Protein Cookie Dough Balls

These healthy Protein Cookie Dough Balls are soft, sweet, and ready in under 30 minutes! They are nutritious bite-sized treats that combine the yummy flavors of cookie dough with the benefits of protein-packed ingredients.   

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Cookie dough protein balls on a counter.

Why we love this recipe

Energy bites are portable and perfect to pack with you for a filling and healthy snack.

There are no oats, oat flour, almond flour, or coconut flour. This recipe is completely gluten-free, and flourless!

No-bake snacks like these are quick to whip up. Basically, stir, roll, chill, and enjoy. No need for turning on the oven.

No special equipment like a food processor or blender is necessary.

Who doesn’t love healthy chocolate chip cookie dough? Anyone? It tastes like dessert.

Cookie dough protein balls spread out on a counter.

Ingredients

  • vanilla protein powder – we recommend using a grass-fed whey protein powder as we find it gives you the best ‘cookie dough’ like texture and chewy consistency. If you prefer dairy-free there are some vegan products that work too – Ora So Lean So Clean has a nice plant-based protein powder that you could substitute.
  • peanut butter – a fresh jar of natural peanut butter is the BEST. You need the oils from the freshly stirred jar for the mixture to really stick together and hold.
  • pure maple syrupyou can also substitute honey or agave as the sweetener.
  • chocolate chunks – substitute dark chocolate chips or even mini chocolate chips.  
Ingredients on a counter.

Equipment

  • mixing bowl
  • spatula for stirring – We love using a small spatula to stir. It cleanly scrapes the sides down and nothing gets left behind. 
  • cookie scoop – these are really useful for measuring so your balls are all even in size.
  • baking tray – this is to place the balls on before popping them in the freezer
  • parchment paper – use this to line the baking sheet so the balls don’t stick. We prefer unbleached parchment paper.

Instructions

Step 1

Start by lining a baking tray with parchment paper. 

Step 2

Then, add the protein powder, maple syrup, and peanut butter to a large bowl.  

A bowl of ingredients.

Step 3

Next, using a spoon or spatula, blend the ingredients until a dough forms.

A spatula stirring ingredients.

Step 4

Then, fold in the chocolate chunks.

As mentioned above you can also use chocolate chips if you prefer.

Chocolate chunks being stirred into a energy bites mixture.

Step 5

Next, roll the dough mixture into heaping tablespoon-sized balls. 

I use a small cookie scoop and then shape the balls with my hands. As you roll them out place them on the prepared baking sheet.

A hand holding an energy bite.

Step 6

Lastly, pop the tray into the freezer to set.

Easy peasy! Once they firm you can store them in the refrigerator.

A tray of protein bites.

Expert tip

Not all protein powders are created equal! We use a whey protein powder for protein cookie dough balls. It provides an authentic cookie dough taste and texture and holds together the best.

Cookie dough protein balls on a plate.

Recipe variations

  • If you prefer unsweetened protein powder, you could add a tbsp of vanilla extract.
  • Make an almond joy variation by using almond butter and adding some shredded coconut and chopped almonds.
  • Experiment with different nut butter and seed butter like cashew butter, almond butter, or tahini.
  • Add a spoonful of chia seeds for some added plant protein. Try these Chocolate Chia Power Balls!

Serving suggestions 

  • Enjoy protein balls as a convenient and portable snack option when you’re on the move. 
  • Chop protein balls into smaller pieces and mix them with nuts, dried fruits, and seeds to create a homemade protein-packed trail mix.  
  • If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to satisfy your sweet tooth, protein balls can be a great option. Enjoy them as a guilt-free dessert substitute.
  • Crumble or slice protein balls and use them as a delicious and protein-rich topping for smoothie bowls. They can add texture and flavor to your favorite smoothie bowl creations.

Do you want to try a cool and frosty chocolate protein powder recipe? This Ninja Creami Protein Ice Cream is delicious! Rich, chocolatey, packed with protein, and super creamy.

We also love this recipe for Weight Gainer Cookies! Healthy chocolate chip cookies that are packed in protein, and both nutrient and calorie-dense.

FAQS

Are cookie dough protein balls suitable as a pre or post workout snack?

Yes! They provide a good combination of protein and carbohydrates to help energize you before a workout or aid in muscle recovery afterward. 

Can protein balls help with weight loss?  

They can be a part of a balanced diet that supports weight loss. Protein balls are often higher in protein and healthier fats compared to traditional cookies, and they can help promote satiety and prevent excessive snacking. 

Storage tips

Store these balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days.

A stack of cookie dough protein balls.

More healthy energy ball recipes 

a plate of almond butter energy balls.

Almond Butter Energy Balls

a bowl of maple pecan energy balls.

Maple Pecan Energy Balls

hemp seed energy balls on a plate.

Hemp Seed Energy Balls

Overhead image of a bowl of chocolate chia balls.

Chocolate Chia Balls

**This recipe was originally posted on November 9, 2018, and updated on April 23rd, 2020, and again on July 10, 2023, with recipe notes, writing, and new photos.**

If you’ve tried our cookie dough protein bites, please rate the recipe and let me know how it turned out by leaving me a comment below. I’m always interested in feedback!

