Protein balls are my #1 go-to for a fast, healthy and delicious snack! I love eating them for a quick bite before workouts, for a little pick-me-up between meals or for a little “dessert” after a meal. Made to taste decadent, yet packed with clean ingredients, these cookie dough protein balls are no exception to the high standards I have for a good ball.
Close Up of Cookie Dough Protein Balls
When I first launched my blog, about 3 years ago, it became a running joke with my family and friends that my passion point was clearly energy balls, protein balls, no-bake bites, etc. All of these recipes were crafted with the same core concept of creating a convenient little ball that tastes amazing and is simple to make with healthy ingredients.
To this day, I am still obsessed with crafting delicious ball recipes for you! So here’s the next one in the line up… Cookie Dough Protein Balls!
What You’ll Need For These Protein Balls
This protein ball recipe is made with 6 simple ingredients, a bowl and a spoon. No fancy kitchen equipment required, just something to mix the ingredients together, which will very likely end up being your hands toward the end of the mixing process.
Here are the ingredients you’ll need:
- Almond flour
- Cashew butter – Ideally this is cashew butter made with only 2 ingredients: cashews and salt. Want to whip up a batch of homemade cashew butter for this recipe? (It tastes AMAZING!) Check out my recipe for homemade nut butter here!
- Collagen peptides – Make sure that these are unflavored and I would suggest using a collagen that is sourced from an animal other than fish. Because no one wants fish-y taste in their protein balls 😉 Here is the Vital Proteins brand product that I used for this recipe!
- Honey
- Finely Shredded Coconut – Emphasis on the word “finely” here. This is the product that I used in these protein balls and it worked perfectly!
- Dark Chocolate Chips – You could also use semi-sweet chocolate chips if that is what you have in your kitchen.
Why Use Collagen Peptides?
Unflavored collagen peptides are an absolute staple in my kitchen. I mix them into oatmeal, protein shakes and protein balls just like this! The incredible thing about unflavored collagen peptides is that they are truly unflavored. If you use an exorbitant amount you can taste them a tiny bit, but any recipe I share on the blog using them is perfectly planned so you WON’T TASTE THEM!
Beyond the delightful fact that they can pack protein into a recipe without any flavor, collagen peptides boast lots of health benefits. Before jumping into the specific health benefits, let’s talk about where collagen peptides come from. They are most often derived from cows (often listed as “bovine source” on packaging) or fish (often listed as “marine source” on packaging) and can come from all sorts of other animals, but these are the most common. Collagen peptides are specifically sourced from the bones, skin and other cartilage of the animal. I know, I know, that sounds gross but think about this…
The reason collagen peptides are so beneficial for your hair, skin and nails is because they’re derived from similar sources in animals. Beyond the beauty benefits touted by collagen peptides, there are also studies showing their benefit for other connective tissue in your body, including your joints. There is similarly some research showing the benefit of collagen peptides on gut health, as your gut lining is also connective tissue.
An additional benefit that may be more obvious, but is also worth pointing out, is the fact that collagen peptides are an excellent source of protein, helping to build and repair muscle mass. Cheers to strengthening your body in so many good ways with these collagen peptide-packed protein balls!
How To Make These Protein Balls
These protein balls are super simple to make. Basically you dump all the ingredients into a bowl and mix. Roll into balls. Boom.
Making This Recipe
A couple specifics regarding the process… I do suggest combining the almond flour, cashew butter and collagen peptides quite thoroughly before adding the honey, shredded coconut and chocolate chips. It is helpful to start mixing with a spoon and when things are mostly combined, dig in with your hands 🙂 Once everything is mixed together, simply roll into balls and don’t forget to store your little healthy treats in the refrigeratotr!
How To Store Your Cookie Dough Protein Balls
These protein balls are best stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. They will last up to 2 weeks, though sometimes they do start getting a little harder after the first week. I love making these for my weekly meal prep and enjoying them for a quick snack before a workout, in the afternoon or for a little on-the-go breakfast!
Picking Up a Protein Ball
These protein balls are just as healthy as they are delicious! With 5 grams of protein per ball and this much flavor, you'll never guess that they are made with only 6 clean ingredients.
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup cashew butter (salted)
- 1/4 cup unflavored collagen peptides
- 2 Tbsp honey
- 2 Tbsp unsweetened finely shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
In a bowl combine the almond flour, cashew butter and collagen peptides.
Then add in the honey, shredded coconut and chocolate chips and combine thoroughly with a spoon (and don't be afraid to use your hands).
Roll into balls and store in the refrigerator.
PER BALL
106 cals ~ 6g fat ~ 8g carb ~ 5g protein ~ 1g fiber ~ 5g sugar
Looking For Another Protein Ball Recipe?
Here is another decadent-tasting protein ball recipe for you! Whip up a batch of these Oreo Protein Balls for your next snack and you are sure to satisfy both your body’s health and your taste buds.
oreo balls
