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These monster cookie protein balls are made with wholesome, simple ingredients and they seriously taste like M&M cookie dough. They’re the perfect healthy treat for quick and easy snack your whole family will love.
The Best Protein Balls.. Ever
You’re going to be obsessed with these tasty no bake monster cookie balls. This sweet bite-sized treat is made with simple ingredients, inspired by your favorite monster cookies and they’re super satisfying too. Here’s why you’ll love them:
- SO delicious. These are hands down my favorite protein ball recipe. They taste like M&M cookie dough and they’re just so delicious. If you have a sweet tooth but like some extra nutrition, these will hit the spot!
- Quick and easy. This quick snack comes together in less than 10 minutes and it’s no-bake, so it’s ready immediately. You just mix everything together and roll into balls!
- Perfect for snacking. You can feel good about enjoying and serving these sweet treats with 11 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber per serving.
- Great for prepping. These monster cookie energy balls store great in the fridge or freezer, so you can make a big batch ahead for your future self.
And PS- if you love energy bites you need to try my Protein Brownie Bites or Coconut Protein Balls next!
Ingredients
These monster cookie protein bites are made with simple, whole some ingredients! For full recipe instructions and complete list of ingredients, scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of this page.
- Quick Oats: I like to use quick oats for the perfect texture. You can substitute old-fashioned oats but I recommend giving them a quick pulse in the food processor first.
- Protein powder: To up the protein content! Vanilla protein powder and chocolate protein powder both work great in this recipe. Use a whey protein powder you enjoy- I love Clean Simple Eats personally!
- Peanut butter: Creamy peanut butter gives these monster cookie dough bites flavor, healthy fats and helps them stick together.
- Flax seed: Ground flax meal adds fiber and healthy fats while helping to hold these fun treats together.
- Maple syrup: For the perfect amount of sweet and sticky you’ll need pure maple syrup. Honey or sugar free syrup will work too.
- Milk: Just a splash of milk to help hold these protein balls together.
- Vanilla Extract: For real cookie flavor- a teaspoon of pure vanilla extract.
- Mini M&M’s and mini chocolate chips: These miniature versions are just the right size for the perfect amount of chocolate and candy in every bite.
Variations
- Monster cookie bars. Instead of rolling into balls, press dough into a parchment lined 8×8” square pan. Top with ½ cup melted chocolate chips. Decorate with more M&Ms and a little flaky sea salt. Refrigerate at least 2 hours before cutting into 12 even squares.
- Change up the nut butter. Use almond butter, cashew butter or even sunflower seed butter instead.
- Chocolate monster protein balls. Use chocolate protein powder and add 1-2 tbsp of cocoa powder for an extra chocolate-y version.
- Chia seeds: Swap out ground flaxseed for whole chia seed or whole flaxseed for a fun crunch.
How To Make Monster Cookie Protein Balls
- Add ingredients. In a large bowl add peanut butter, protein powder, flax, maple syrup, milk and vanilla.
- Combine. Stir well until combined.
- Add oats + chocolate. Add oats, M&Ms and chocolate chips.
- Mix. Mix until completely combined. Mixture should be easy to shape into balls. If it’s too dry, add a tablespoon of extra milk at a time. If it’s too wet, add a tablespoon of extra oats at a time.
- Make balls. Scoop mixture into 18 balls (use a spoon or a 2 tbsp cookie dough scoop). Roll each ball lightly to shape.
- Enjoy! Enjoy as is or refrigerate until you’re ready to eat.
How to Store
Store protein balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. For longer storage, store in a freezer container or freezer bag in the freezer for up to 2 months.
FAQ
Sure! They’ll just be a little lower in protein. If the mixture is too wet to roll into balls, add additional quick oats 1 tablespoon at a time.
Peanut butter helps to shape these energy bites together, so I wouldn’t omit it altogether. Try using half regular peanut butter and half PB2 instead, and add additional milk as needed.
No, these need to be stored in the refrigerator because of the milk. Even if you use water in place of milk, they won’t hold up their shape as well at room temperature.
More no bake healthy snacks
If you’ve made and loved this Monster Cookie Protein Balls or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and comments below!
Monster Cookie Protein Balls
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 cup vanilla or chocolate protein powder
- 2 tbsp ground flaxseed
- 1/8 tsp salt, add 1/4 tsp if using unsalted PB
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 2 tbsp milk, or water
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cup quick oats
- 1/3 cup mini M&Ms
- 2 tbsp mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl mix peanut butter, protein powder, flax, salt, maple syrup, milk and vanilla. Stir well until combined.
- Add oats, M&Ms and chocolate chips and mix until evenly combined.
- Scoop mixture into 18 balls (using ~2 tbsp cookie scoop) onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. Roll each ball lightly with clean hands to shape. Note: if mixture is too dry, add 1 extra tbsp of milk or water at a time until easy to shape. If too wet, add 1 extra tbsp of quick oats at a time until easy to shape.
- Enjoy right away or refrigerate until you’re ready to eat. Store in the fridge. Note: They're softer when they're first made, so if you prefer a firmer ball, chill them in the fridge for an hour or two first!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an estimate.
Food photography by Marie-Catherine Dubé.
