Chocolate Protein Balls
on Mar 09, 2023, Updated Jul 18, 2024
These Chocolate Protein Balls are the perfect grab and go snack made with just 7 ingredients!
You’ll love these protein balls!
Chocolate protein balls are the snack that your sweet tooth will love. These easy wholesome little chocolate bites are made with just 7 ingredients, sweetened with honey, and taste like dessert!
Energy balls are a favorite in our house, and I am always testing new variations of them because we love them so much.
Energy balls are perfect for sports games, school lunches, mid day snacks, or a protein packed little sweet treat. We always keep a batch or two on hand in the freezer for quick snacking!
They are super easy to throw together with ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
You can find the full recipe and instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Chocolate Protein Ball Ingredients
- Protein Powder – use your favorite chocolate flavored protein powder
- Cocoa Powder – to really take that chocolatey flavor to the next level
- Honey – the sticky sweetener needed to help it all stick together
- Peanut Butter – This recipe uses creamy no stir peanut butter which has just a bit of added sugar in it. It is very smooth and easy to mix.
- Salt – just enough to make the salty sweet flavors pop
- Rolled Oats – Rolled oats are inexpensive and delicious and great for making energy bites.
- Chocolate Chips – I prefer to use mini chocolate chips so that there is chocolate and crunch in every bite, but regular sized chocolate chips will work also.
How to make chocolate protein balls
Step 1: Add the creamy peanut butter, honey, oats, chocolate protein powder, salt, cocoa powder, and chocolate chips to a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Use a rubber spatula to mix the batter until thoroughly combined. This will take a few minutes as it is very thick. Once you are done the batter should be no longer sticky to the touch.
The batter should look like the picture below once it is combined. You can also use a stand mixer to combine the ingredients, if you have one.
Do you need to chill the batter before rolling the balls out?
No, there is no need to chill the batter first. Once the batter is rolled into balls, we will then chill them for a few minutes before storing.
Joy’s Tip
My favorite hack for portioning energy bites is to use a mini cookie scoop to drop the batter onto a cookie sheet. My cookie scoop is 1.5 tablespoon sized.
How to form energy balls
Step 3: line a baking sheet with wax paper first so that they do not stick. Use the mini cookie scoop to drop balls of batter onto the prepared baking sheet.
Step 4: Once you have scooped all of the batter out, go back and quickly roll each ball with your hands to form the shape. You can also do this step after placing the protein balls in the fridge to harden if you find them a little sticky still.
Chilling the protein balls
Step 5: Once you are done rolling the energy balls, place the baking sheet in the fridge for up to an hour, or until the bites are hard to the touch. This will help keep them from sticking together.
Storing
Energy balls can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week, or in the freezer for 1-2 months.
I prefer keeping mine in the freezer if they last that long! Just allow them to thaw a few minutes before eating.
Are Energy Balls good for you?
Yes, energy balls are a great choice for a snack. They are full of healthy fats and protein, making them an excellent choice when you need something quick!
Making dairy free
Yes! It is easy to make these chocolate protein balls without dairy. Simply use a vegan chocolate protein powder and a dairy free chocolate chip brand.
Chocolate Protein Balls
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups no stir creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup honey
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ½ cup chocolate protein powder
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Add the creamy peanut butter, honey, oats, chocolate protein powder, cocoa powder, salt, and mini chocolate chips to a large mixing bowl.
- Use a rubber spatula to mix the batter thoroughly
- Line a baking sheet with wax paper
- Use a mini cookie scoop (1.5 tablespoon sized) or spoon to transfer balls of batter onto the wax paper lined baking sheet
- Roll each protein ball with your hands to form the shape
- Place the cookie sheet with the protein balls on it in the fridge for up to an hour, or until the balls are firm to the touch.
- Store the chocolate protein balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week, or in the freezer for 1-2 months.
These are delicious. I have been making Energy Bites for years but never thought to put protein powder in! I was so happy to see that it easily mixed in. I used unflavored collagen, and it turned out great!