Cookie Dough Protein Balls You’ll Want For Dessert

A couple years ago, my mother-in-law told me that she used to make cookies but stopped because they never got eaten. Instead, she’d find that if she made her classic cookie dough and just left it in the fridge, the dough would mysteriously disappear. Very mysterious indeed.

My goal was clear. I had to figure out a chocolate chip cookie dough protein ball recipe that tasted just like cookie dough. I challenged myself a little more by making sure they could be consumed raw (raw eggs were a big no) and be processed-free (no processed added sugar).

Of course, I wanted a high fat and high protein cookie dough recipe so they’d be great after a workout as energy balls as well. Challenge accepted!

Jump to Recipe

Surprisingly, it’s harder to replicate an edible cookie dough that really is only defined by sugar, eggs, and butter, than I thought it would be. I had to make this protein ball recipe four times in order to get the texture and taste just right. So you know this has been tested and tried by multiple people with multiple opinions for the perfect cookie dough protein bites.

This version scored the best and closest to that cookie dough you want to eat raw. The flavor of the cookie dough is just right–not your typical edible protein cookie dough.

These simple ingredients have zero refined sugar, and a super easy snack that you can reach for after the gym or to add to a lunch away from home. They are a high-energy snack, high in protein and double as dessert. What could be better when that sweet tooth hits!?

Since these ingredients keep well, I don’t need to worry about them spoiling before lunch-time. They also look super cute in those little snack containers for lunch. They make my husband’s co-workers super jealous when he’s opening all these cute little compartments in his lunch. They hold up well at room temperature.

Traditionally, protein balls are a no-bake protein bar that is great for after a workout. These will give you 5-10 grams of protein per serving / ball and lots of nutrients.

After much kitchen research trying different ingredients: chickpeas, pure maple syrup, protein powders, etc., here is the 4th and final amazing chocolate chip cookie dough protein ball recipe! Every ingredient has a reason to be here.

Oats

Full of fiber, protein, Calcium, Iron, and Magnesium. They’re also naturally gluten-free. Just make sure your oats say gluten-free if you’re allergic since many oat fields get rotated with wheat fields.

Flax

Just about the best complete vegan omega you could ask for and tons of other nutrients.

Almonds

Another high protein, high healthy fat! My sister used to give me a handful of almonds for my cramps. It really does work! You could use a natural nut butter like cashew butter as well, but I prefer the slight almond flavor to balance out the oats.

Honey

If you don’t mind a drier texture, you can substitute honey for maple syrup, but I have tried it and it’s not comparable. So, if you aren’t a strict vegan, please, try the recipe as written!

If you ARE a strict vegan, try brown rice syrup since the texture is much more similar to honey.

If you are sugar free, just remember that the purpose of the honey isn’t just a sweetener but to prevent any dryness in the texture. You may need to add extra coconut oil or something if you use a sugar free sweetener.

Honey is an amazing antiviral, antibacterial, and if you buy local , you will get your local flowers/weeds which may help with allergies.

Salt

Salt helps you retain water, which, after a workout is a good thing. Salt is an electrolyte worth having during hot summers and after a workout. Though it doesn’t really matter what kind you use, my favorite is Redmond Real Salt since it is unrefined and has 60+ trace minerals. It’s also a sweeter salt.

Vanilla

You can’t have a chocolate chip cookie without vanilla, and there are actually a lot of antioxidants and cholesterol lowering benefits as well.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon has many antioxidant benefits and may lower your blood sugar. Sometimes I put cinnamon in my morning lemon and apple cider vinegar drink because it is thought to protect the colon.

Protein Powder

You don’t need to put protein powder in, but it will up your protein intake a lot. I prefer unflavored protein powder for this recipe but you can use plant based protein powder, almond flour protein powder, or whatever you like.

Maca Powder

A great energy source! Also known to balance hormones (both stress hormones and sex hormones) and “maca stimulates and nourishes the hypothalamus and pituitary glands which are the “master glands” of the body.” Worth having in your pantry and you don’t need much, so it will last a long time.

Coconut Oil

Besides research showing it can help prevent Alzheimer’s, an antibacterial and extremely moisturizing, it also is a great weight-loss fat. Who doesn’t want less fat? If you do not like oil, you may omit the coconut oil, although it might affect the consistency slightly, but not as much as if you replaced the honey with maple syrup.