Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Protein Balls

These chocolate chip cookie dough protein balls are soft, slightly chewy, and packed with rich vanilla and chocolate flavor. They taste like classic cookie dough but feel lighter and more nourishing, with a creamy texture that melts gently as you bite. This is an easy, no-bake recipe that suits beginners perfectly and comes together quickly. From start to finish, you need about 15 minutes plus a short chilling time.

Ingredients

For the protein balls

• 120 g rolled oats
• 60 g vanilla or unflavoured protein powder
• 90 g smooth peanut butter or almond butter
• 60 ml honey or maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 to 3 tbsp milk of choice
• 60 g mini chocolate chips
• Pinch of salt

How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Protein Balls

Prepare the workspace

Line a tray with baking parchment and clear space in the fridge. There is no oven needed for this recipe.

Mix the dry ingredients

Add the rolled oats, protein powder, and salt to a large bowl. Stir well so everything is evenly combined.

Add the wet ingredients

Spoon in the nut butter, honey, vanilla extract, and milk. Mix with a spoon until a thick, dough-like mixture forms. If it feels too dry, add a little more milk, one tablespoon at a time.

Fold in the chocolate chips

Gently stir in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed through the mixture.

Shape and chill

Roll the mixture into small balls, about the size of a walnut. Place them on the prepared tray and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes until firm.

Tips

Why is my mixture too dry or crumbly?

Protein powders vary. Add a splash of milk or a little extra nut butter until the dough holds together easily.

Can I make these without protein powder?

Yes. Replace the protein powder with extra ground oats or oat flour, though the protein content will be lower.

How do I keep the texture soft?

Do not overpack the mixture when rolling. Gentle shaping keeps the balls tender rather than dense.

Can I reduce the sweetness?

You can slightly reduce the honey or syrup and add an extra tablespoon of nut butter to balance the texture.

Serving Suggestions

• Enjoy straight from the fridge as a quick snack
• Serve with fresh fruit for a balanced bite
• Add to lunchboxes or post-workout snack plates

Storage

Room temperature

Not recommended for long storage. They soften quickly and should only sit out for short periods.

Refrigerator

Store in an airtight container for up to 7 days. Keep chilled for the best texture.

Freezing

Freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge for a few hours before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 120 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated fat: 2 g
• Sodium: 60 mg

Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients used.

FAQs

Are chocolate chip cookie dough protein balls safe to eat?

Yes. This recipe contains no raw eggs or flour that needs cooking.

What type of protein powder works best?

Vanilla whey or plant-based protein both work well. Choose one you enjoy the taste of.

Can I make them vegan?

Yes. Use maple syrup instead of honey and a plant-based protein powder.

Do these taste like real cookie dough?

They do. The vanilla, nut butter, and chocolate chips give a very close cookie dough flavour with a lighter finish.