No Bake Snickerdoodle Energy Balls

These soft, chewy No Bake Snickerdoodle Energy Balls are made with cashews, dates, almond butter, and warm cinnamon. They’re naturally sweetened, vegan, gluten-free, and come together quickly in the food processor—no baking required. If you’re craving a cozy snack that tastes like a cinnamon sugar cookie but fuels like an energy bite, these are the perfect healthy treat for meal prep, lunchboxes, or anytime snacking.

They’re perfect for a quick grab-and-go treat when you’re craving something sweet but wholesome. If you love these, you’ll also enjoy these 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Protein Balls for a nutty, simple snack or these Coconut Date Pistachio Balls for a naturally sweet option.

Why You’ll Love This No Bake Snickerdoodle Energy Balls Recipe

• Tastes like cookies. All the cinnamon sugar flavor of snickerdoodles in a healthy, bite-sized snack.
• Zero baking. No oven, no fuss—just quick blending and chilling.
• Pantry-friendly. Made with everyday ingredients you likely already have.
• Naturally sweetened. Dates bring the sweetness without added sugar.
• Vegan and gluten-free. Perfect for nearly any dietary need.
• Meal prep win. Make a batch and enjoy all week, or freeze for later.
• Great for kids. Soft, sweet, and totally lunchbox-friendly.

Ingredients Needed For No Bake Snickerdoodle Energy Balls

• Raw Cashews. These are the creamy base of the bites. Soaking them helps with blending and gives that smooth, buttery texture. Make sure to drain well before using.
• Smooth Almond Butter. Helps bind everything together while adding healthy fats and a hint of nuttiness. Look for one with just almonds and salt for the cleanest flavor.
• Medjool Dates. These sticky-sweet beauties are the natural sweetener that brings everything together. Remove pits and make sure they’re soft—soak them in warm water if needed.
• Coconut Flour or Vegan Protein Powder. Adds body and absorbency to the dough. Coconut flour keeps it grain-free, but vegan protein is great if you want an extra boost.
• Ground Cinnamon. The heart of that snickerdoodle flavor. Don’t be shy here—we use it in the dough and the coating.
• Coconut Sugar + Cinnamon (for rolling). This mix gives that signature snickerdoodle finish. Coconut sugar has a subtle caramel flavor that works beautifully here.

How I Make No Bake Snickerdoodle Energy Balls

(This is a quick overview of how I make No Bake Snickerdoodle Energy Balls, with tips along the way. You’ll find the full ingredients & instructions in the recipe card below.)

• Soak the cashews. I soak mine overnight in water with a pinch of salt. If I’m short on time, I just do a quick soak in hot water for an hour or two.
• Pulse together the base. In a food processor, blend the soaked cashews, pitted dates, and almond butter until the mixture is gooey and uniform. You want it sticky with no chunks.
• Add dry ingredients. Toss in the coconut flour (or protein powder), ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Blend again until a dough forms.
• Chill the dough. Pop it in the fridge for about an hour or freezer for 20 minutes. This makes rolling way easier.
• Mix the coating. Stir together your cinnamon and coconut sugar in a small bowl.
• Roll into balls. Scoop out dough and roll into small bites. Then, roll each one in the cinnamon-sugar mix.
• Store and snack! I keep mine in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.

How to Make Energy Balls Without a Food Processor

No food processor? No problem. Just soak your cashews and dates really well, then mash the dates with a fork and use a potato masher or sturdy spoon to combine everything. You can also finely chop everything by hand—it takes longer, but it still works. Using pre-ground nuts or nut flours can also help reduce the blending load.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

• Try peanut butter. Swapping almond butter for peanut butter adds a richer, slightly salty flavor that balances the sweetness perfectly.
• Go nut-free. Use sunflower seed butter and replace cashews with soaked sunflower seeds to make these bites allergy-friendly without sacrificing texture.
• Boost with protein. Replace the coconut flour with your favorite vegan protein powder to give these energy balls an extra muscle-friendly boost.
• Add crunch. Mix in chopped pecans, walnuts, or even cacao nibs for a fun texture contrast and a little extra nutrition.
• Dip in chocolate. Once rolled, dip the balls into melted dark chocolate, then chill until set. It transforms them into a snickerdoodle truffle.
• Sweeten with maple or honey. If you’re not vegan, a small drizzle of maple syrup or honey can add a richer sweetness and help bind dry dough.
• Roll in new coatings. Instead of cinnamon sugar, roll your bites in shredded coconut, crushed freeze-dried strawberries, or a cinnamon-cocoa blend for something different.
• Mix in oats. Stir in a handful of quick oats to bulk up the dough and add a more filling, chewy bite.

Storing / Freezing No Bake Snickerdoodle Energy Balls

Store your No Bake Snickerdoodle Energy Balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days. They stay soft and chewy when chilled. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 2 months. I like to freeze them flat on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag so they don’t stick together. Let thaw for 5 to 10 minutes before eating.

Are No Bake Snickerdoodle Energy Balls Healthy?

Absolutely. These snickerdoodle energy balls are naturally sweetened with dates, packed with healthy fats from nuts, and free from refined sugars, gluten, and dairy. They offer fiber, protein, and real ingredients that fuel your body while still tasting like a treat. They’re great as a balanced snack or quick breakfast on the go.

Best Vegan Protein Powders for Energy Bites

If you’re swapping in protein powder for coconut flour, go for a plant-based blend that’s mild in flavor and blends smoothly. I love vanilla or cinnamon flavored powders from brands like Orgain, Garden of Life, or Vega. Look for something with clean ingredients and no artificial sweeteners to keep that homemade, wholesome vibe.

FAQs About No Bake Snickerdoodle Energy Balls

More Delicious Snacks:

Print