed.