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Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Protein Balls come together in 1 bowl in just 15 minutes. Low carb, gluten free, and protein-packed, they’re made with wholesome ingredients for easy, healthy snacking.
Fun fact: thanks to these protein balls, cookie dough is now officially a health food.
These bites taste just like chocolate chip cookie dough, yet are made entirely from wholesome, good-for-you ingredients.
They’re truly everything I could ask for in a healthy snack:
- Quick + Easy. 1 bowl, no baking or food processor required!
- Low Sugar. Just 3 Tbsp. of maple syrup is all you need to sweeten these bites, so they’ll help keep your blood sugar and energy levels stable.
- High Protein. Each ball offers 4 grams of quality protein, which is the most satiating macronutrient.
- Satisfies a Sweet Tooth. When the craving for a cookie strikes, grab 1 or 2 protein balls to satisfy the desire!
Plus, these protein balls take fewer than 15 minutes to make and don’t require any special equipment.
That’s right – no food processor, no mixer.
The Ingredients
Cooke Dough Protein Balls are the perfect size for snacking between meals or to enjoy as a post-workout snack.
They’re also super versatile, so you can switch out the ingredients as you see fit.
- Cashew Butter: One of the most mildly flavored nut butters, cashew butter is ultra smooth and creamy. I use either Whole Foods 365 brand or Trader Joe’s cashew butter, which are perfectly drippy. For Peanut Butter Protein Balls, use peanut butter instead.
- Almond Flour: Made from blanched, ground almonds, almond flour bulks up these bites with heart-healthy fats. Almonds are also a great source of vitamin E, magnesium, and fiber.
- Maple Syrup: A little sweetener goes a long way in these protein balls. Just 3 Tbsp. of maple syrup adds rich, complex sweetness to each bite.
- Collagen: The bulk of the protein in these balls come from unflavored collagen peptides. I suggest using a grass-fed collagen, such as Garden of Life brand, which is my personal go-to. If making these bites vegan, you can use a unflavored or vanilla vegan protein powder.
- Chocolate Chips: For dairy free, use Enjoy Life brand chocolate chips. For lower-sugar, use Lily’s brand chocolate chips.
- Optional: For purer cookie dough flavor, add a jolt of vanilla extract. I also love topping these bites with flaky salt, which further brings out their flavors.
The Directions
Step 1: Combine Cashew Butter, Almond Flour, Maple Syrup, and Collagen
In a large bowl, combine cashew butter, almond flour, maple syrup, vanilla (if using), and collagen. Mix well until the mixture forms a consistency similar to cookie dough.
Step 2: Mix in Chocolate Chips
Fold in chocolate chips (or mix-in of choice) until well-distributed. 
Step 3: Form into Balls and Chill
Use a medium cookie dough to scoop mixture into 12 to 14 balls. Arrange on a plate and sprinkle with flaky salt, if desired. Chill for up to 2 weeks.
FAQs and Expert Tips:
Here you’ll find the most popular asked reader questions about this recipe.
If you have any additional questions, ask them in the comment box below!
Are Protein Balls Good for You?
Protein balls are rich in heart-healthy fats, low in sugar, and provide a decent punch of protein. They’re also naturally gluten free and dairy free.
Protein balls are a great alternative to store-bought protein bars, which tend to have many additives and little nutrient value.
When Should you Eat Protein Balls?
Protein balls are great to enjoy as a pre- or post-workout snack or to satisfy a sweet tooth. You can also enjoy 1 or 2 for breakfast on-the-go, or as a midday snack.
Storage Tips:
- To Store. Refrigerate balls for up to 2 weeks in a storage container. Enjoy chilled right out of the refrigerator (my preference), or let them stand at room temperature first, if you prefer.
- To Freeze. Place balls in an airtight storage container or ziptop bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Let thaw in the refrigerator.
More Protein Ball Recipes
Strawberries and Cream Energy Balls
Birthday Cake Protein Balls
Raspberry White Chocolate Energy Bites
If you give this energy bites a try, be sure to snap a pic and tag #dishingouthealth on Instagram so I can see your creations. Also, follow along on Facebook and Pinterest for the latest recipe updates!
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Protein Balls
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup creamy cashew butter (sub peanut butter)
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 40 grams (~2 scoops) collagen peptides
- 3 Tbsp. maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract (optional)
- Pinch sea salt
- 1/2 cup mini or standard chocolate chips (use Enjoy Life for dairy-free, or Lily's brand for lower-sugar)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine cashew butter, almond flour, maple syrup, vanilla (if using), collagen, and a pinch of salt. Mix well until the mixture forms a consistency similar to cookie dough. Fold in chocolate chips.
- Use a medium cookie dough to scoop mixture into 12 to 14 balls. Arrange on a plate and sprinkle with flaky salt, if desired. Chill for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
- To Store. Refrigerate balls for up to 2 weeks in a storage container. Enjoy chilled right out of the refrigerator (my preference), or let them stand at room temperature first, if you prefer.
- To Freeze. Place balls in an airtight storage container or ziptop bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Let thaw in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
I calculate these values by hand to ensure accuracy, however expect up to a 10% variable depending on food brands.
Let me save you some time by telling you to go ahead and make a double batch 🤤🤤 it has satisfied all of my sweet tooth cravings! I grew up fighting with my brothers over who gets to lick the cookie dough spoon. I haven’t been able to eat cookie dough in forever because it makes me feel sick. Safe to say I like this just as much or more and no sick feeling after.
I substitute the collagen powder for coconut powder just because I cannot process the collagen.
Best cookie dough without the crash and no upset stomach 😍
Amazing! Perfect wholesome treat for when you have a sweet tooth
So happy you enjoyed these!! 🙂
We make these every Sunday to “last” us the week – so simple, so delicious and the perfect afternoon/running out the door “pick me up”. I’ve made with both cashew and peanut butter and while the cashew butter tastes closer to chocolate chip cookie dough – peanut butter tastes like a peanut butter cookie! An amazing, fool-proof snack!
These are delicious and taste so similar to cookie dough my daughter thought it was cookie dough! Such a delicious treat that I don’t feel bad about having for a midday pick me up.
Soo delicious! Truly does taste like traditional cookie dough. Cashew butter makes a difference (vs. peanut butter) in providing a smooth and neutral taste. Great way to satisfy my sweet tooth.