15-Minute No-Bake Peanut Butter Granola Balls
These no-bake granola balls combine the nutty richness of peanut butter with crispy rice cereal, chewy oats, and sweet dried cranberries. A touch of honey binds everything together while chocolate chips add indulgent sweetness. Perfect for lunch boxes, after-school snacks, or when you need a quick energy boost. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity - no oven required, just a few minutes of stovetop melting and some chilling time. These bite-sized treats offer the satisfying crunch of granola in a convenient, portable form that both kids and adults will love.
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup honey
- ¼ cup natural peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup crisp rice cereal
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- 1
Combine honey, peanut butter, and butter in a small saucepan over medium heat
- 2
Stir until melted and smooth
- 3
Remove from heat and stir in cereal, oats, and dried cranberries
- 4
Let the mixture cool for about two minutes
- 5
Stir in the chocolate chips
- 6
Drop mixture by the tablespoon into mini paper cupcake or candy liners
- 7
Place on a rimmed baking sheet and refrigerate until set
Tips
Let the mixture cool slightly before adding chocolate chips to prevent melting
Use a small cookie scoop for evenly sized balls
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week
Good to Know
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week
Can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator
Serve chilled or at room temperature
Common Mistakes
Don't add chocolate chips while mixture is too hot to avoid melting
Don't skip the cooling time before adding chocolate chips
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
Vegan Options
Nut-Free Alternatives
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I make these without chocolate chips?
Yes, you can omit the chocolate chips or substitute with chopped nuts, seeds, or additional dried fruit for variety.
How long do these need to chill?
The granola balls need about 15 minutes in the refrigerator to set properly, though longer chilling makes them firmer.
Can I freeze these for longer storage?
Yes, freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 3 months.