These Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Protein Balls taste exactly like chocolate chip cookie dough but they’re secretly packed with protein! They’re so easy to make, you only need a few ingredients, and they’re such a delicious little treat!

and they’re definitely my husband’s!

I made these protein cookie dough balls for the first time a few months ago and, thanks to my husband, I haven’t stopped making them since. He loves them, I love them, and we’re quite literally a happy couple when it comes to our daily afternoon snack. This recipe is for those of us who want to eat cookie dough like kids but also realize we’re adults that want to hit our protein goals. When I tell you they taste exactly like cookie dough I am not kidding. I even made these for friends who just had a baby and they were hit with them, too!

Here’s a few reasons why we’re obsessed:

Quick and easy – these balls come together in no time and are ready to eat in about 30 minutes.
Packed with protein – Every bite is full of protein but they legitimately taste like dessert.
Perfect for everyone – depending on the protein powder you use, these bites can easily be gluten-free and even vegan or vegetarian friendly if needed.

At this point, we’ve got a batch of these in our freezer at all times and I’ve been so excited to share the full recipe with you because I know you’re going to love them! Especially if you’re someone like me who likes to include a little bit of protein in their snacks.

I’ve included tons of helpful information and tips in this post (things like my favorite protein powder, nut butter notes, and swaps) to ensure that your balls turn out perfectly every single time.

If you want to take your chances and jump to the recipe you can do that, too! But be sure to look through the post at least once before attempting to make the recipe so you don’t miss anything. I think I’ve answered every question you can possibly think of, but if I missed anything be sure to leave a comment and let me know. I’m always happy to help!

If you’re looking for even more snack inspiration, be sure to grab all of my favorite healthy snack recipes here!

— Ashlea

More High-Protein Recipes

Just a Few Simple Ingredients

Protein Powder: I prefer to use unflavored whey based protein powder for this recipe, but you can switch it up and use whatever you like. A plant-based vegetarian or vegan protein will also work!
Almond Flour: For the best results, I recommend using blanched almond flour. It has a finer texture, and the almond skin is completely removed, which helps give these bites that cookie dough consistency.
Salt: I use a pinch of salt in the dough and sprinkle extra flaky salt on top for that perfect sweet and salty combo.
Creamy Cashew Butter: This gives the bites that classic chocolate chip cookie dough flavor! I like to use a creamy store-bought cashew butter with just one or two ingredients or make a batch of my homemade cashew butter.
Maple Syrup: I use this to sweeten the balls and it also helps create a slightly sticky consistency to help the balls hold their shape. Substitute honey if that’s what you prefer.
Vanilla Extract: This adds delicious vanilla flavor, which makes the balls taste exactly like cookie dough.
Mini Chocolate Chips: I prefer to use mini chocolate chips to ensure I get the perfect amount chocolate in every bite. You can use semi-sweet chocolate, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or a combo!

Ingredient Swaps and Variations

Protein Powder – switch up the flavor by using a vanilla, chocolate, or peanut butter protein powder!
Cashew Butter – you can swap the cashew butter for creamy peanut butter or almond butter if you prefer! Just make sure that the nut butter you choose is a natural and creamy nut butter that’s made with just one or two ingredients for the best results.
Mix-Ins – add any mix-ins you like best! Think dried fruit, chopped nuts, or some shredded coconut.
Vegan – need to keep this recipe completely dairy-free? Make sure to use a vegan protein powder and dairy-free chocolate chips.

Make the dough. Whisk the dry ingredients in a bowl. Then, stir in the wet ingredients until a dough-like consistency forms, and then fold in the chocolate chips.
Chill and portion. Let the mixture chill in the fridge. Then, use a cookie dough scoop to portion it into equal-sized cookie dough balls.
Serve. Roll the balls between your palms, add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, and enjoy.

Ashlea’s Tips and Tricks

Be sure to use an all-natural, smooth, creamy, and drippy cashew butter for the best results. Something like a Jiffy or Skippy won’t work as well in this recipe. The batter will be too dry and the balls may come out crumbly.
Don’t skip letting the dough chill a bit before scooping and rolling. I find this makes it much easier to form the “dough” into balls.
If you happened to add just a bit too much of the dry ingredients, and the dough seems a bit too dry, try adding a tablespoon of extra cashew butter! Or, if the dough is too wet, add a little extra almond flour until it holds its shape.
A cookie dough scoop is the easiest way to scoop and roll these balls. Trust me.

Fridge: Store these no-bake cookie dough balls in the fridge for up to a week to keep them fresh.

Freezer: My preferred method of storing these balls is in the freezer. They freeze incredibly well in a freezer-safe storage container or bag and taste incredible straight out of the freezer.

To freeze the bites, place them on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper and then place the sheet pan in the freezer for thirty minutes to harden a bit. Next, transfer the balls to a freezer-safe storage bag or container. When you are ready to eat, grab a bite, and let it thaw at room temperature for just a few minutes before digging in.

More Delicious Energy Balls

I hope you give these Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Protein Balls a try! They’re sweet, nutritious, and so easy to make! If you do give this recipe a try, let me know! Leave a comment with a star rating below. You can also snap a photo & tag @allthehealthythings on INSTAGRAM. Your reviews and ratings help support All the Healthy Things and make it possible for me to continue to create the recipes you trust and love.

Cookie Dough Protein Bites

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Author: Ashlea Carver
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 20 balls 1x
Category: Snacks
Method: No Bake
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

These Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Protein Balls taste exactly like chocolate chip cookie dough but they’re secretly packed with protein! They’re so easy to make and you only need a few ingredients to make them!

Ingredients

Units Scale

1/2 cup unflavored protein powder
1/2 cup blanched almond flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup creamy cashew butter
1/3 cup maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
flaky sea salt, for topping

Instructions

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the protein powder, almond flour, and salt until well combined.
Next, add the cashew butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract to the mixing bowl and stir until well combined and a dough forms.
Fold the chocolate chips into the dough until evenly distributed.
Let the cookie dough chill in the fridge for 15 minutes and the use a 2 tablespoon size cookie dough scoop to scoop them into cookie dough balls. You should have 20 cookie dough balls.
Top each ball with flaky sea salt and enjoy!