ookie Protein Balls
Delicious and nutritious Cookie Protein Balls are a perfect no-bake snack packed with almond butter, medjool dates, protein powder, and a touch of chocolate. These energy bites are easy to make, naturally sweetened with maple syrup and dates, and topped with toasted coconut and flaky sea salt for a delightful crunch.
- Author: Nethan
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 protein balls 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-bake with light baking for toasting coconut
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Main Ingredients
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut, plus 3 tablespoons (divided)
- 1/2 cup creamy almond butter
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 2 large soft medjool dates, pitted
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup old fashioned rolled oats
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (or unflavored)
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon mini chocolate chips
Topping Ingredients
- Flaky sea salt (for sprinkling on top)
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 teaspoon coconut oil
- Toast the Coconut: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread 1/4 cup shredded coconut evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for about 5 minutes, stirring once, until the coconut is lightly toasted and golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow to cool.
- Prepare the Base Mixture: In a food processor, blend the almond butter, maple syrup, pitted medjool dates, vanilla extract, rolled oats, vanilla protein powder, and kosher salt until a smooth, sticky mixture forms.
- Mix in Add-ins: Transfer the blended mixture to a bowl and stir in 1/4 cup of the toasted coconut, chia seeds, and mini chocolate chips to evenly distribute.
- Form the Protein Balls: Shape the mixture into small balls, approximately 1 tablespoon each, using your hands for even sizing.
- Melt Chocolate Topping: Combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil in a small microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
- Dip and Decorate: Line a baking sheet or tray with parchment paper. Dip the bottoms of each protein ball into the melted chocolate and place them on the sheet. Drizzle remaining chocolate on top, then quickly sprinkle with the reserved toasted coconut and a pinch of flaky sea salt.
- Chill and Set: Refrigerate the balls for about 1 hour, or until the chocolate topping hardens. Serve chilled and enjoy your nutrient-rich snack!
Notes
- Medjool dates should be soft; if dry, soak in warm water for 10 minutes before using.
- Use gluten-free oats to make this recipe gluten-free friendly.
- Store protein balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- For a vegan version, ensure protein powder used is plant-based.
- You can substitute almond butter with peanut or cashew butter if desired.
- Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of maple syrup or dates according to taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 protein ball (approx. 30g)
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 40 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: protein balls, energy bites, almond butter snack, no-bake protein balls, healthy snack, vegan protein balls, medjool dates, toasted coconut