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Don’t bake. No trouble. Just small bits of happiness that taste great.

These are a complete godsend.
These Cookie Dough Protein Balls are perfect for when you’re in a hurry, need a boost at 3 p.m., or just want a little something sweet without going all out on cookies.

They’re chewy, a touch nutty, sweet like cookie dough, and full of good-for-you things.

I started cooking these because I wanted to eat more protein yet still have fun. To be honest? They taste like dessert yet are good for you.

Makes 12 balls
Time: 10 minutes to get ready and 15 minutes to cool down

Ingredients

1 cup of rolled oats from the old days
1/2 cup of natural creamy peanut butter or almond butter
1/3 cup of maple syrup or honey
1/2 cup of protein powder with vanilla
1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
1/4 cup of little chocolate chips
1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed (optional)
A pinch of sea salt

Equipment Needed

Bowl for mixing
Spatula made of silicone
Cups and spoons for measuring
Spoon or cookie scoop
A container that won’t let air enter for storage

Preparation Instructions

1. Combine the moist things
  Put the following in a mixing bowl:
  1/2 cup of smooth peanut butter
  1/3 cup of honey or maple syrup
  1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
  Stir until smooth.
2. Put in the dry stuff
  Put in the same bowl:
  1 cup of oats
  1/2 cup of vanilla protein powder
  1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed
  A little bit of sea salt
  Mix until everything is mixed in.

Add the chocolate chips and mix.
Add:
1/4 cup of little chocolate chips
Gently fold them into the mix.
Put the dough in the fridge.
Put the bowl in the fridge for about 15 minutes to harden.
Make balls out of it
Use a spoon or cookie scoop to shape the dough into 12 balls. Put it on a platter or in a container for storing.

Storage and Tips

You can make them as much as a week in advance and keep them in the fridge. Or put it in the freezer for up to two months. Just let it thaw before you consume it.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Freezer: Freeze on a tray and then put in a bag. Lasts for two months.
If frozen, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before eating.

Use peanut butter that is all-natural, with only peanuts and salt. It blends better and keeps the texture smooth.
If the dough is sticky, chill it before rolling it out. Even 5 to 10 minutes helps.
Don’t use too much protein powder, otherwise it will get dry and chalky.
Mini chips are superior than conventional chips because they spread out better in each mouthful.
Using a cookie scoop can help you make balls that are of the same size (and less mess!).

No nuts?

Use butter made from sunflower seeds.

No honey?

Try agave or maple syrup.

Are you vegan?

Use protein from plants and maple syrup.

Extras?

Chopped nuts, coconut flakes, or chia seeds.

Tips for protein powder and nut butter:

Using dry protein powder: If your powder is really dry, use a little less or add a little more honey.
It’s too sticky to roll? First, chill. Don’t add more oats until you’ve tried chilling.
Using dry nut butter can make the mix fall apart. Choose the natural, drippy kinds.

Serving Suggestions

A smoothie with banana and almond milk is the best.
Cold brew or coffee
Strawberries or apples cut into slices
A little cup of Greek yogurt

For a quick breakfast, eat with a smoothie.
Pack two for a snack in the afternoon.
Serve with Greek yogurt and fruit for a little meal that is high in protein.

How It Works

Oats make the dough chewy and keep everything together without baking.
Protein powder helps things get firmer by soaking up moisture.
Nut butter and honey make a sticky base that holds everything together.
Mini chips stay in the mixture better than regular-sized chips!

FAQs

Is it possible to prepare them without protein powder?: Yes! If you need to, just add 1/4 cup more oats and a little more nut butter.
Are they free of gluten?: Yes, just use oats that have been verified gluten-free.
Is it okay to double the batch?: Of course. Just make sure the basin is big enough.
Do I have to put the dough in the fridge?: It makes it easier for the balls to roll and keeps their shape better. You don’t have to do anything right away, though.

Conclusion

As soon as I found out how easy they are, these small bits became a fixture in my fridge. No baking. No mess. Simply combine, roll, and chill. Finished.
It really does taste like cookie dough!
You don’t need a mixer or any other special tools.
Full of protein and fiber
Can be stored in the freezer and taken with you
I never knew I needed these cookie dough protein balls until I made them once. Now I make them every week. I hope they make your snacks easier (and tastier) too!
Give them a try and let me know how they turned out, or ask me any questions you have. I’m all in!🍪💪