Hi👋 I’m MARILYN, a 34-year-old from the United Kingdom. Cooking is my passion, and I love sharing delicious, easy-to-follow recipes. Join me on marilynrecipes.com to explore a world of culinary delights, from comforting classics to innovative creations. Let’s make cooking fun and enjoyable for everyone! Cooking is about more than just food it’s about sharing stories and making memories.
I first fell in love with making protein balls when I wanted a healthy, energizing snack that I could grab on busy mornings. I remember sitting at my kitchen counter one chilly Sunday, mixing oats, nut butter, and chocolate chips while my favorite music played softly in the background. The smell of toasted oats filled the room, and I felt this cozy sense of joy knowing I was creating something nourishing for myself and my family. These protein balls became a staple in our home they’re simple, high in protein, and so versatile.
In this protein balls recipe, I’ll show you how to make a snack that’s not only good for you but also fun to prepare. We’ll use wholesome ingredients like oats, peanut butter, chia seeds, and a touch of honey. I use this recipe when I need a quick breakfast, a post-workout boost, or a little afternoon pick-me-up. Let’s dive in!
Why I Love Making This Protein Balls Recipe
What I love about these protein balls is their simplicity. I don’t need to bake anything, and the ingredients are things I usually have in my pantry. I’ve made this recipe countless times, tweaking it to perfection so that each bite is chewy, nutty, and just a little sweet.
Another reason I adore this snack is how adaptable it is. You can swap peanut butter for almond or cashew butter, add cacao nibs or dried cranberries, or even sprinkle in some coconut flakes. My family and I often have “protein ball days,” where everyone rolls their own balls. It’s such a small activity, but it brings us together and gives us all a sense of accomplishment.
Ingredients & Little Kitchen Secrets
Here’s what you’ll need for this high-protein snack:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup protein powder (vanilla or chocolate works best)
- 2 tbsp chia seeds
- 2 tbsp flaxseeds (optional for extra fiber)
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips or cacao nibs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Little kitchen secrets:
- Toast your oats lightly in a dry pan for 2–3 minutes. This brings out a deeper, nuttier flavor.
- If the mixture feels too dry, add a teaspoon of water or almond milk at a time.
- For a fun twist, roll some balls in cocoa powder, shredded coconut, or crushed nuts.
How I Make It, Step by Step
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine oats, protein powder, chia seeds, flaxseeds, and salt.
- Add wet ingredients: Add peanut butter, honey, and vanilla extract. Stir until a thick dough forms.
- Incorporate extras: Fold in chocolate chips or cacao nibs.
- Shape the balls: Using your hands, roll the mixture into 1-inch balls. You should get about 12–15 balls.
- Chill: Place the balls on a tray lined with parchment paper and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This helps them firm up.
- Optional coating: Roll the chilled balls in cocoa powder, shredded coconut, or crushed nuts for an extra special touch.
How I Serve It at Home
I usually keep a small glass jar of protein balls in the fridge, ready to grab when I need a snack. They pair wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee in the morning. Sometimes I pack them in little containers for my kids’ lunchboxes or take them to work as a healthy snack.
One of my favorite ways to serve them is with a smoothie bowl. Slice a protein ball in half and place it on top for a little extra protein boost. My friends love this, and it makes breakfast feel like a special treat.
Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead Tips
- Storage: Store protein balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: You can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just thaw for 10–15 minutes before eating.
- Make-ahead: They can be made a day or two in advance, which is perfect for busy mornings.
100-Word Short Version
These protein balls are a quick, high-protein snack that’s perfect for busy mornings, post-workout fuel, or a little afternoon boost. I mix oats, peanut butter, honey, protein powder, chia seeds, and chocolate chips to create a thick dough, roll it into bite-sized balls, and chill them for 30 minutes. They’re versatile you can add flaxseeds, coconut, or nuts. Keep them in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for longer storage. Easy, nutritious, and delicious, these protein balls make healthy snacking a joy for the whole family!
Recipe Card Section
⏱️ Time
- Prep: 10 mins
- Chill: 30 mins
- Total: 40 mins
🛒 Ingredients <ul> <li>1 cup rolled oats</li> <li>1/2 cup natural peanut butter</li> <li>1/4 cup honey or maple syrup</li> <li>1/4 cup protein powder (vanilla or chocolate)</li> <li>2 tbsp chia seeds</li> <li>2 tbsp flaxseeds (optional)</li> <li>1/4 cup mini chocolate chips or cacao nibs</li> <li>1 tsp vanilla extract</li> <li>Pinch of salt</li> </ul>
👩🍳 Instructions <ol> <li>Combine oats, protein powder, chia seeds, flaxseeds, and salt in a large bowl.</li> <li>Add peanut butter, honey, and vanilla extract; stir to form thick dough.</li> <li>Fold in chocolate chips or cacao nibs.</li> <li>Roll mixture into 1-inch balls (12–15 balls).</li> <li>Chill on a parchment-lined tray for at least 30 minutes.</li> <li>Optional: Roll in cocoa powder, coconut, or nuts.</li> </ol>
📝 Notes
- Toast oats for nuttier flavor.
- Adjust wet ingredients if dough is dry.
- Store in fridge up to 1 week, or freeze for 3 months.
🍽️ Nutrition (per ball)
Calories: 120 kcal
Protein: 5g
Carbs: 12g
Fiber: 3g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1.5g
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 40mg
Protein Balls Recipe: High Protein Snack
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 12–15 balls 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Healthy
Description
This protein balls recipe is a quick, high-protein snack perfect for busy mornings, post-workout fuel, or afternoon energy. Made with oats, peanut butter, protein powder, chia seeds, and chocolate chips, these no-bake treats are nutritious, delicious, and fun to make with family.
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup protein powder (vanilla or chocolate)
- 2 tbsp chia seeds
- 2 tbsp flaxseeds (optional)
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips or cacao nibs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Combine oats, protein powder, chia seeds, flaxseeds, and salt in a large bowl.
- Add peanut butter, honey, and vanilla extract; stir to form thick dough.
- Fold in chocolate chips or cacao nibs.
- Roll mixture into 1-inch balls (12–15 balls).
- Chill on a parchment-lined tray for at least 30 minutes.
- Optional: Roll in cocoa powder, coconut, or nuts.
Notes
Toast oats for a nuttier flavor. Adjust wet ingredients if dough is too dry. Store in fridge up to 1 week or freeze for 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 40
- Fat: 6
- Saturated Fat: 1.5
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 5
- Cholesterol: 0
Conclusion
This protein balls recipe has truly become one of my favorite snacks to make at home. It’s simple, customizable, and packed with energy to fuel your day. I love that my family can enjoy something nutritious without sacrificing taste, and it’s such a joy to share these little bites of love with friends or colleagues. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try it’s easy to make, fun to eat, and perfect for any time you need a healthy, high-protein snack.