These Cinnamon Raisin Energy Bites are a sweet, satisfying snack that fuels your day. They taste like an oatmeal raisin cookie but are packed with wholesome ingredients. This no-bake recipe comes together in one bowl in just 15 minutes.
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Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Raisin Energy Bites
- Effortless prep: No baking, one bowl, ready in minutes.
- Healthy treat: Tastes like dessert but provides lasting energy.
- Perfectly portable: Sturdy, non-messy, great for on-the-go.
- Endlessly customizable: Easy to swap add-ins to your preference.
Ingredients & Tools
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup creamy almond butter (or any nut/seed butter you prefer)
- 1/3 cup honey or pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup ground flaxseed
- 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 cup raisins
Tools: A medium mixing bowl, a spatula or spoon, a small cookie scoop (optional but helpful), and a baking sheet or plate.
Notes: Use nut butter and sweetener you enjoy, as their quality shines through. Oats provide heartiness, flaxseed adds fiber, and cinnamon and raisins deliver the signature flavor.
Nutrition (per serving)
| Calories: | 125 kcal |
| Protein: | 3 g |
| Fat: | 6 g |
| Carbs: | 16 g |
| Fiber: | 2 g |
Serves: 14-16 bites | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes
Before You Start: Tips & Ingredient Notes
- What kind of oats should I use? Old-fashioned rolled oats are the way to go. They have the perfect texture for binding and chewing. Quick oats can work in a pinch, but they absorb moisture differently and can make the bites a bit gummy. Avoid steel-cut oats entirely—they’re far too hard.
- My mixture is too dry and crumbly. This usually happens if your nut butter is particularly thick or you measured the honey a little scant. The fix is simple: just add another teaspoon of nut butter or honey and mix again. You’re looking for a dough that holds together when you squeeze it.
- My mixture is too wet and sticky. On the flip side, if your nut butter is very runny or you were generous with the honey, the dough might be sticky. Don’t worry—just add another tablespoon or two of oats or shredded coconut until the texture is easy to handle.
- Can I make these allergen-friendly? Absolutely! Use sunflower seed butter instead of almond butter to make them nut-free. For a vegan version, be sure to use maple syrup instead of honey. The recipe is very forgiving and adapts well to dietary needs.
How to Make Cinnamon Raisin Energy Bites
Step 1: Combine your dry ingredients. In your medium mixing bowl, add the rolled oats, ground flaxseed, shredded coconut, cinnamon, and sea salt. Give this a good stir with your spatula until everything is evenly distributed. You’ll notice the colors blending into a lovely, speckled tan mixture. This is the foundation of your bites, so you want to make sure the cinnamon and salt are well-mixed and not clumped in one spot.
Step 2: Add the wet ingredients. Now, spoon in the almond butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract. This is where the magic happens. Use your spatula to start folding everything together. At first, it might seem like there’s not enough moisture, but keep going. The mixture will slowly come together into a thick, sticky dough. If it’s really fighting you, you can use clean, slightly damp hands to mix—the warmth from your hands can help soften the nut butter and bring it all together.
Step 3: Incorporate the raisins. Once your dough is uniform, add the raisins. Fold them in gently but thoroughly, making sure they’re distributed throughout. You don’t want one bite to have five raisins and the next to have none. The dough should be firm enough to hold its shape when pinched but still pliable.
Step 4: Roll the mixture into balls. Now for the fun part. Using a small cookie scoop (about 1 tablespoon) or your hands, portion out the dough. Roll each portion firmly between your palms to form a smooth, compact ball. If the mixture is sticking to your hands, a light dampening of your palms with water can help. Place each finished ball onto a plate or baking sheet. You should get about 14 to 16 bites, depending on the size you roll them.
Step 5: Let them set. This is the only “waiting” part of the recipe. You’ll want to let the energy bites rest for at least 20-30 minutes. This allows the oats and flaxseed to absorb some of the moisture from the wet ingredients, which helps them firm up and hold their perfect round shape. They’ll be a little less sticky and have a much better texture.
