No bake oatmeal raisin {cookie} protein balls are going to rock your snacking game. The combination of almond butter, rolled oats, a dash of cinnamon, a bit of honey, raisins and chia seeds come together to make a simple, filling and high-energy snack. Great for a quick breakfast or on-the-go snack.

Oatmeal raisin {cookie} protein balls take everything you love about the classic oatmeal raisin cookie and packs it into a delicious, healthy and easy little protein ball. They are perfect for a quick snack or an easy and portable breakfast.

My 2 year old daughter agrees, she devoured 3 of them for breakfast the other day! They are adult approved too! My husband takes a few with him to eat on his work commute each morning.

No-bake, gluten free and come together in a matter of minutes. Full of good-for-you stuff like oats, chia seeds, natural nut butter and delicious honey. There’s no process or special equipment needed for these; simply dump all the ingredients in a bowl, mix, form balls and chill.

Seriously, that’s it!

I opted for almond butter for this recipe, as I believe it blends well with the other ingredients has has a more neutral flavor. In my opinion, peanut butter seems to have a stronger flavor and can sometimes a bit overwhelming. If you’re going for a strong peanut butter flavor, then definitely use peanut butter!

While today’s flavors are truly reminiscent of the classic oatmeal raisin cookie, there are no limits to the flavor combinations. Just stick with the basic recipe which includes a nut butter, sticky sweetener, oats and whatever mix-ins your hear desires.

Staple ingredients for any protein ball:

• Nut butter: there are tons of nut butters out there and any can be used in your protein ball recipe. I believe peanut butter is probably the strongest flavored nut butters, so if making a recipe where the peanut flavor needs to shine then peanut butter should be the nut butter for that recipe. However, there are other recipes where the peanut butter may lend too strong of a flavor and in that case I recommend an almond butter or another mild flavored nut butter. This will allow the other flavors to shine without being over powered.
• Oats: Old fashioned oats or quick cooking (1-minute) oats are what I would recommend for this recipe. I opt for the old fashioned as they are a little bigger than the 1 minute oats and provide a little more texture and substance to the protein ball. However, use whatever you have on hand (just not the instant oatmeal packets).
• Sticky sweetener: Honey is one of those ingredients almost everyone has in their pantry and it’s a great way to sweeten protein balls and it also helps bind. Maple syrup is a great sticky sweetener, as well.
• Mix-ins: I always add a couple of tablespoons of chia or flax seeds to the protein balls. It’s a great way to add another super food to the mix and truly doesn’t alter the taste. After the seeds, let your imagination run wild! Chocolate chip peanut butter, white chocolate cranberry, blueberry muffin, the list truly goes on and on. Use whatever dried fruits and/or chocolates you have on hand.

I love having a container of these on hand. They are the perfect something sweet to get me through those afternoon cravings. These protein balls are full of flavor, satisfying and give me the perfect pick-me-up until supper.