Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Balls
Ready for the easiest protein balls ever? Only 7 ingredients, 1 mixer, a scooper, and a tray, and you have this delicious, treat worthy snack with 8 grams of protein in one bite. It is both satisfying and energizing, plus a fun way to get extra protein! These Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Balls are packed with the goodness of peanut butter, raw honey, and chocolate, along with oats, and are the perfect quick pick-me-up or post-workout treat.
They come together in minutes, are simple, but full of flavor, and a great solution for healthier snacking. Keep a bag in the fridge or freezer for anytime you need a little something.
What You Need to Make Protein Balls
- Peanut butter: I suggest a natural peanut butter. Natural peanut butter is typically made from just two ingredients: peanuts and sometimes salt. It shouldn’t contain added sugars, oils, or preservatives. It will often separate in the jar, so give it a good stir so you get all those natural oils in your protein balls, as they will be needed to help it stick together. Other types of peanut butter, like conventional or regular peanut butter, may contain additional ingredients like sugar, hydrogenated vegetable oils (to prevent separation), and other additives for flavor and texture. You can use whatever peanut butter you have, just keep in mind, the peanut butter you use will impact the overall texture and flavor, as well as the nutritional content of your protein balls.
- Raw honey: You can use whatever honey you have on hand. I like using raw honey, which has not been heated or filtered after being harvested from the hive. This means it retains more of the natural vitamins, enzymes, antioxidants, and other beneficial nutrients that are typically lost during processing. The shelf life is shorter, and it will often crystalize faster, but it offers some added benefits. But use what you have!
- Chocolate peanut butter flavored protein powder: I use the FlavCity Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Powder, which you can get on Amazon here: Protein Powder. I like this protein powder because it offers both whey and pea protein, 100% grass-fed collagen, organic stevia and monk fruit, as well as organic reishi and cordyceps. It isn’t loaded
- Vanilla extract: Use a high quality vanilla extract as this is uncooked, and the flavors shine through.
- Kosher salt: Do not use table salt, a fine kosher salt is much better.
- Old fashioned rolled oats:
- Chocolate chips: Mini or regular, your preference, I like milk chocolate, or semi-sweet for these balls, but dark chocolate, cocoa nibs, or whatever you like best works well here. If it tastes good to you on its own, it will taste good in these protein bites.
How to Make Protein Bites
Making these chocolate peanut butter protein balls is so simple.
- In a large bowl, or the bowl of a stand mixer, mix together the oats, peanut butter, honey, protein powder, vanilla extract, and kosher salt until well combined.
- Stir in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
- Using a cookie scoop or your hands, roll the mixture into balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Refrigerate the protein balls for at least 30 minutes to set. Or freeze 10-15 minutes.
- Store the protein balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Variations
- Substitute almond butter or another nut butter for the peanut butter for a different flavor.
- Add chopped nuts, dried fruit, or coconut flakes for added texture and flavor.
- Use a different flavor of protein powder to change the taste of the protein balls. This Vanilla Cream protein powder is also delicious in this recipe.
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy these protein balls as a snack on the go or as a quick breakfast option.
- Serve them with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee for a satisfying treat.
FAQs
Q: Can I use quick oats instead of old fashioned rolled oats?
A: Yes, you can use quick oats, but the texture may be slightly different.
Q: Can I freeze these protein balls?
A: Yes, you can freeze them for up to three months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.
Tips and Tricks
- For easier rolling, slightly wet your hands with water before shaping the protein balls.
- Pack the cookie scoop tightly with the mixture so the balls stay together and aren’t too crumbly.
- If the mixture is too sticky, add more oats. If it’s too dry, add a little more peanut butter or honey. It can be a fairly crumbly
Storage Tips
- Store the protein balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh. They can last 2 weeks in the fridge.
- Store in an air tight zip top bag in the freezer for up to 3 months, just pull them out of the freezer 10 minutes or so before you want to consume them so they have a chance to defrost some.
- You can also individually wrap the protein balls in plastic wrap or parchment paper for easy grab-and-go snacks. Or store then in snack size bags. I love these reusable snack bags from Amazon.
These Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Balls are not only delicious but also packed with protein and energy-boosting ingredients. Whip up a batch today and enjoy a healthy and tasty snack anytime!
Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Balls
Equipment
- 1 Cookie Scoop 1 Tablespoon size
- 1 Baking Tray Lined with parchment
- 1 Stand mixer
Ingredients
- 2 cups peanut butter
- 1 cup raw honey
- 1 cup chocolate peanut butter flavored protein powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3 cups old fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips or regular size
Instructions
- In a large bowl, or stand mixer with paddle attachment, mix together the rolled oats, peanut butter, honey, protein powder, vanilla extract, and kosher salt until well combined.
- Stir in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
- Using a 1 tbs cookie scoop or your hands, roll the mixture into balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Should make 30-35 depending on how tightly you pack them.
- Refrigerate the protein balls for at least 30 minutes to set. Or pop in the freezer for 10-15 minutes.
- Store the protein balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Notes
You can substitute other oats if desired.
Mini chocolate chips make it easier to distribute throughout the protein balls, but regular size works well too.
I use FlavCity Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein found here: Protein Powder on Amazon
Nutrition
Our recipe card software calculates these nutrition facts based on averages for the above ingredients, different brands, and quality of produce/meats may have different nutritional information, always calculate your own based on the specific products you use in order to achieve accurate macros for this recipe.
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