High-protein, no-bake energy bites made with creamy cottage cheese, peanut butter, and oats. These bites are a nutritious and delicious snack perfect for busy mornings, post-workout fuel, or a healthy sweet treat. They combine the creaminess of cottage cheese with the richness of peanut butter and a touch of honey for natural sweetness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These No-Bake Cottage Cheese Peanut Butter Bites are quick, easy, and require no oven time — ideal for anyone looking for a high-protein snack that tastes indulgent yet is packed with wholesome ingredients. They’re naturally sweetened, customizable, and can be stored for days, making them a great make-ahead option for healthy snacking.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
½ cup cottage cheese
1 cup rolled oats
½ cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy, natural preferred)
2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips (optional)
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
Pinch of salt
Directions
In a food processor or blender, combine the cottage cheese, peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Transfer the mixture to a large bowl and stir in the rolled oats, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Mix until everything is well incorporated.
If using, fold in the mini chocolate chips.
Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for about 20–30 minutes to firm up slightly.
Once chilled, roll the mixture into small, bite-sized balls using your hands.
Place the bites on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for another 15 minutes before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 12–14 bites, depending on size.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Chilling time: 30–45 minutes
Total time: approximately 45–55 minutes
Variations
Nut-Free Option: Replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or tahini.
Extra Protein Boost: Add a scoop of vanilla or unflavored protein powder.
Flavor Twist: Use almond butter instead of peanut butter and add a few drops of almond extract.
Texture Change: Substitute part of the oats with crushed rice cereal for a lighter, crunchier texture.
Chocolate Lovers: Dip half of each bite in melted dark chocolate before refrigerating for a treat-like version.
Storage/Reheating
Store the bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 2 months. To enjoy, simply thaw for 5–10 minutes at room temperature — no reheating required since these are no-bake bites.
FAQs
How can I make these bites dairy-free?
Use a dairy-free cottage cheese alternative made from almonds or soy, and ensure your chocolate chips are vegan.
Can I use steel-cut oats instead of rolled oats?
It’s best to use rolled oats since steel-cut oats are too coarse and won’t hold together well in no-bake recipes.
Are these suitable for weight loss?
Yes, they can fit into a balanced diet as they’re high in protein and made from wholesome ingredients. Just be mindful of portion size.
Can I make them without a food processor?
Yes, simply mash the cottage cheese with a fork until creamy or blend it with an immersion blender before mixing everything by hand.
How can I make them sweeter?
Add an extra tablespoon of honey or maple syrup, or mix in a few raisins or chopped dates.
Can I use flavored cottage cheese?
It’s recommended to use plain cottage cheese to control the sweetness and flavor balance.
Are these bites kid-friendly?
Absolutely! Kids love the nutty, slightly sweet taste — and they’re a great way to sneak in extra protein.
Can I add seeds or nuts?
Yes, add chia seeds, flaxseeds, or finely chopped nuts for extra texture and nutrients.
How do I prevent the mixture from being too sticky?
Chill the mixture longer or add a few extra tablespoons of oats to help bind it.
Can I make these ahead for meal prep?
Yes, these bites are perfect for meal prep — they keep well for several days and are easy to grab on the go.
Conclusion
These No-Bake Cottage Cheese Peanut Butter Bites are a simple, nourishing, and protein-rich snack you can whip up in minutes. With wholesome ingredients and endless customization options, they’re a perfect addition to your healthy eating routine. Whether you’re fueling your workout or satisfying a sweet craving, these bites deliver both taste and nutrition.
These No-Bake Cottage Cheese Peanut Butter Bites are a high-protein, easy-to-make snack combining creamy cottage cheese, peanut butter, and oats. Perfect for post-workout fuel or a healthy on-the-go treat.
Author:Sophia
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:0 minutes
Total Time:45 minutes
Yield:12–14 bites
Category:Snack
Method:No-Bake
Cuisine:American
Diet:Low Fat
Ingredients
½ cup cottage cheese
1 cup rolled oats
½ cup peanut butter (natural preferred)
2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips (optional)
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
Pinch of salt
Instructions
In a food processor or blender, combine cottage cheese, peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth.
Transfer mixture to a large bowl. Stir in rolled oats, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until fully incorporated.
Fold in mini chocolate chips, if using.
Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes until slightly firm.
Roll the mixture into 12–14 bite-sized balls using your hands.
Place bites on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for another 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use natural peanut butter for a smoother texture and less added sugar.
If the mixture is too sticky, add a bit more oats or chill longer.
Can be frozen for longer storage and thawed as needed.
Great for meal prep—make a batch and enjoy all week.
Customize with mix-ins like seeds, nuts, or dried fruit.
