🎉 Introduction
Need a snack that’s delicious, quick, and actually good for you? These Easy Mint Chocolate Chip Protein Balls are packed with protein, naturally sweetened, and come together in just minutes—no baking required! They taste just like your favorite mint chocolate chip ice cream but in a healthy, satisfying snack you can pop on the go.
Made with wholesome ingredients like oats, nut butter, protein powder, and dark chocolate chips, these protein balls are perfect for meal prep, gym bags, or an afternoon pick-me-up. Plus, the refreshing hint of mint makes them uniquely addictive!
🧰 Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet or plate (for chilling)
- Airtight container
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- ½ cup protein powder (vanilla or chocolate works well)
- ½ cup almond butter or peanut butter
- ⅓ cup honey or maple syrup
- ¼ cup dark chocolate chips or mini chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder (optional, for richer chocolate flavor)
- 1½ tsp pure peppermint extract
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: 1–2 tbsp milk or water if dough is too dry
👩🍳 Directions
Step 1. Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, stir together:
- 1 cup oats
- ½ cup protein powder
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder (if using)
- Pinch of salt
Step 2. Add Wet Ingredients
- Add to the bowl:
- ½ cup almond butter
- ⅓ cup honey
- 1½ tsp peppermint extract
- Stir until mixture begins to come together.
Step 3. Adjust Consistency
- If mixture is too dry or crumbly, add 1 tbsp milk or water at a time until it sticks together when pressed.
Step 4. Add Chocolate Chips
- Fold in ¼ cup chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
Step 5. Shape the Balls
- Scoop ~1 tablespoon of dough and roll into balls using your hands.
- Place on a baking sheet or plate lined with parchment paper.
Step 6. Chill and Serve
- Refrigerate protein balls for at least 20 minutes to firm up.
- Transfer to an airtight container and store chilled.
🍽️ Servings & Timing
- Servings: 16–20 protein balls
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Chill time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
🧊 Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container up to 2 weeks.
- Freezer: Freeze in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months; thaw at room temp for a few minutes before eating.
- No reheating needed – these are best enjoyed cold or at room temperature.
🥄 Variations
- Nut-Free: Use sunflower seed butter instead of almond butter.
- Vegan: Use plant-based protein powder and maple syrup instead of honey.
- Extra Crunch: Add ¼ cup crushed almonds, walnuts, or cacao nibs.
- Dessert Version: Roll balls in shredded coconut or dip in melted dark chocolate.
- Boost Fiber: Mix in 1 tbsp ground flaxseed or chia seeds.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
Yes—quick oats will give a softer, smoother texture.
2. How do I make them sweeter?
Add an extra tablespoon of honey or maple syrup.
3. How do I make them less sweet?
Reduce honey by 1–2 tablespoons or use an unsweetened nut butter.
4. Can I skip protein powder?
Yes—add ¼ cup more oats, but protein content will decrease.
5. Is the mint flavor strong?
It’s noticeable but balanced; adjust peppermint extract to taste.
6. Can I use chocolate protein powder?
Definitely—chocolate protein makes them even richer.
7. Can kids eat these?
Yes—these are kid-friendly and make great lunchbox snacks.
8. Can I add collagen powder instead?
Yes—use collagen peptides in place of or alongside protein powder.
9. Do they hold up at room temperature?
Yes—for a few hours, but best kept chilled to stay firm.
10. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely—perfect for meal prep!
🏁 Conclusion
These Easy Mint Chocolate Chip Protein Balls taste like a treat but are packed with nourishing ingredients to keep you fueled and satisfied. Quick to make, customizable, and perfect for busy days, they’re the ultimate snack to keep stocked in your fridge or freezer!
Easy Mint Chocolate Chip Protein Balls Recipe – A Healthy, Energizing No-Bake Snack
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, stir together:
- 1 cup oats
- ½ cup protein powder
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder (if using)
- Pinch of salt
- Add to the bowl:
- ½ cup almond butter
- ⅓ cup honey
- 1½ tsp peppermint extract
- Stir until mixture begins to come together.
- If mixture is too dry or crumbly, add 1 tbsp milk or water at a time until it sticks together when pressed.
- Fold in ¼ cup chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
- Scoop ~1 tablespoon of dough and roll into balls using your hands.
- Place on a baking sheet or plate lined with parchment paper.
- Step 6. Chill and Serve
- Refrigerate protein balls for at least 20 minutes to firm up.
- Transfer to an airtight container and store chilled.
Notes
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container up to 2 weeks. Freezer: Freeze in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months; thaw at room temp for a few minutes before eating. No reheating needed – these are best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. 🥄 Variations
Nut-Free: Use sunflower seed butter instead of almond butter. Vegan: Use plant-based protein powder and maple syrup instead of honey. Extra Crunch: Add ¼ cup crushed almonds, walnuts, or cacao nibs. Dessert Version: Roll balls in shredded coconut or dip in melted dark chocolate. Boost Fiber: Mix in 1 tbsp ground flaxseed or chia seeds. ❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
Yes—quick oats will give a softer, smoother texture. 2. How do I make them sweeter?
Add an extra tablespoon of honey or maple syrup. 3. How do I make them less sweet?
Reduce honey by 1–2 tablespoons or use an unsweetened nut butter. 4. Can I skip protein powder?
Yes—add ¼ cup more oats, but protein content will decrease. 5. Is the mint flavor strong?
It’s noticeable but balanced; adjust peppermint extract to taste. 6. Can I use chocolate protein powder?
Definitely—chocolate protein makes them even richer. 7. Can kids eat these?
Yes—these are kid-friendly and make great lunchbox snacks. 8. Can I add collagen powder instead?
Yes—use collagen peptides in place of or alongside protein powder. 9. Do they hold up at room temperature?
Yes—for a few hours, but best kept chilled to stay firm. 10. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely—perfect for meal prep! 🏁 Conclusion
These Easy Mint Chocolate Chip Protein Balls taste like a treat but are packed with nourishing ingredients to keep you fueled and satisfied. Quick to make, customizable, and perfect for busy days, they’re the ultimate snack to keep stocked in your fridge or freezer!
