Description
Satisfy your sweet tooth with these Mint Chocolate Chip Protein Balls. Discover a healthy snack option packed with flavor and nutrients.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (240g) old-fashioned rolled oats
- ½ cup (120g) vanilla or unflavored protein powder (whey or plant-based)
- ⅓ cup (80ml) pure maple syrup or honey
- ½ cup (120g) natural nut butter (almond or cashew work best)
- ¼ teaspoon pure peppermint extract (not mint flavoring)
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2–3 drops natural green food coloring (optional)
- 3 tablespoons (45ml) unsweetened almond milk or water
- ⅓ cup (60g) mini dark chocolate chips or cacao nibs
- 2 tablespoons (12g) unsweetened shredded coconut (optional)
- Pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Base In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats and protein powder. Stir thoroughly until well integrated, ensuring there are no clumps of protein powder. This creates an even base for your Mint Chocolate Chip Protein Balls and guarantees consistent texture throughout.
- Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients Pour in the maple syrup or honey and add your nut butter of choice. If your nut butter is particularly stiff, microwave it for 15-20 seconds to soften before adding. This makes incorporation much easier and ensures even distribution of flavors. Stir until the mixture begins to come together, resembling a thick dough.
- Step 3: Incorporate Flavorings Add the peppermint extract, vanilla extract, and green food coloring (if using). Remember to start with less peppermint extract than you think you need—you can always add more after tasting. Fold these ingredients gently into the mixture until the color is uniform and the extracts are well distributed throughout your mint protein energy bites.
- Step 4: Adjust Consistency Add almond milk or water one tablespoon at a time, mixing after each addition, until the mixture holds together when pressed. You want a consistency that’s moist enough to roll but not so wet that it sticks excessively to your hands. Different protein powders absorb moisture differently, so trust your judgment here.
- Step 5: Add Mix-ins Fold in the chocolate chips, optional coconut, and sea salt. Use a gentle hand to ensure the chocolate chips remain intact rather than breaking apart. The chips should be evenly distributed throughout for that authentic mint chocolate chip experience in every bite.
- Step 6: Chill and Form Refrigerate the mixture for 15-20 minutes. Once chilled, use a small cookie scoop or measuring spoon to portion out the mixture, then roll between your palms to form smooth, compact balls about 1-inch in diameter. You should get approximately 14-16 Mint Chocolate Chip Protein Balls from this recipe.
- Step 7: Set and Store Place the finished protein balls on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set completely. Transfer to an airtight container for storage and enjoy whenever you need a protein-packed mint chocolate treat!
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg