No-Bake Protein Balls With Cookie Dough Flavor Recipe
Delight in these no-bake protein balls with a cookie dough flavor—a perfect blend of rolled oats, vanilla protein powder, and almond butter sweetened naturally with honey or maple syrup. These bite-sized treats are enriched with flaxseed meal for fiber, mini chocolate chips for bursts of chocolatey goodness, and can be customized with your favorite mix-ins. Ideal for a quick snack, post-workout boost, or meal prep, they offer a satisfying, nutrient-dense alternative to traditional sweets without baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10–70 minutes (includes optional chilling time)
- Yield: Approximately 20 balls (tablespoon-sized) 1x
- Category: Snacks
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups rolled oats (150 g) – quick or old-fashioned, gluten-free if needed
- ¾ cup vanilla protein powder (75 g) – whey, plant, or collagen
- 2 tbsp flaxseed meal or chia seeds (20 g)
- Pinch of salt (⅛ tsp)
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup almond butter (120 g) – slightly warmed
- ¼–⅓ cup honey or maple syrup (60–80 g) – adjust to sweetness
- 2 tsp vanilla extract (10 ml)
- 2–4 tbsp milk or milk alternative (30–60 ml) – almond, oat, cow’s milk
Mix-ins
- ¼ cup mini chocolate chips (45 g) – dark or sugar-free, optional
- Optional: chopped nuts, shredded coconut, cocoa nibs
Instructions
- Combine The Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, fold together the rolled oats, vanilla protein powder, flaxseed meal or chia seeds, and a pinch of salt until the mixture has a uniformly sandy texture, which forms the cookie dough base.
- Add The Wet Ingredients: Add the slightly warmed almond butter, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Use a spoon or spatula to gently fold the mixture. It will appear crumbly at first but keep combining to start forming the dough.
- Adjust Texture With Milk: Add the milk one tablespoon at a time, mixing after each addition, until the dough clumps together when pressed between your fingers—moist and cohesive but not sticky. Different protein powders may require more or less liquid.
- Fold In The Chocolate And Extras: Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips and any optional mix-ins like nuts, shredded coconut, or cocoa nibs. To replicate warm cookie dough bites, reserve some chips to press on top of each ball later.
- Roll And Rest: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions and roll them into balls. Place each on a parchment-lined tray. For a soft, freshly made texture, eat them immediately; for firmer, more portable protein balls, refrigerate for 30 to 60 minutes.
- Store With Care: Store the balls in an airtight container. They keep best refrigerated for up to 10 days or frozen for 2 to 3 months. When frozen, thaw at room temperature for 10 to 20 minutes before enjoying.
Notes
- Slightly warm the almond butter for 10–15 seconds to ease mixing and improve texture.
- For oat-free or paleo versions, substitute oats with ground almonds or coconut flour and increase binder like chia gel accordingly.
- Adjust sweetness by varying honey or maple syrup; reduce if using flavored or sweetened protein powder.
- Store in the fridge for better texture and to keep mix-ins firm; freeze for longer storage.
- Customize with different nut butters, proteins, or mix-ins to suit dietary needs or flavor preferences.
- If crumbly, add more milk or nut butter; if too sticky, refrigerate or add more oats or protein powder.
- Toast oats lightly for a warm, nutty flavor boost.
Keywords: no-bake protein balls, cookie dough flavor, healthy snack, protein bites, easy no-cook recipe, vegan options, gluten-free snack
