If you’re someone who loves cookie dough but is looking for a healthier, no-bake alternative, you’re in for a treat! These No-Bake Cookie Dough Protein Balls are not only quick to make but also packed with protein and healthy fats, making them a perfect snack for anyone on the go. Plus, they’re edible cookie dough, so you don’t have to worry about raw eggs or flour—just a simple, guilt-free snack!
This recipe is easy to follow, with minimal ingredients, and best of all, it’s customizable. You can swap out ingredients depending on what you have in your pantry, and they are freezable, making them great for meal prep. So, let’s dive into the recipe and see how you can make these delicious, healthy cookie dough bites that taste just like the classic chocolate chip cookie dough.
The Perfect Edible Cookie Dough Made Healthy
Edible cookie dough has gained popularity as an indulgent, yet safe treat. If you’ve ever sneaked a bite of traditional cookie dough while baking cookies, you know the irresistible taste. But regular cookie dough ingredients often contain raw eggs and flour, which pose a risk of foodborne illness. These cookie dough protein balls solve that problem by eliminating those ingredients and making the dough safe to eat.
This cookie dough recipe is made with a combination of protein powder, almond flour, and almond butter, ensuring that each bite is both delicious and nutritious. You’ll get the sweet satisfaction of traditional chocolate chip cookies, but with fewer calories and more protein to keep you full.
Why You’ll Love These Cookie Dough Protein Balls
There are many reasons to love this no-bake cookie dough alternative:
- Protein-Packed: Unlike traditional cookie dough, these protein balls are made with vanilla protein powder, making them a great snack to fuel your body. They are perfect before or after a workout or simply when you need a little energy boost.
- Healthy Fats: Almond butter (or any nut butter of your choice) adds healthy fats that are good for your heart and help keep you satisfied longer.
- Customizable: You can make these cookie dough bites as sweet as you want by adjusting the amount of maple syrup or swapping in different types of nut butter. You can also add more chocolate chips or even other mix-ins like dried fruit or nuts.
- Freezer-Friendly: These protein balls can be stored in the fridge or freezer, so you always have a healthy snack on hand. Make a double batch and keep them in the freezer to enjoy whenever you want.
- No-Bake: There’s no need for an oven—just mix the ingredients, roll into balls, and refrigerate. It’s a great option if you want a quick and easy dough recipe without turning on the oven.
Ingredients for Your No-Bake Cookie Dough Protein Balls
Let’s look at the simple ingredients you’ll need to make these cookie dough bites:
- 1/2 cup almond flour: A great gluten-free base for your dough, adding a nice texture and nutty flavor.
- 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder: Adds protein and helps bind the ingredients together.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1/2 cup maple syrup: Natural sweetener that keeps the dough moist and provides a lovely sweetness.
- 1 cup almond butter (or peanut butter/cashew butter): Provides healthy fats and gives the dough a creamy texture. You can also use other nut butters depending on your preference.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds depth and richness to the flavor.
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips: The perfect finishing touch! These mini chips give you the taste of chocolate chip cookies without overwhelming the texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Cookie Dough Protein Balls
Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients
Start by mixing the almond flour and vanilla protein powder in a large bowl. Add the salt and stir everything together until well-combined.
Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients
Next, pour in the maple syrup, almond butter, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and thick. If it feels too dry, add a little more almond butter or maple syrup to help bind the ingredients.
Step 3: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Add the mini chocolate chips to the dough and fold them in gently. These little chips will give you that classic chocolate chip cookie dough flavor.
Step 4: Roll the Dough Into Balls
Use your hands to roll the dough into small balls, about the size of a tablespoon. You should end up with 12-15 dough bites, depending on how large you make them.
Step 5: Chill and Enjoy
Place the rolled dough balls onto a parchment-lined tray or plate and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up. Once they’re chilled, you can enjoy them as a quick snack, or store them in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.
Why These Cookie Dough Protein Balls are Better Than Traditional Cookie Dough
While traditional cookie dough is delicious, it can often be too sweet and unhealthy. The beauty of these protein balls is that they give you the same satisfying cookie dough taste but with a healthier twist. You can indulge without feeling guilty about eating raw dough, and they’re made with clean, wholesome ingredients.
These protein balls can also serve as a great post-workout snack. You can also store them in your fridge or freezer, so you always have a cookie dough treat on hand when you need a pick-me-up.
Making Edible Cookie Dough Safe and Delicious
The best part about this recipe is that it’s completely safe to eat raw cookie dough. There’s no risk of foodborne illness because we’re not using raw eggs or unbaked flour, making it the perfect snack for everyone, including kids. Whether you call them cookie dough bites, edible cookie dough, or just a healthier version of the classic chocolate chip cookie dough, they’re a treat that the whole family can enjoy.
FAQ About No-Bake Cookie Dough Protein Balls
Q: Can I make these with peanut butter?
A: Absolutely! You can substitute almond butter for peanut butter or any other nut butter you prefer. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change slightly.
Q: Can I add other ingredients to these protein balls?
A: Yes! Feel free to add nuts, dried fruit, or even some shredded coconut to make them even more customizable to your tastes.
Q: How do I store these protein balls?
A: Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. They make for an easy snack anytime you need one.
Q: How many calories are in each protein ball?
A: Each protein ball contains about 100-150 calories, depending on the size and ingredients you use.
Conclusion: Healthy Snacking Made Easy
These no-bake cookie dough protein balls are a great alternative to traditional chocolate chip cookie dough and an excellent way to curb your sweet tooth without the guilt. They’re packed with protein, healthy fats, and just the right amount of sweetness to keep you satisfied. Whether you’re looking for an easy edible cookie dough snack or a healthier version of your favorite cookie dough recipes, these protein balls are the answer.
Perfect for meal prep, snacks on the go, or an after-workout treat, these cookie dough bites are sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Try them today and enjoy the perfect balance of health and indulgence!
Try These Other Delicious Snack Ideas:
Veggie Roll-Ups: A fresh and light snack made with crisp veggies wrapped in a tortilla or lettuce, perfect for a quick, healthy bite on the go!
My Favorite Protein Granola: A crunchy, nutrient-packed granola that’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or adding to yogurt. High in protein and full of flavor!
Hummus and Feta Dip: A creamy, savory dip that combines the richness of hummus with the tangy flavor of feta—great for dipping veggies, pita, or crackers.
Print
The BEST No-Bake Cookie Dough Bites
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 30 balls 1x
Description
These No-Bake Cookie Dough Protein Balls are a delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make snack. Packed with protein and healthy fats, they’re the perfect treat for on-the-go or post-workout. Enjoy the sweet taste of edible cookie dough with a guilt-free twist!
Ingredients
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1/2 cup almond flour
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1/2 cup vanilla protein powder
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/2 cup maple syrup
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1 cup almond butter (or peanut butter/cashew butter)
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1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (I recommend ENJY chocolate chips for fewer ingredients)
Instructions
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In a large mixing bowl, combine almond flour, vanilla protein powder, and salt.
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Add maple syrup, almond butter, and vanilla extract. Stir well until fully mixed.
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Fold in mini chocolate chips.
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Roll the mixture into small, bite-sized balls.
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Place the protein balls on a parchment-lined tray or plate.
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Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
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Store in the fridge for up to 1 week or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 40
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