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A close-up of protein cookie dough balls.

Protein Cookie Dough Balls

Sharon Rhodes
These healthy Protein Cookie Dough Balls are soft, sweet, and ready in under 30 minutes! They are nutritious bite-sized treats that combine the yummy flavors of cookie dough with the benefits of protein-packed ingredients.   
4.67 from 148 votes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Chill 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 15
Calories 205 kcal

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Line a small baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl, stir all ingredients, except the chocolate chunks together until a dough forms.
  • Add in the chocolate chunks and stir again.
  • Roll into heaping tablespoon-sized balls and place them on the prepared tray. Freeze for 15 minutes.

Video

Notes

Ingredient notes

We recommend using a grass-fed whey protein powder as we find it gives you the best ‘cookie dough’ like texture and chewy consistency.
A fresh jar of natural peanut butter is the BEST. You need the oils from the freshly stirred jar for the mixture to really stick together and hold.

Storage tips

Store these balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 205kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 14gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 33mgSodium: 101mgPotassium: 188mgFiber: 1gSugar: 13gCalcium: 92mgIron: 0.6mg
Keyword cookie dough protein balls, protein balls, protein powder recipes
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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51 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    I’ve been searching for a great snack to try. Luckily, I came across your recipe! Your protein cookie dough balls were so soft and sweet, and I love how this snack was protein-packed! This recipe is a must-try!

  2. 5 stars
    These cookie dough balls turned out so good! They are really soft too. Made them for work for the week and love that they are high protein!

  3. 5 stars
    I’ve always loved cookie dough more than the finished product so I was delighted to discover this recipe. These protein balls didn’t disappoint and because of the protein boost they help me manage my snackiness.

  4. 5 stars
    I love these cookie balls! They’re soft and sweet, but not too much. I’ve tried many different protein snacks, but these are my favorite!

  5. 5 stars
    First, thanks for letting me know about unbleached parchment paper. I had no idea such a thing existed. I made these cookie dough protein balls for my weekly meal prep. 2 days later, they are all done, lol. They tasted so good and they were really easy to make. I tried it with Almond butter because that’s what I had on hand. Completely delicious and I would make them again.

    1. Omgsh Debbie I am so sorry this didn’t work for you. Maybe I can help you troubleshoot. What kind of protein powder did you use? Did you try adding more to improve the consistency?

  6. 5 stars
    I make these protein balls all the time! They taste amazing and I always have them on hand to snack on!

  7. 5 stars
    These were excellent! I used my Costco Vanilla protein powder and they were delish–I followed the recipe exactly!!! I’ll make over and over! 🙂

  8. 5 stars
    Great snack on my way into work. My kids are always mad that I steal theirs. They should wake up earlier, lol.

    1. For sure!! Almond butter would taste awesome. Just use a natural variety – and a fresh jar is the best when all the oils are soft and room temp.

  9. My daughter wants to try this…… can someone be more specific with the type of protein powder and the peanut butter please?

    1. Hi Nicole! If your daughter isn’t vegan I recommend Progressive Organics Vanilla Whey Protein – if she wants a vegan option I recommend SunWarrior. For peanut butter use any natural brand you like – the only ingredients listed should be peanuts. Using a fresh jar is best as the natural oils have just been stirred in and it is much easier to mix them into the mixture for your protein balls. My favorite brand for peanut butter is Adam’s dark roast.

      1. I made these and love them but they came out too sweet because I had to add extra syrup and almond butter to get it to roll into balls. Could I just use my protein powder with almond butter, and chocolate chips then add water to get the right consistency?

        1. I haven’t tried that method but let us know if it turns out! Different protein powders absorb liquid differently – you can also try starting with less protein powder and adding more if you need it.

  10. 5 stars
    Oooo! Love these! Totally want to make a batch of these! I have a feeling it will be hard to only eat one. 🙂

  11. 5 stars
    I’ve been meaning to try a new snack when I go out for my weekend bike rides. Something like this that could fit into a little plastic bag is perfect to put in my jersey pocket before heading out!

  12. 5 stars
    I’m always looking for ways to add protein in as we eat less and less meat so this is a great snack option for our family. Thanks for sharing.

  13. 5 stars
    Yumm!!! Calling it protein balls makes it reasonable to eat a boatload at a time, right? 🙂

  14. Something is definitely missing in the recipe? Mine ended up being a grainy/ powdery mess that was def not cookie dough texture so I added milk (like other recipes call for) but then it was too wet so now I have protein cookies because they all flattened out

    1. Hey Kelsey! Sorry they didn’t work for you. I don’t have to add liquid to mine and follow the recipe as written. It could be the type of protein powder as some absorb more than others. If you aren’t vegan, whet protein works really well! It also could be the peanut butter – I use a drippy, natural nut butter.

    2. Mine ended up exactly the same as you described and I filled the recipe to the letter. I make protein balls all the time and this is the most crumbly one I’ve ever made. I use one of the highest quality protein whey powders and an all natural PB and pure maple syrup, so that’s definitely not the issue. It needs some sort of liquid for sure.

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