Description
These No-Bake Mint Chocolate Protein Balls are a wholesome, energizing snack that tastes like a bite of mint chocolate chip cookie dough. Packed with protein-rich almond butter and oats, they are the perfect fuel for pre-workout energy or an afternoon pick-me-up. With a rich cocoa flavor, a refreshing hint of mint, and zero baking required, these balls are an easy, meal-prep friendly treat that you can keep on hand all week.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-natural almond butter (or cashew butter), must be “drippy”
- 1/2 cup rolled oats (old-fashioned)
- 1/3 cup chocolate protein powder (e.g., Garden of Life)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons mint extract (start with 1 tsp if sensitive to mint)
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1–4 teaspoons water (as needed for texture)
Instructions
Combine Ingredients
In a medium bowl, add the almond butter, chocolate protein powder, cocoa powder, mint extract, oats, maple syrup, and mini chocolate chips.
Mix
Use a wooden spoon or your clean hands to mix the dough thoroughly. It will be thick and dense.
Hydrate
Begin adding water 1 teaspoon at a time, mixing after each addition. Goal: You want the dough to be moist enough to hold its shape easily without crumbling, but not sticky. The water eliminates the “chalky” texture common with protein powder.
Roll
Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, portion the dough into your palms. Roll into smooth balls. You should yield 15–20 balls. Tip: Wet your hands slightly to prevent the dough from sticking to your skin.
Store
Place the balls in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.
Notes
“Drippy” Butter: The texture relies on using natural, runny nut butter. If your almond butter is the dry stuff from the bottom of the jar, microwave it for 15 seconds to loosen it up before measuring.
Protein Powder Variance: Every protein brand absorbs liquid differently (whey vs. plant-based). Trust your instinct if the dough is too dry, add more water or a splash of syrup. If too wet, add a pinch more oats.
Gluten-Free: Ensure your oats are certified gluten-free if you have a sensitivity.
Temperature: Because natural nut butter is oily, these balls can get soft at room temperature. They are best eaten cold directly from the fridge.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Snack / Energy Bite
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Healthy American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Ball
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: mint chocolate protein balls, energy bites recipe, no bake protein snacks, healthy meal prep snacks, almond butter recipes, post workout snack, vegan energy balls