August 19, 2019 154 Comments

No Bake Oatmeal Cookies Energy Bites {Gluten Free}

Dairy Free

Gluten Free

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No Bake Oatmeal Cookies Energy Bites are a gluten-free no-bake lunchbox treat! Crushed glazed nuts, chocolate chips, oats, creamy nut butter, and dried cranberries gather together to taste just like oatmeal cookies, in the form of energy bites! These gluten free, vegan-friendly, kid-friendly no-bake snacks are deliciously healthy, easy to make, and wholesome.

Oh my gosh, school starts here next week and some kids in warmer weather states are into their second week already!

I am secretly excited for school to start. Why? Well, because that means the pool is less crowded. That means I can take my fancy schmancy aquajogger to the deep end of the pool without getting splashed and cannonballed on. Yes, I am that woman. I exercise by flapping my arms (running motion) in water…. in a floaty.

Haha, if you are a runner you know what I mean. But it’s true, I do look like a big kid with a big floaty running in water. Hey, gotta do whatcha gotta do when it comes to getting in physical therapy exercise.

Speaking of kids and exercise and uh… SCHOOL (I’m sly with transitions, I know)! What’s the best fuel for those three things? Um, healthy bites of course. I mean NO BAKE ENERGY bites, specifically energy bites that taste like oatmeal cookies.

No Bake Oatmeal Cookies, in energy bites form

The ingredient list for this energy bites recipe is super short and ultra easy:

dark chocolate chips
honey roasted nuts (or nuts of your choice)
gluten-free rolled oats
honey (or maple syrup, to make vegan no bake oatmeal cookies)
creamy nut butter of choice
dried cranberries

See? They are FULLY LOADED energy bites.

Do I need a blender to make this recipe?

Making these healthy snacks couldn’t be any easier! You just have to toss a few ingredients together in a bowl, mix, then roll. I like to mix everything together with my hands, but if you want to use a blender, you can make them that way too. That’s what I call efficiency!

This energy bites recipe is just that – EFFICIENT fuel! Loaded with taste, nourishment, and ENERGY to keep the mind and body feeling fantastic.

No baking, optional blending is my motto in the kitchen when it comes to easy snack ideas. But of course, you know this.

Balls, bites, ice (squares), and more!

That being said, these no bake oatmeal cookies bites are a little different that most of my other healthy bites recipes. You see, the texture truly is more like the one bowl oatmeal cookies I made a few months ago. Really thick and chewy, which isn’t a bad thing.

In fact, it’s a good thing when you want to make no bake cookies for dessert and wash it down with a cold glass of milk…err… almond milk.

They may be healthy but these energy bites truly trick the mind into thinking COOKIES! And then your mind tells you to make them again and again…. in bulk batches! I have 2-gallon bags full of them in my freezer right now. Just sayin’…

What else can I add to no bake oatmeal cookies?

This recipe is perfect for back-to-school snacks back-to-school snacks because it’s quick and easy to make. The minimal ingredient list does not mean you can’t customize the recipe – get creative! Here are a few ideas for healthy add-ins:

Flax
Chia seeds
Other dried fruits – apricots, dates, cherries (more antioxidants!), etc.
Protein powder

This list is just suggestions. If you need to make a nut-free treat, swap out the nuts and nut butter for some crunchy sunflower seeds and sunflower butter.

How to fix sticky cookie dough

Speaking of protein powder, I need to let you know that the “dough” for the no bake oatmeal cookies can be a little sticky. If the dough starts to stick to your hands as you roll the bites, adding a tablespoon of protein powder or gluten free flour to the mixture helps a lot. The other tricky to a less sticky batter is to chill the batter, after mixing. Once it cools in the fridge, it’s easier to mix again then roll. Capeesh?

Now, since I am bragging about making the bite sized no bake oatmeal cookies in mass quantities, it’s only fair that I share the recipe. ALSO, my love of kitchen tools that help me make them.

If you want to see me make the no bake oatmeal cookies recipe, scroll down and watch the video.