Irresistibly soft and chewy, these no-bake chocolate chip cookie dough protein balls are the perfect combination of sweet indulgence and nourishing fuel. Packed with protein, fiber, and mini chocolate chips, I find them to be a great go-to snack for those busy days or after a workout. With no baking required and only clean, pantry-friendly ingredients, they’re ready in just minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s quick, wholesome, and incredibly satisfying. Whether I’m looking for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up or a healthy dessert substitute, these protein balls deliver. They’re gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free, and I can easily adapt them to my dietary preferences with plant-based or whey protein. Plus, the cookie dough flavor is nostalgic and comforting without the guilt.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 cup oat flour
1/4 cup vanilla protein powder (plant-based or whey)
1/4 cup peanut butter or almond butter
1 tablespoon coconut oil (melted)
1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2–3 tablespoons mini chocolate chips
Directions
I start by combining the oat flour, protein powder, and salt in a medium mixing bowl.
Then I stir in the peanut butter, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. I mix everything until a soft dough forms.
I gently fold in the mini chocolate chips until they’re evenly distributed.
Next I roll the dough into small 1-inch balls and place them on a tray lined with parchment paper.
I chill the tray in the refrigerator for about 20–30 minutes until the balls are firm and ready to eat.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 12 protein balls.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Calories per serving: Approximately 95 kcal
Variations
I like switching things up sometimes. Here are a few ways I tweak the recipe:
I use chocolate protein powder for an extra cocoa kick.
For a nut-free version, I swap the nut butter with sunflower seed butter.
Adding a tablespoon of chia seeds or ground flaxseed boosts the fiber content.
If I’m craving a crunch, I mix in some crushed nuts or cacao nibs.
Storage/Reheating
I keep these in an airtight container in the fridge, and they stay fresh for up to 1 week. If I want to store them longer, I freeze them and just thaw a few at a time. There’s no reheating required — they’re ready to enjoy straight from the fridge or after a short sit at room temperature.
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FAQs
How much protein is in each ball?
Depending on the protein powder I use, each ball has around 4–5 grams of protein. I always check my protein powder label to get an accurate count.
Can I make these without protein powder?
Yes, I sometimes skip the protein powder and just use a bit more oat flour to help with the texture, though it changes the nutritional profile.
Are these suitable for kids?
Absolutely! I find them to be a great snack for kids, especially since I can control the sweetness and use kid-friendly ingredients.
Can I use rolled oats instead of oat flour?
I prefer oat flour for the smooth texture, but if I don’t have it, I blend rolled oats in a food processor until fine, and it works just as well.
How do I keep them from sticking to my hands when rolling?
I lightly oil my hands with a bit of coconut oil or water before rolling, which makes the process a lot smoother.
Conclusion
These chocolate chip cookie dough protein balls are my answer to craving something sweet, nourishing, and quick. Whether I’m meal prepping for the week or need a last-minute snack, I rely on this simple recipe. It’s easy to customize, kid-friendly, and full of flavor — I always keep a batch in my fridge
📖 Recipe:
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Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Protein Balls
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 protein balls
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Irresistibly soft and chewy, these no-bake chocolate chip cookie dough protein balls are a wholesome and indulgent snack, packed with protein, fiber, and mini chocolate chips. They’re gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free, making them perfect for a healthy treat or post-workout boost.
Ingredients
1 cup oat flour
1/4 cup vanilla protein powder (plant-based or whey)
1/4 cup peanut butter or almond butter
1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
1 tablespoon coconut oil (melted)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2–3 tablespoons mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine oat flour, protein powder, and salt.
- Add peanut butter, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Fold in the mini chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place on a parchment-lined tray.
- Chill in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes until firm.
Notes
Use chocolate protein powder for a cocoa flavor twist.
Swap nut butter with sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version.
Add chia seeds or flaxseed to boost fiber content.
Mix in crushed nuts or cacao nibs for added crunch.
Lightly oil your hands with coconut oil or water to prevent sticking when rolling.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 95
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 4.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
