Quick Monster Cookie Protein Balls Recipe
Introduction
Monster Cookie Protein Balls are a no-bake, protein-packed snack that combines the flavors of classic monster cookies in a convenient bite-sized treat. Made with peanut butter, oats, chocolate chips, and protein powder, these little balls are perfect for a quick energy boost or a post-workout snack.
Ingredients
- 1 cup smooth natural peanut butter
- 1/3 cup vanilla-flavored protein powder
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup mini candies (such as M&Ms)
- Optional: 1–4 teaspoons water
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine the peanut butter, protein powder, rolled oats, chia seeds, honey, vanilla essence, salt, mini chocolate chips, and mini candies.
- Step 2: Mix everything together using a spoon or your hands until a cohesive dough forms. Add water one teaspoon at a time if the mixture feels too dry, adjusting until the dough holds together without being sticky.
- Step 3: Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to portion the dough, then roll each portion between your palms to form smooth, round balls. You should get about 14–16 balls in total.
- Step 4: Store the protein balls in an airtight container. Keep them in the refrigerator for up to one week, or freeze for up to three months. Let thaw in the fridge overnight or for 30 minutes at room temperature before enjoying.
Tips & Variations
- Use natural, well-stirred peanut butter without added oils or sugars for the best texture.
- Substitute almond, sunflower seed, or cashew butter if you want a different flavor or have a peanut allergy.
- Try chocolate, unflavored, or plant-based protein powder to suit your preference, adding extra vanilla if using unflavored.
- Swap rolled oats for quick oats, crushed nuts, or coconut flakes for different textures or grain-free options.
- Replace chia seeds with ground flaxseed or hemp hearts for similar binding and nutrition.
- For a vegan version, substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
- Mix-ins like chopped nuts, dried fruit, or various chocolate chips can be swapped in, keeping total mix-ins to about 1/2 cup.
Storage
Store the protein balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag and freeze for up to three months. To enjoy, thaw the frozen balls overnight in the fridge or let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use refrigerated peanut butter?
It’s best to use peanut butter at room temperature and well-stirred, as cold peanut butter makes the mixture harder to combine and shape.
What if my protein ball mixture is too dry or crumbly?
Add water gradually, one teaspoon at a time, to moisten the mixture and help it bind better. Be careful not to add too much to avoid a sticky dough.
Print
Quick Monster Cookie Protein Balls Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 14–16 protein balls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Quick Monster Cookie Protein Balls are no-bake, bite-sized snacks that combine the nostalgic flavors of monster cookies with a nutritious boost. Made with creamy natural peanut butter, vanilla protein powder, oats, chia seeds, honey, and fun mini chocolate chips and candies, these protein balls are perfect for a quick energy boost, post-workout snack, or kid-friendly treat. Easy to make in about 15 minutes, they are perfect for meal prep and can be stored in the fridge or freezer for convenient grab-and-go enjoyment.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1/3 cup vanilla-flavored protein powder
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup mini candies (such as M&Ms)
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup smooth natural peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
- Optional: 1–4 teaspoons water (to adjust consistency)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, add the peanut butter, vanilla protein powder, rolled oats, chia seeds, honey, vanilla essence, salt, mini chocolate chips, and mini candies. Ensure all ingredients are accessible for smooth mixing.
- Mix and Adjust Consistency: Use a wooden spoon or your hands to mix everything into a cohesive dough. Add water gradually, one teaspoon at a time, to moisten the mixture and reduce any chalky texture. The amount needed depends on the peanut butter’s thickness.
- Shape the Dough into Balls: Using a 1-tablespoon cookie scoop or similar tool, portion the dough and roll between palms to form smooth, round balls. You should get about 14-16 protein balls.
- Store and Enjoy: Place the protein balls in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for 30 minutes. Enjoy as a nutritious snack or post-workout treat.
Notes
- Use natural, drippy peanut butter with no added oils or sugars for best texture.
- If allergic to peanuts, substitute with almond, sunflower seed, or cashew butter of similar consistency.
- You can swap vanilla protein powder for chocolate or unflavored, adding ½ teaspoon vanilla extract if unflavored.
- Quick oats can replace rolled oats; for grain-free, use crushed nuts or coconut flakes, but texture will differ.
- Chia seeds can be substituted with ground flaxseed or hemp hearts.
- For a vegan version, replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar, noting it might soften the mixture.
- Customize mix-ins—try chopped nuts or dried fruit, keeping total mix-ins about ½ cup.
- If mixture is too dry, add water one teaspoon at a time; avoid making it too sticky.
- Let peanut butter come to room temperature and stir well before measuring to improve mixability.
- Do not overwork the dough; mix just until combined and roll quickly with slightly damp hands.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: monster cookie protein balls, no-bake protein balls, healthy snack, peanut butter protein balls, kid-friendly snack, post-workout snack, easy protein balls
