Skip to Content

Healthy Cookie Dough Balls (High Protein)

These healthy cookie dough bites are a healthy snack or dessert that are just so easy to make. You can assemble these in minutes and enjoy a high protein snack with little effort!

They’re vegan, gluten-free, high protein, and dairy-free (if dairy-free chocolate is used).

protein cookie dough bites close up

Who doesn‘t love cookie dough? It‘s sinfully delicious and satisfies your sweet tooth.

It doesn‘t exactly qualify as a healthy snack option though. Cookie dough is often loaded with sugar, oil, uncooked flour, and raw eggs.

This recipe is about to change all of that. These cookie dough balls are actually nutritious and packed with protein.

plate of cookie dough balls

With 5g of sugar and only 122 calories per bite, it‘s a great way to satisfy that sweet craving. The bites also have 4.6g of protein each, making them a great source of energy and fiber.

They are also free of refined sugars as well as gluten-free and dairy-free.

This makes them the perfect treat to add to almost any eating plan.

no-bake cookie dough balls

Why You Should Make These No-Bake Protein Balls

There are a lot of reasons to add these no-bake protein balls to your healthy eating routine. First, they’re made with high quality, nutritious ingredients and are incredibly easy to make.

They are gluten-free because they are made with oat flour instead of all-purpose flour. Using oat flour allows this item to be a no-bake dessert as well.

Oat flour has high fiber content and is considered an easily digestible protein.

We use unsweetened peanut butter to pack in the protein. The added protein and energy will keep you feeling full and eliminate cravings.

Sugar is replaced by maple syrup. Try using high-quality maple syrup like this, as the artificial products are made with high fructose corn syrup.

There are a ton of benefits in using pure maple syrup. It’s high in antioxidants, has a low score on the glycemic index, and contains a lot of naturally sourced vitamins and minerals.

halved cookie dough bites

This coconut oil is a fantastic substitute for oil in a recipe. This multi-purpose kitchen staple adds healthy fats to the recipe that help curb your appetite.

Using dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet or milk chocolate help keeps the sugar level low. True dark chocolate should also be dairy-free.

You also get to add your choice of protein powder. Vanilla protein powder will work great here.

You get added protein and additional benefits depending on what product you are using. This protein powder is also plant-based, dairy-free, and soy-free.

These cookie dough balls can be put together in just a few minutes without even turning on the oven. You can make them in just a few easy steps.

close up cookie bite half

How to Make Healthy Cookie Dough Bites

Gathering the ingredients should take you only a few minutes. Once everything is ready to go, start with the coconut oil.

Melting to coconut oil will help it incorporate into the recipe very easily. Measure the coconut oil and put it in the microwave for about 30 to 60 seconds until it’s liquid.

melted coconut oil

After that, it‘s pretty easy! Add the oat flour, unsweetened peanut butter, protein powder, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt to the bowl. Drizzle the coconut oil over everything.

Add the chocolate chips.

ingredients in bowl

You can use a spatula or large spoon to incorporate the ingredients. Once everything starts to come together, it will be easier to use your hands to bring the dough into a large ball.

dough mixture

Afterward, roll the mixture into balls. You can use your hands or a handy cookie dough scoop like this for evenly shaped balls.

rolled dough

Finally, line a small baking tray or plate with parchment paper. This will help the balls from sticking.

Place them in the fridge to cool for about two hours. They will set up much better and won‘t crumble if you let them chill first.

Be patient, it‘s worth the wait!

display cookie bites

Are Energy Balls Actually Healthy?

Energy balls are easy to make, easy to store, and travel really well. This makes them a great go-to snack when you‘re trying to eat healthy.

Instead of grabbing a piece of candy or an actual cookie, these cookie dough balls are a much better choice. The ingredients are much healthier for you.

These ingredients actually provide your body with support, energy, and nutrition. Most of the store-bought snacks are full of artificial ingredients.

Those artificial ingredients won‘t do anything for your well-being. Instead, stick to the simple recipes that contain whole foods.

You probably already have most of the ingredients. They are carefully chosen and delicious, making the cookie dough balls a great snacking choice.

displayed dough bites

When Should You Eat Protein Balls?

What‘s another perk of these cookie dough balls? They are perfect before and after workout snacks.

Protein balls will provide you the energy you need to push through a workout. Enjoying one afterward and the cookie dough balls will help you rejuvenate.

Alternatively, they make a great snack throughout your regular day. There should be no guilt here as long as you enjoy them in moderation.

At under 130 calories a piece, you can enjoy a few throughout the day.

healthy cookie dough balls

Substitutes for These Cookie Dough Bites

Here are a few ways to mix up this recipe. If you need to substitute a few items, here are some suggestions:

  • Cashew butter is a good substitute for peanut butter.
  • Half oatmeal/half oat flour will taste more like oatmeal chocolate chip cookie dough.
  • Add dried fruits in place of chocolate chips, or even in addition. Remove half of the chocolate chips and add the same amount of dried fruits, like cranberries.
  • Honey or agave would also work well instead of maple syrup.
high protein cookie dough balls

How to Store Cookie Dough Bites?

Store the cookie dough bites in air-tight containers like these in the fridge. They will stay good in the fridge for 7-10 days.

You can also just store them in the freezer. Let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before eating.

Other Recipes You Might Like

plate of protein cookie dough


Watch Full Instructions

healthy cookie dough bites

Healthy Cookie Dough Balls (High Protein)

These no-bake cookie dough bites are healthy, easy and so delicious! They're vegan-friendly, gluten-free, and dairy-free! On top of all of that, high in protein!
4.86 from 7 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Additional Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Course High Protein
Cuisine American
Servings 17 dough balls
Calories 122 kcal

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Melt coconut oil in a microwave. It should take 30 to 60 seconds.
  • Add all the ingredients into a glass bowl and combine them well.
  • Roll the dough into balls and store them in the fridge. You could also have them in the freezer but just let them defrost before eating.
RECIPE VIDEO

Nutrition

Serving: 1dough ballCalories: 122kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 4.6gFat: 6.9gSaturated Fat: 2.3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3.9gCholesterol: 0.7mgSodium: 41mgFiber: 1.5gSugar: 5g
Tried this recipe?Leave a comment below with your rating! I love the feedback and respond to every comment!
Recipe Rating