These High Protein Cookie Dough Balls are a fun snack that tastes great! Made with protein powder, nut butter, and oats, they’re chewy and satisfying without baking!
What’s better than cookie dough? Healthy cookie dough! I love grabbing a few after a workout for a tasty boost. They’re perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself. 😉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chickpea Flour: This is the star ingredient, giving the dough its protein boost and a unique taste. If you don’t have chickpea flour, you can substitute it with almond flour or oat flour, though the flavor may change slightly.
Natural Peanut Butter: I love using peanut butter for its rich taste, but almond butter is a great alternative for those avoiding peanuts. Both provide healthy fats and a creamy texture.
Maple Syrup or Honey: These sweeteners add just the right touch of sweetness. Feel free to substitute with agave nectar or a sugar-free syrup if you’re watching sugar intake.
Protein Powder: Use vanilla for a lovely flavor, or chocolate for a deeper taste. If you want to skip protein powder, try adding an extra 1/4 cup of chickpea flour instead, but your protein content will be lower.
Chocolate Chips: Mini chocolate chips are fun and cute! You can use dark chocolate for a richer flavor or even swap them for dried fruit like raisins or cranberries for a healthier twist.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Dough Consistency?
Getting the dough consistency just right is important! Start by mixing the dry ingredients first. This will help ensure even distribution of flavors. When adding the wet ingredients, mix well until everything comes together.
- Make sure your peanut butter is softened. If it’s too stiff, microwaving it for a few seconds can help.
- Don’t hesitate to add a splash of water or a bit more maple syrup if the dough feels too dry.
- Keep mixing until it resembles cookie dough—firm but slightly sticky, not crumbly.
Once your dough is ready, rolling them into balls is super fun! Wet your hands slightly to prevent sticking. Hopefully, these tips help you create delicious cookie dough balls!
How to Make High Protein Cookie Dough Balls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup chickpea flour
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter (or almond butter)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1/4 cup protein powder (vanilla or chocolate flavored)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Add-ins:
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (or chocolate chunks)
- 1/4 cup colorful candy pieces (like M&Ms or chocolate-coated candies)
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped nuts (peanuts, almonds, or walnuts)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for preparation, plus an additional 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. You’ll spend a few minutes mixing and rolling the dough into cookie balls, and then you’ll just need to let them firm up before enjoying your tasty, high-protein snack.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mixing the Dry Ingredients:
Start by taking a mixing bowl and combine the chickpea flour, protein powder, and salt. Give it a good stir until everything is nicely combined. This will be the base for your dough!
2. Adding the Wet Ingredients:
Next, add the natural peanut butter, maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Stir it all together until you have a dough-like consistency. It might be a little sticky, but that’s perfect!
3. Incorporating the Fun Add-ins:
Now it’s time to fold in the mini chocolate chips, colorful candy pieces, and any chopped nuts you’re using. Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough so that every bite is delicious!
4. Shaping the Cookie Dough Balls:
Using your hands, roll the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. You should be able to make around 12-15 balls, depending on how big you like them. They’re a bit like a healthy treat, so don’t worry too much about perfection!
5. Setting Them to Chill:
Place your cookie dough balls on a baking sheet or plate lined with parchment paper. If you like, press a few extra chocolate chips or candy pieces on top for a little decoration. Now, pop them in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
6. Enjoying and Storing:
Once chilled, your high-protein cookie dough balls are ready to enjoy! You can eat them straight from the fridge or at room temperature. If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge, and they’ll stay fresh for up to one week. Enjoy your nutritious little snack!
Can I Use Different Nut Butters?
Absolutely! While peanut butter is delicious, you can substitute it with almond butter, cashew butter, or any other nut butter you prefer. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture might vary slightly depending on the nut butter used!
What Can I Use Instead of Maple Syrup or Honey?
If you’re looking for an alternative sweetener, agave nectar, coconut nectar, or even a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol can work. If using a dry sweetener, you might need to adjust the liquid in the recipe slightly to maintain the right consistency.
How Should I Store These Cookie Dough Balls?
Store your cookie dough balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. If you want them to last longer, you can also freeze them! Just place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, and they will keep well for about 3 months.
Can I Add More Flavor to the Dough?
Definitely! You can mix in spices like cinnamon, or cocoa powder for a richer chocolate flavor. For an added protein boost, consider tossing in some ground flaxseed or chia seeds as well. Just ensure to adjust the other ingredients if necessary to maintain the dough consistency!