Step 6: Store and enjoy! After they’ve set, you can transfer your Cinnamon Raisin Energy Bites to an airtight container. They can be stored at room temperature for 2-3 days, but for longer freshness (up to two weeks), I highly recommend keeping them in the fridge. They also freeze beautifully for up to three months.
Storage & Freshness Guide
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature.
- Reviving: If too soft, refrigerate 1 hour to firm up.
Serving Suggestions
Complementary Dishes
- A bowl of Greek yogurt — The tangy, creamy yogurt provides a lovely contrast to the sweet, spiced bites. Crumble one on top for a fantastic parfait-style breakfast or snack.
- A fresh green apple — The crisp, tart crunch of an apple slice alongside a soft energy bite is a textural dream. It also makes the snack feel more complete and hydrating.
- A simple cheese plate — For a more substantial snack, pair a couple of bites with a few slices of sharp cheddar. The sweet and savory combination is unexpectedly delicious.
Drinks
- A cold glass of milk — It’s a classic for a reason. The creaminess of the milk washes down the dense, chewy texture of the bites perfectly, making it a super satisfying combo.
- Hot chai tea — The spices in a warm cup of chai echo the cinnamon in the bites, creating a wonderfully cozy and aromatic experience, especially on a chilly morning.
- Black coffee — The bitterness of a good, strong coffee cuts through the sweetness of the honey and raisins, balancing everything out and giving you a real one-two punch of energy.
Something Sweet
- A small square of dark chocolate — If you’re having these as an afternoon treat, a piece of high-quality dark chocolate (70% or higher) alongside one bite feels incredibly decadent without being over-the-top.
- A handful of fresh berries — The bright, juicy burst from raspberries or blueberries provides a refreshing counterpoint to the dense, sweet energy bite.
- A warm cup of cinnamon tea — Double down on the cozy flavor! A caffeine-free cinnamon tea feels like a dessert in a cup and makes the whole snack feel like a special ritual.
Top Mistakes to Avoid
- Mistake: Using the wrong type of oat. As mentioned, steel-cut oats are a no-go, and quick oats can lead to a mushy texture. Stick with old-fashioned rolled oats for the ideal chew and structure. I’ve messed this up before, and the texture just isn’t the same.
- Mistake: Not mixing thoroughly enough. If you don’t fully incorporate the nut butter and honey, you can end up with dry pockets of oats and overly wet spots. This makes rolling the balls difficult and inconsistent. Take that extra minute to mix until no dry spots remain.
- Mistake: Skipping the resting time. I know, you want to eat them right away! But if you skip the 20-30 minute rest, the bites will be overly soft and might fall apart. The resting period is crucial for the ingredients to hydrate and bind together properly.
- Mistake: Rolling the balls too loosely. A gentle touch is good, but you need to apply firm pressure when rolling to create a compact, dense ball. A loosely rolled bite is more likely to crumble when you pick it up or pack it.
Expert Tips
- Tip: Toast your oats for a deeper flavor. Spread the cup of oats on a baking sheet and toast them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8-10 minutes, until fragrant and lightly golden. Let them cool completely before using. This adds a wonderful nutty depth that takes these bites to the next level.
- Tip: Use a cookie scoop for perfect portions. Not only does it make the process faster and less messy, but it also ensures all your energy bites are the same size, which means they’ll set and store uniformly. It’s a small tool that makes a big difference.
- Tip: Get creative with add-ins. Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, try adding 2 tablespoons of mini chocolate chips, chopped walnuts or pecans, or even a dash of nutmeg alongside the cinnamon. It’s a great way to keep the recipe exciting.
- Tip: For a smoother texture, pulse the oats. If you prefer a less chewy, more uniform bite, give the oats a few quick pulses in a food processor or blender before mixing. This breaks them down slightly and creates a denser, smoother final product.
FAQs
Can I use a different dried fruit instead of raisins?
