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Cranberry White Chocolate Protein Balls

These protein balls don’t need to be baked, yet they’re sweet, chewy, and full of healthy things!

These cranberry white chocolate protein balls are really, really wonderful.

They’re sweet, a touch sour, and chewy, and they only take 10 minutes to make!

No baking. No problems. All you need is one dish and some nutritious ingredients, and you’ve got the perfect snack to eat when you’re hungry or need a boost.

I make these a lot when I want something sweet, but I’m trying to change my behaviors. They taste like dessert, but they are packed of protein and fiber, so they really fill you up. It’s a win-win.

Ingredients and Tools

🍽️ 12 balls are made
⏱️ Time to get ready: 10 minutes No need to cook
◯ 1 cup rolled oats
◯ 1/2 cup of creamy natural peanut butter
◯ 1/3 cup of honey
◯ 1/3 cup of dried cranberries
◯ 1/4 cup of white chocolate chips
◯ 1/4 cup of protein powder with vanilla flavor
◯ 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
◯ A pinch of salt

Utensils

A bowl for mixing
Spatula made of rubber
Spoons and cups for measuring
Spoon or cookie scoop
Container that won’t let air in for storage

Preparation Steps

Put 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter, 1/3 cup of honey, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla essence in a big bowl. Mix until smooth.
Add a bit of salt, 1 cup of rolled oats, and 1/4 cup of vanilla protein powder. Mix well.
Put in 1/3 cup of dried cranberries (chop them up if they are big) and 1/4 cup of white chocolate chips. Mix together carefully.

Put the bowl in the fridge for 10 to 15 minutes if the mix is too sticky to make it firmer.
Use your hands or a cookie scoop to make 12 balls.

Why I Love Them

I started preparing these because I wanted something I could make ahead of time and grab when I was busy. Now I keep them in the fridge all the time. This is why I love them:

No baking! Just mix, roll, and you’re done.
Sweet by nature. The best mix is honey and cranberries.
Full of protein. They really do fill you up.
Great for getting ready for meals. If you don’t eat them all at once, one batch will last all week.

Nutrition Facts

⚖️ Exact Macros (Per Ball)
Values that are close

One hundred forty calories
5 grams of protein
7g of fat
15g of carbs
2 grams of fiber
9 grams of sugar

Ingredient Roles

Oats provide it structure and fiber to keep everything together.
Peanut butter and honey are the “glue” that holds everything together. They are natural binders that also add flavor and sweetness.
Protein powder gives you energy so you don’t get hungry for 20 minutes.
The sweet and sour taste of cranberries and white chocolate will keep you going back for more.

Ideal Times to Eat

Breakfast on the go
Snack in the afternoon when your energy drops
Snack after doing exercise to help you refuel
A goodie in your desk drawer for when you want sugar at work

Great Pairings

A cup of coffee or iced matcha
Cut up apples or bananas for a full mini dinner.
A yogurt bowl is a great way to start the day with a lot of protein.

Substitutions

If you want a different taste, use almond or cashew butter.
Use maple syrup instead of honey if you want a vegan option.
For more fiber, add flaxseed or chia seeds.
Instead of cranberries, use chopped dates or raisins.
Instead of white chocolate chips, use dark chocolate chips.

Helpful Tips

Use small chocolate chips so that they combine well.
If your dried cranberries are too big, cut them up.
Before rolling, wet your hands a little so things don’t stick.
If the mix feels too soft or warm, put it in the fridge first.
Make two batches and freeze one of them!

Troubleshooting

Too dry? You might have put in too much oats or protein powder. Just add a bit more honey or peanut butter.
Is it too sticky to roll? Put the mix in the fridge for 10 to 15 minutes before rolling it out.
Not combining well? Use a rubber spatula and fold slowly. This will let everything mix together without making a mess.

Storage

Make two batches and freeze one of them.
Put the balls in the fridge for up to seven days.
If you’re short on time, mix everything together ahead of time and roll it later.

In the fridge, keep it in an airtight container for up to seven days.
Freezer: Freeze in one layer, then put the food in a bag. Lasts for three months. Put in the fridge overnight to thaw.

FAQs

Is almond butter a good substitute for peanut butter?: A: Yes! Any kind of nut butter will do, but it needs to be creamy.
What type of protein powder should I use?: A: Both vanilla whey and plant-based protein work. If you like a more neutral taste, don’t get unflavored.
How long do these stay good?: A: You can keep it in the fridge for up to a week in a sealed container, or you can freeze it for up to three months.

You won’t believe how easy and tasty these cranberry white chocolate protein balls are. You’ll wonder how you ever snacked without them. Try these out and tell me how they turned out! Do you have any questions? Please leave a remark below. I love hearing how your batch is going!