Cookie Dough Protein Balls
A healthy, no-bake snack that tastes like dessert. Cookie dough protein balls are packed with protein and fiber, perfect for busy days.
These cookie dough protein balls are the perfect no-bake treat—sweet, satisfying, and made with simple ingredients. They taste like dessert but deliver a serious nutrition boost.
As a dietitian, I love that these energy bites are high in protein and fiber, easy to prep, and perfect for busy days. Whether you’re looking for a portable snack or a healthier sweet treat, this recipe has you covered. Scroll down to make a batch today and learn my tips for success.
Need more sweet and healthy snacks? Try my chocolate chip protein muffins, flourless black bean brownie muffins, and banana peanut butter oat bars.
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Why you’ll love this dietitian-made recipe
- Nutrient-dense and satisfying. This recipe delivers a balanced mix of protein and fiber to keep you full and energized.
- No baking required. You’ll whip this snack together in minutes using simple, whole food ingredients — no oven needed.
- Great for on-the-go. Pack them in a lunch, grab one after a workout, or enjoy as a sweet bite after dinner. These are easy to take anywhere and fit into your day.
Ingredients in cookie dough protein balls
Scroll down to the recipe card for the full ingredients list and detailed recipe.
- Natural peanut butter: You’re looking for an option with “peanuts” as the only ingredient. Make sure your peanut butter is fresh and drippy. If it’s dried out, it will change the texture of your protein bites.
- Honey: For sweetness, and to hold your balls together. You could use agave or maple syrup, but they have slightly different textures — adjust the amount as needed to make sure your protein balls form properly.
- Cinnamon: Optional, but delicious.
- Salt: Your protein balls won’t taste salty, they’ll just taste balanced.
- Quick oats: I would not recommend using instant oats or rolled oats.
- Vanilla protein powder: Protein powder adds protein and sweetness, so don’t use unflavored. I like vanilla whey protein powder for its texture and taste, but use what you like.
- Ground flaxseed: I highly recommend using this golden flaxseed for the most amazing, nutty flavor. If you can’t find it, any ground flax will work.
- Mini chocolate chips: Don’t use regular — they’re too big and won’t distribute as well throughout your protein balls.
Dietary restrictions
- Low sodium: Omit the added salt.
- Gluten-free: Use certified gluten-free oats.
- Dairy-free: Use dairy-free protein powder.
- Lower sugar: Use a low- or no-sugar protein powder.
- Nut-free: Swap peanut butter with sunflower seed butter.
How to make cookie dough protein balls
Step 1: Add all ingredients to a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Use a firm spatula or wooden spoon to stir.
Step 3: Use a 1.5-inch cookie scoop to portion protein balls, and roll.
Step 4: Refrigerate for at least an hour.
Variations and swaps
- Sweetener — swap honey for maple syrup or agave
- Mix-ins — try another mix-in like mini m&ms, white chocolate chips, or raisins
- Protein powder — try chocolate, cinnamon cereal, or salted caramel protein powder
- Extra salt — add flakey sea salt on top of your cookie dough protein balls
- Nut butter — swap peanut butter for almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter
More mix-in ideas
Instead of using mini chocolate chips in your cookie dough protein bites, try any mix of these alternatives:
- Mini m&m candies
- Mini white chocolate chips
- Mini caramel chips
- Crushed oreos
- Crushed graham crackers
- Shredded coconut
- Raisins
- Dried cranberries
How to serve
The cookie dough protein balls make the perfect post-workout snack, afternoon sweet treat, or after dinner dessert.
Enjoy one or two on their own, or serve with a source of of protein for a more filling option. These energy bites are delicious crumbled over Greek yogurt or served with a chocolate protein shake.
How to store your protein-energy bites
- Fridge: Store for up to a week.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to three months. Defrost in the fridge overnight before eating.
- Cookie dough protein balls are best served cold. Keep them cool before eating so they keep their shape and texture.
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Top tips
- Use your hands. Your cookie dough protein ball dough might feel dry or hard to mix when you use a wooden spoon. If needed, use your hands to combine. You can test to see if it’s the right texture by squeezing it in your hand. If it easily holds together, it’s ready to roll!
- Enjoy cold. Your balls will have a better texture when they’re kept cold. Store in the fridge and keep them cold before eating.
Common questions
Healthy is subjective because everyone’s goals vary. But of course, these protein balls are dietitian-designed to maximize nutrition. They contain protein, fiber, phytochemicals, and micronutrients to help support overall health and can easily fit into a balanced diet.
Sometimes, the brand of peanut butter you’re using can impact the texture of your cookie dough protein balls. But not to worry — this can easily be adjusted. If your dough is too dry, add more peanut butter and/or honey. If they’re too wet, add more oats and/or protein powder.
Unfortunately, no. These protein balls are meant to be enjoyed as is, for a tasty no-bake snack.
Leave a rating and review!
Loved this recipe? Leave a 5-star rating below. And don’t forget to share on Instagram.
Cookie Dough Protein Balls
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted natural peanut butter, make sure it's fresh and not dried out
- ¼ cup honey
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup quick oats
- ½ cup vanilla protein powder
- ¼ cup ground flaxseed
- ¼ cup mini chocolate chips, or other mix-ins
Equipment
- 1.5-Tbsp cookie scoop
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a large mixing bowl.
- Use a firm spatula or wooden spoon to stir your dough together until totally smooth and combined. Use your hands as needed.
- Use a 1.5-inch cookie scoop to portion protein balls. Shape them by gently rolling between your hands.
- Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving. They'll stay good in the fridge for up to one week. Enjoy!
Notes
- If your dough is dry, add more peanut butter and/or honey.
- If your dough is wet, add more oats and/or protein powder.
- Use gluten-free oats or plant-based protein powder as needed to adapt for dietary restrictions.
I left a comment earlier but forgot to rate the recipe. Five stars!
I made this recipe yesterday. So delicious! I used sprouted oatmeal from Costco, ground up in a coffee grinder, since I didn’t have any quick oats. I also substituted one tablespoon of xylitol and one packet of vanilla-flavoured stevia instead of honey.
I have made several of your other recipes so far, Miranda, including baked eggs, chia jam, healthy ranch dip, protein berry breakfast crumble, chocolate peanut butter protein bars, and healthy no-bake cheesecake bowls. So yummy, nutritious and easy to make!
Oh that is so kind, thank you so much for your review!! So glad you’ve been enjoying everything. 🙂
This recipe took five rounds of testing to perfect — and so worth it!! They have the best texture, they’re perfectly sweet, and they’re packed with nutrition.