Absolutely! The recipe is very flexible. Dried cranberries, chopped dates, chopped apricots, or even dried cherries would be fantastic. Just make sure if you’re using a larger dried fruit (like apricots) that you chop it into raisin-sized pieces so it distributes evenly and is easy to bite into.
How long do these energy bites last?
Stored in an airtight container, they will be great at room temperature for 2-3 days. For longer storage, the refrigerator is your best friend—they’ll keep for up to two weeks. You can also freeze them for up to three months. I often make a double batch and freeze half for a future busy week.
My energy bites are too soft, even after resting. What happened?
This usually points to two things: either your nut butter was very oily/runny, or you added a bit too much liquid sweetener. Don’t worry, they’re still delicious! Pop them in the refrigerator for an hour to firm up significantly. For next time, you can reduce the honey/maple syrup by a teaspoon or add an extra tablespoon of oats.
Can I make these into bars instead of balls?
You sure can! Press the mixture firmly and evenly into a small parchment-lined loaf pan or baking dish. Chill it for at least an hour until very firm, then use a sharp knife to slice it into bars or squares. The bars might be a bit more fragile than the balls, so handle with care.
Is the ground flaxseed necessary?
It’s not strictly necessary, but it does add valuable fiber, healthy fats, and helps with binding. If you need to omit it, you can replace it with an additional 2 tablespoons of oats or some oat flour. The texture will be slightly different, but still very good.
Cinnamon Raisin Energy Bites
Make these easy Cinnamon Raisin Energy Bites in 15 minutes with no baking required! Perfect for healthy snacking on the go. Get the simple recipe now.
Ingredients
For the Ingredients
-
1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
-
1/2 cup creamy almond butter
-
1/3 cup honey or pure maple syrup
-
1/4 cup ground flaxseed
-
1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
-
1 tsp vanilla extract
-
1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
-
1/4 tsp sea salt
-
1/2 cup raisins
Instructions
-
Combine your dry ingredients. In your medium mixing bowl, add the rolled oats, ground flaxseed, shredded coconut, cinnamon, and sea salt. Give this a good stir with your spatula until everything is evenly distributed. You’ll notice the colors blending into a lovely, speckled tan mixture. This is the foundation of your bites, so you want to make sure the cinnamon and salt are well-mixed and not clumped in one spot.01
-
Add the wet ingredients. Now, spoon in the almond butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract. This is where the magic happens. Use your spatula to start folding everything together. At first, it might seem like there’s not enough moisture, but keep going. The mixture will slowly come together into a thick, sticky dough. If it’s really fighting you, you can use clean, slightly damp hands to mix—the warmth from your hands can help soften the nut butter and bring it all together.02
-
Incorporate the raisins. Once your dough is uniform, add the raisins. Fold them in gently but thoroughly, making sure they’re distributed throughout. You don’t want one bite to have five raisins and the next to have none. The dough should be firm enough to hold its shape when pinched but still pliable.03
-
Roll the mixture into balls. Now for the fun part. Using a small cookie scoop (about 1 tablespoon) or your hands, portion out the dough. Roll each portion firmly between your palms to form a smooth, compact ball. If the mixture is sticking to your hands, a light dampening of your palms with water can help. Place each finished ball onto a plate or baking sheet. You should get about 14 to 16 bites, depending on the size you roll them.04
-
Let them set. This is the only “waiting” part of the recipe. You’ll want to let the energy bites rest for at least 20-30 minutes. This allows the oats and flaxseed to absorb some of the moisture from the wet ingredients, which helps them firm up and hold their perfect round shape. They’ll be a little less sticky and have a much better texture.05
-
Store and enjoy! After they’ve set, you can transfer your Cinnamon Raisin Energy Bites to an airtight container. They can be stored at room temperature for 2-3 days, but for longer freshness (up to two weeks), I highly recommend keeping them in the fridge. They also freeze beautifully for up to three months.06
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