Name: Samoa Cookie Protein Balls Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup pecans (or almonds); ¼ cup unsweetened shredded coconut (plus extra for rolling); 4 soft Medjool dates, pitted; 2 tablespoons vanilla protein powder; 2 tablespoons almond butter (or cashew butter); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Pinch of sea salt; ¼ cup dark chocolate chips (for drizzling)

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Introduction

Savor the irresistible flavors of Samoa cookies in a healthy, protein-packed snack. These Samoa Cookie Protein Balls combine toasted coconut, caramel-like dates, crunchy nuts, and rich chocolate for a guilt-free treat you can enjoy any time.

A white bowl filled with about seven round energy balls stacked in a small pile, each ball showing a rough texture with visible oats and small white pieces, drizzled with smooth, light brown chocolate in thin lines across the top. The bowl rests on a white marbled surface with scattered pieces of white and light brown coconut flakes around it, adding a natural touch to the scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup pecans (or almonds)
¼ cup unsweetened shredded coconut (plus extra for rolling)
4 soft Medjool dates, pitted
2 tablespoons vanilla protein powder
2 tablespoons almond butter (or cashew butter)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of sea salt
¼ cup dark chocolate chips (for drizzling)

Instructions

Step 1: Optional but recommended – toast the shredded coconut in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly until golden and fragrant. Set aside to cool.
Step 2: Pulse the pecans in a food processor until finely chopped but not into butter; aim for a coarse meal texture with small chunks.
Step 3: Add the toasted coconut, dates, protein powder, almond butter, vanilla extract, and sea salt to the food processor with the pecans.
Step 4: Pulse in bursts until the mixture forms a sticky dough that clumps together. If too dry, add another date or teaspoon of almond butter; if too wet, add more pecans or protein powder.
Step 5: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll between dampened palms to form balls. Repeat until all the dough is used, making 7-8 balls.
Step 6: Roll each ball in extra shredded coconut to coat the outside for authentic Samoa flavor and appearance.
Step 7: Melt chocolate chips in 30-second microwave intervals, stirring until smooth. Drizzle chocolate over each ball or dip the bottom in chocolate for a thicker coating.
Step 8: Refrigerate the balls for 15-30 minutes to let the chocolate set. Enjoy once chilled.

Tips & Variations

Use almonds instead of pecans for a slightly different but tasty flavor; process almonds longer for a fine meal.
Make paleo by skipping protein powder and adding extra dates instead.
Lower sugar by using fewer dates and a few drops of stevia.
Add mini chocolate chips into the dough for extra chocolate throughout.
For nut-free, replace pecans with sunflower seeds and almond butter with sunflower seed butter.
Ensure protein powder and chocolate chips are plant-based for vegan options.

Storage

Store the protein balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week; they improve in flavor after a day. Freeze for up to two months—these don’t freeze solid and can be eaten straight from the freezer, cold and chewy like frozen cookie dough.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with six round energy bites made of oats, with a light beige and slightly bumpy texture. Each ball is drizzled with smooth milk chocolate lines on top, adding a glossy dark brown layer. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface scattered with small pieces of white coconut flakes and amber caramel shards, giving a natural and fresh look. The composition shows the energy bites stacked slightly, highlighting their roundness and the chocolate drizzle's detail. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different nut butter?

Yes, cashew butter, peanut butter, or tahini work well. Cashew butter has a neutral flavor, while peanut butter adds a distinct twist similar to peanut butter Samoas.

What if I don’t have a food processor?

A food processor is recommended as blenders aren’t effective for this thick mixture. Without one, finely chop pecans by hand, mash dates thoroughly, and mix everything manually, though this requires more effort.

Why won’t my mixture stick together?

Dates may be too dry. Soak them in hot water for 10 minutes and drain before using. Alternatively, add more almond butter to help bind the mixture.

Can I skip the protein powder?

Yes, but protein content will drop from about 4g to 2g per ball. If skipping, add extra coconut or pecans to maintain the texture.

Do these actually taste like Samoas?

They capture the essence with toasted coconut, caramel-flavored dates, chocolate, and nuts. While not identical to processed cookies, the flavor profile is surprisingly close and satisfying.

Can I use regular sweetened coconut instead of unsweetened?

It’s best to stick with unsweetened. Sweetened coconut adds extra sugar, altering the balance since the dates already provide natural sweetness.