Peanut Butter Protein Balls

These peanut butter protein balls have 7 grams of protein per serving and are the perfect easy, mid day snack or healthy dessert. They’re naturally gluten free, vegan friendly and perfect to prep at the beginning of the week for easy snacks! No food processor needed!

Anyone else an avid snacker? I always like to have quick things on hand for when the hunger really strikes and I don’t feel like whipping up anything elaborate. In come these peanut butter protein balls! They have 7 grams of protein per serving, and you can change up the flavor by using a different nut butter, chocolate protein powder in place of vanilla, adding in some coconut or chopped nuts!

Plus, they’re the perfect recipe for when you’re craving something sweet but feel like you may have indulged in one too many cookies last night and want something healthy.

Anyway, these healthy protein balls are made with just a few pantry staple ingredients and are perfect for a mid day snack, school lunches or even a healthy dessert. Anything goes! If you love this recipe try my protein banana bread or strawberry protein balls next!

Notes before we get started!

• If you notice your peanut butter is a bit more dry, you can microwave it in a small dish for about 10-20 seconds to help it soften a bit before adding to the recipe.
• I wanted this recipe to be accessible to everyone without the need for a food processor, so we’re using maple syrup to sweeten instead of dates. We’re only using two tablespoons, so you definitely want a vanilla stevia sweetened protein powder because the recipe will not be sweet enough without it.
• Don’t skip the honey/maple syrup! It’s primary function is to sweeten but the stickiness also acts as glue to hold the balls together!

How to make peanut butter protein balls

Step 1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the maple syrup or honey with the peanut butter. Stir well to combine. Fold in the remaining ingredients aside from the chocolate chips. Mix with a rubber spatula until well combined. Because of the nature of peanut butter, it can take a few minutes to really get it well mixed up, but if you need to use your hands to really mush everything together, don’t hesitate!

Step 2. As you’re making these, if you find the protein balls aren’t sticking together, it’s likely because your dough doesn’t have enough moisture. If it seems too dry, add in 1 tablespoon of non-dairy milk at a time until the dough molds together better.

Step 3. Add in the chocolate chips and mix together until combined. Try to really smoosh the chocolate chips in there to make sure they’re well combined.

Step 4. Use a cookie scoop or a regular spoon and roll into balls with about 1 1/2 tbsp of “dough.” It helps to use your hands to really mold the ingredients together.

Step 5. If you want to use the chocolate drizzle, combine the 1-2 teaspoons of coconut oil and 1/2 cup chocolate chips in a small bowl and microwave for 30 seconds, stir, then microwave an additional 20-30 seconds and stir until melted

Step 6. Use a spoon to drizzle over the protein balls. You can serve immediately or let them set in the fridge so they’re nice and cold. Enjoy and try my protein cookies next!

Key Ingredients & substitutions

Oats: I like using all quick oats because it creates a softer texture, but you can use rolled oats if that is what you have on hand. And yes, you can eat raw oats! That’s what we’re doing with overnight oats after all! Be sure to use certified gluten free if you are making these for someone with Celiac as oats are often cross- contaminated during processing.

Peanut Butter: I love using creamy peanut butter, but crunchy works well if that’s what you have too. I suggest an unsweetened and unsalted variety. Be sure it is runny/drippy! It will make mixing much easier. If you aren’t a fan of peanut butter, try my homemade almond butter!

Maple Syrup: You can use maple syrup or honey to sweeten this recipe, but maple syrup is a bit easier to stir than honey. I made this recipe with the intention of just being able to mix all ingredients in a bowl, so I do not recommend using dates to sweeten.

Flax Seeds: We’ll use ground flax seeds for these peanut butter protein balls which not only work to absorb any excess moisture and hold the bites together, but they add some extra protein as well!

Protein powder: I like using a vanilla plant-based protein (I used pea protein), but you can use whey protein as well, either chocolate or vanilla will work!

Chocolate Chips: You will need chocolate chips for the protein balls themselves, and some extra to melt on the stove and make a drizzle on top.

Cinnamon: For a bit of extra flavor. Feel free to omit or add other spices of your choice. A dash of nutmeg is also delicious here!

Frequently asked questions

Are protein balls healthy?

It totally depends on the recipe! This recipe is made with incredibly simple ingredients and are full of healthy fats, protein, fiber and low in sugar.

Generally, you want to look for a recipe that has minimal ingredients, no refined sugars and a good balance of fats and protein. This recipe fits the bill so I would definitely call them healthy.

Why are they crumbly and falling apart?

Certain protein powders soak up more liquid than others and some peanut butters are a bit chalkier than others. If you notice your mixture is a bit too dry or crumbly, just add in 1-2 teaspoons of non-dairy milk until a slightly more moist consistency is achieved.

Can I use collagen powder instead?

Yes, you can! You can try a vanilla collagen to add the same kind of flavor as regular protein powder but without the grainy texture of protein powder.

Want more easy snack recipes? Try these!

• Chocolate Chip Energy Bites
• Blueberry Muffins
• Fluffy Vegan Banana Bread
• No Bake Granola Bars
• Protein Acai Bowl

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4.95 from 18 votes

Peanut Butter Protein Balls

by: claire cary

These peanut butter protein balls are so easy to make and perfect for a post workout snack or mid day pick me up! With 7 grams of protein per serving and just a few pantry staple ingredients, this is the perfect healthy snack.

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Prep: 10 minutes mins

Cook: 0 minutes mins

Total: 10 minutes mins

16

1x2x3x

Ingredients

• ▢ 1 cup creamy unsalted peanut butter
• ▢ 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
• ▢ ⅔ cup quick oats
• ▢ ⅓ cup vanilla protein powder
• ▢ 2 tablespoons ground flax seeds
• ▢ ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
• ▢ ⅓ cup mini chocolate chips

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the maple syrup or honey with the peanut butter. Stir well to combine.
• Fold in the remaining ingredients aside from the chocolate chips.
• Mix with a rubber spatula until well combined. Because of the nature of peanut butter, it can take a few minutes to really get it well mixed up, but if you need to use your (clean) hands, don’t hesitate!  
• If the dough seems too dry, add in a bit more maple syrup or even a splash of milk or extra peanut butter to soften it a bit. On the other hand, if the mixture is too wet, add in a bit of extra oats.
• Add in the chocolate chips and mix together until combined.
• Use a cookie scoop or a regular spoon and roll into balls with about 1 1/2 tbsp of “dough.” Use your hands to kind of smoosh the ingredients together and then roll into a ball in the palm of your hand. 
• Place in the fridge to set for about an hour. Enjoy!

Notes

You can use chunky nut butter if you like, I just prefer creamy! I suggest using a peanut butter that calls for just peanuts and salt. If you only have a peanut butter “spread” – one mixed with oil and sugar, that is fine but note the recipe will be sweeter. 

If you notice your peanut butter is a bit more dry, you can microwave it in a small dish for about 10-20 seconds to help it soften a bit before adding to the recipe.

Serving: 1protein ball / Calories: 149kcal / Carbohydrates: 11g / Protein: 7g / Fat: 10g / Fiber: 2g / Sugar: 6g

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