These Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Protein Balls boast 5 grams of protein per ball while also being a great source of fiber, healthy fats and tasting amazing!
I’m usually a savoury snacker, but every so often the craving strikes for something sweet, which is when I reach for these Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Protein Balls. They only take 15-minutes to make and store well in the fridge, making them a great snack or option to pair with something else for breakfast! I love that these have 5 grams of protein per serving and taste similar to regular chocolate chip cookie dough, with a bit more nutrition!
Nutrition Benefits of these Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Protein Balls
These Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Protein Balls have a great balance of protein, carbs, fat and fiber- Plus they taste delicious and are have no added sugar (depending on your protein powder, of course)! They have 5 grams of protein per ball, which is a great boost for a snack. The chia seeds provide plant-based omega-3, which is super important for brain, heart and eye health. The oats contain lots of fiber and iron, while the tahini boosts the healthy fat and calcium content. Overall, these are a super well-rounded option for a healthy snack, and can be paired with fruit, Chili Lime Roasted Chickpeas or Chia Pudding for a breakfast or heartier snack.
Which protein powder should you use?
The protein powder you choose for these energy balls makes a big difference. If you know you don’t like the fake-sugar taste of most protein powders, I recommend choosing an unflavored variety and adding maple syrup and vanilla to sweeten. Otherwise, choose a vanilla flavoured protein powder that you enjoy, since the flavor does come through in this recipe.
I’m not loyal to one specific brand of protein powder, but I enjoy the LeanFit Plant-Based Vanilla Protein Powder, Botanica protein powder, or simply unflavored pea protein powder that be purchased in bulk at Bulk Barn (or most other bulk food stores).
How to make these energy bites a meal
While these Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Protein Balls are a delicious and healthy snack or dessert all on their own, I recommend pairing a few of these with something else as a breakfast option! Chia Pudding, toast with avocado, a Green Smoothie or the Sundried Tomato & Broccoli Vegan Egg Bites from my cookbook would all be awesome pairings!
How to make these Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Protein Balls
- Add all ingredients, besides the chocolate chips and plant-based milk, to a food processor and blend until a dough forms. Add the plant-based milk 1 tbsp at a time, as needed, until you get a classic cookie dough texture. Mix in the chocolate chips.
- Use your hands to roll about 3 tbsp of dough into balls. Place on a plate or in a container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Substitution Suggestions
Vanilla protein powder: If you don’t have any vanilla protein powder on hand, you can use unflavored protein powder and add 2 tablespoons of maple syrup and 1 tsp of vanilla (or to taste).
Tahini: Tahini can be subbed for peanut butter if you’d prefer a peanut butter cookie flavor!
Chia seeds: Can be subbed with flax seeds!
Storing Leftovers
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to one week. You can also freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to one month.
Recipe Notes
- If you’re using protein powder that’s sweetened with artificial sugar like stevia, I recommend making sure these are well-chilled before eating. I find the artificial sweetener lessens the colder they are.
- Keep in mind that the flavor of these will greatly depend on the protein powder you’re using. If you hate the taste of the protein powder you use in smoothies, chances are you won’t like it in these energy balls, either. I recommend choosing one you enjoy the taste of or opting for unflavored protein powder.
- If you’re using unflavored protein powder, add 2 tbsp of maple syrup and 1 tsp of vanilla extract to the energy bites, or to taste.
- The moisture content of these energy balls will depend on how thick your tahini is- Mine is quite runny. I recommend adding the plant-based milk one tbsp at a time.
Connect with Lauren
I hope you love this recipe as much as I do! If you try it, let me know what you think by leaving a rating and a review in the comments below. You can also find 60 other delicious, easy plant-based recipes in my cookbook, The Simple Vegan Kitchen!
Also, be sure to take a photo and tag me at @tastingtothrive_rd so I can re-share on my stories! Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest so you never miss a new recipe or blog post.
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Protein Balls
These Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Protein Balls boast 5 grams of protein per ball while also being a great source of fiber, healthy fats and tasting amazing!
Ingredients
- 2 cups large flake oats
- 2 tbsp chia seeds
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 1/3 cup vanilla plant-based protein powder typically about 1 scoop
- 1-3 tbsp plant-based milk as needed
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips
Optional ingredients
- 1 tsp vanilla extract If not using vanilla protein powder
- 2 tbsp maple syrup If not using sweetened protein powder
Instructions
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Add all ingredients, besides the chocolate chips and plant-based milk, to a food processor and blend until a dough forms. Add the plant-based milk 1 tbsp at a time, as needed, until you get a classic cookie dough texture. Mix in the chocolate chips.
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Use your hands to roll about 3 tbsp of dough into balls. Place on a plate or in a container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Other Snack Recipes You’ll Love
5-Ingredient Spicy Edamame Dip
Pineapple Coconut Tropical Smoothie
Work with Lauren
Want to learn how to thrive on a plant-based diet? Check out my online program, Thriving on Plant-Based Fundamentals!
Need some guidance on your plant-based journey? We can work together virtually! Book your FREE 15-minute consultation to see if we’d be a good fit!
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