Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Balls (Printable Version)
Creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate combine with protein powder and oats for these irresistible no-bake energy balls.
# What You Need:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
02 - 2 tablespoons chia seeds
03 - 1/4 cup chocolate protein powder
04 - 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
05 - 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
→ Wet Ingredients
06 - 1/2 cup natural creamy peanut butter
07 - 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
08 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Mix-ins
09 - 1/3 cup mini dark chocolate chips
# How To Make:
01 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, chia seeds, protein powder, cocoa powder, and sea salt. Stir until evenly blended.
02 - Add the peanut butter, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Mix thoroughly with a spatula or hands until a thick, cohesive dough forms.
03 - Fold in the mini dark chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
04 - Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, portion the mixture and roll into 1-inch balls, pressing firmly to hold shape.
05 - Arrange the balls on a parchment-lined tray or plate. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes until firm and set.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- No oven required, meaning you can make these even when your kitchen already feels like an sauna in summer
- They satisfy chocolate cravings while actually fueling your body instead of just spiking your blood sugar
02 -
- If your mixture feels too dry to roll into balls, add another teaspoon of honey or a tiny splash of water and work it in gradually
- The dough should feel slightly tacky but not sticky—if it's sticking to your hands excessively, the mixture needs more dry oats
03 -
- Warm your peanut butter slightly in the microwave for 15 seconds if it's too stiff to mix easily
- Lightly wet your hands with water before rolling to prevent the mixture from sticking to your palms