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Chewy Cookie Dough Protein Balls Recipe Easy Homemade Almond Butter Snack

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These chewy cookie dough protein balls with almond butter are a quick, easy, and nutritious snack that combines indulgent flavor with a healthy protein boost. Perfect for on-the-go energy and satisfying sweet cravings without guilt.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (90g) rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup (125g) almond butter, creamy and unsweetened preferred
  • 1/4 cup (85g) honey or maple syrup for a vegan option
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup (45g) protein powder, vanilla or unflavored
  • 1/4 cup (45g) mini chocolate chips, semi-sweet or dairy-free as needed
  • 2 tbsp ground flaxseed (optional)
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Gather your ingredients. Measure out rolled oats, almond butter, honey, protein powder, vanilla extract, mini chocolate chips, ground flaxseed (if using), and salt.
  2. Mix the wet ingredients. In a medium bowl, combine almond butter, honey, and vanilla extract. Stir until creamy and well blended, about 1-2 minutes. If almond butter is too stiff, soften with a 10-second microwave zap.
  3. Add dry ingredients. Toss in rolled oats, protein powder, ground flaxseed (if using), and salt. Mix gently until just combined. If mixture feels dry, add a teaspoon of water or more honey, one at a time.
  4. Fold in the mini chocolate chips evenly.
  5. Shape into balls. Scoop about 1.5 tablespoons (20g) of mixture per ball and roll between palms to form tight, smooth balls. Slightly dampen hands with water if mixture sticks. This takes about 10 minutes for 12-15 balls.
  6. Chill the protein balls on a parchment-lined plate or baking sheet in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
  7. Taste test and store. Enjoy the chewy texture and subtle sweetness. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months.

Notes

[‘Use room temperature almond butter for easier mixing and smoother dough.’, ‘Do not overmix to maintain chewiness; stir just until combined.’, ‘Adjust sweetness by adding honey gradually.’, ‘Chill the balls to prevent crumbliness and help flavors meld.’, ‘Keep hands slightly damp when rolling to prevent sticking.’, ‘Protein powder can be omitted but will reduce protein content.’, ‘For vegan version, substitute honey with maple syrup and use plant-based protein powder and dairy-free chocolate chips.’, ‘Optional add-ins: chopped dried cherries, shredded unsweetened coconut, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice.’, ‘Nut-free version: use sunflower seed butter and carob chips.’, ‘Store in airtight container in fridge up to 7 days or freeze up to 3 months.’]

Nutrition

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