Cookie Dough Protein Balls
User Reviews
5
Cookie Dough Protein Balls
Description
This recipe begins by blending cottage cheese with maple syrup and vanilla extract to create a creamy base. Almond flour, vanilla protein powder, cinnamon, and peanut butter are then mixed in to form a dough-like texture. Mini chocolate chips are folded into the dough for sweet bursts within the balls.
The mixture is scooped and rolled into small balls, then frozen on parchment paper to firm up. If desired, the protein balls can be dipped into melted chocolate mixed with coconut oil for an added layer of flavor and texture. Once coated, they are chilled again to set the chocolate coating.
The result is a nutrient-dense snack with a soft crumb and gentle sweetness, suitable for those who want a filling option between meals or post-workout. The flexibility in protein powder flavor and nut butter types allows customization based on personal taste or dietary need.
Protein balls can be stored refrigerated for up to seven days or frozen for as long as three months in airtight containers. Making a batch ahead supports quick snacking during busy days. This recipe’s optional chocolate topping can be omitted to reduce sugar and calorie content.
Ingredients
For the cookie dough balls:
- 16 oz cottage cheese Substitute this with Greek yogurt if you prefer, low-fat
- ½ cup maple syrup if you are not on a keto diet, use regular maple syrup. Honey will also work!, sugar-free
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Or, try almond extract, pure
- 2 ⅔ cups almond flour If you have a nut allergy, try oat flour instead.
- ½ cup vanilla protein powder Any flavor of protein powder can be used, isolate
- ground cinnamon Alternatively, try allspice, cardamom, nutmeg, or cloves, a dash
- ⅓ cup peanut butter preferably ‘no sugar added’ - You can also use almond butter, cashew butter, sunflower seed butter, or tahini, creamy
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips (I used semisweet chocolate chips but you can use milk chocolate. If you are on a keto diet, use keto or sugar-free chocolate)
For dipping and topping (OPTIONAL):
- 1.5 cups chocolate chips or more, for dipping (I used semisweet chocolate chips but you can use milk chocolate. If you are on a keto diet, use keto or sugar-free chocolate)
- 1 ½ teaspoon coconut oil raw
- ¼ cup peanut butter melted (for drizzling), preferably "no sugar added", creamy
- sea salt flakes
Instructions
- To make the cookie dough protein balls, blend the cottage cheese, maple syrup, and vanilla extract in a food processor or high-speed blend until creamy.
- Transfer to a large bowl and add the almond flour, protein powder, cinnamon, and peanut butter, mixing until forming a homogeneous mixture.
- Fold the chocolate chips into the raw dough and roll them into balls. Use a cookie dough scoop as a measurement!
- Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper and lay the protein balls apart on it. Freeze them for about 20-30 minutes, or until set.
- At this point, you can enjoy them or dip them in chocolate.
- To dip them in chocolate, combine chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Melt the chocolate according to the instructions in the package, about 1-2 minutes in 30-second intervals. Stir until smooth.
- Dip the frozen protein balls into the melted chocolate, shaking off excess dripping chocolate. Place them onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Refrigerate them for 5 minutes or until the chocolate is set.
- Then, drizzle them with melted peanut butter, using a fork. Sprinkle them with sea salt flakes and refrigerate them for about 5 minutes or until peanut butter is set. Enjoy!
Notes
- Store protein balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to seven days.
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to three months for longer storage.
- Prepare batches in advance for convenient grab-and-go snacks during the week.
- The chocolate coating is optional; nutritional values exclude it.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 45protein balls
Amount Per Serving
Calories 83 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 83kcal | 4% |
| Carbohydrates | 4.7g | 2% |
| Protein | 4.1g | 8% |
| Fat | 5.9g | 9% |
| Saturated Fat | 1.4g | 7% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.2g | 1% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 0.6g | 3% |
| Cholesterol | 1.7mg | 1% |
| Sodium | 40mg | 2% |
| Potassium | 21.4mg | 0% |
| Fiber | 1.1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 0.7g | 1% |
| Vitamin A | 14.1IU | 0% |
| Calcium | 23.3mg | 2% |
| Iron | 0.5mg | 3% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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