I love whipping up these Mint Chocolate Chip Protein Balls when I’m craving a guilt-free treat— they’re no-bake, packed with protein, and ready in just 30 minutes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I adore how simple and satisfying these treats are. They require minimal ingredients, come together quickly, and deliver that refreshing mint-chocolate combo without any guilt. Whether I need an afternoon pick-me-up or a healthy dessert option, these protein balls always hit the spot.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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rolled oats (1/2 cup / 50 g)
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almond butter (1 cup / 240 g)
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honey (2 tbsp / 42 g)
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vanilla protein powder (1/4 cup / 30 g)
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peppermint extract (1/4 tsp)
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mini dark chocolate chips (1/4 cup / 40 g)
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unsweetened almond milk (1–2 tbsp / 15–30 ml), only if needed
Directions
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In a large mixing bowl, I combine the rolled oats, almond butter, honey, vanilla protein powder, and peppermint extract. I mix until everything’s well incorporated.
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If the mixture feels too dry, I add almond milk one tablespoon at a time until it reaches a slightly sticky but moldable consistency.
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I gently fold in the mini dark chocolate chips.
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I scoop out about a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball, repeating until all is used.
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I place the balls on a parchment‑lined baking sheet.
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I refrigerate them for at least 20 minutes so they can firm up.
Servings and timing
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Yield: 12–15 protein balls
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Prep time: 10 minutes
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Chill time: 20 minutes
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Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
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To make it vegan, I swap out honey for maple syrup.
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When the mixture is too sticky, chilling it for 5–10 minutes helps before rolling.
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I adjust the peppermint extract to taste—if I want a stronger mint flavor, I add a little more.
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For an extra protein or nutrient boost, I’ll toss in chia seeds or ground flax seeds.
storage/reheating
I store these in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. They don’t need reheating—just grab and enjoy! If I want them softer, I let a ball sit at room temperature for a few minutes or heat it in the microwave for about 5 seconds.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different nut butter?
Absolutely. I’ve swapped almond butter for peanut butter or cashew butter with great results. Just choose a creamy, not overly salty, variety.
2. What if I don’t have protein powder?
I’ve made them without protein powder by increasing the oats or nut butter. They’re still tasty—just a bit less protein-packed.
3. Can I freeze these?
Yes! I freeze them on the baking sheet for an hour or so, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They keep for up to two months, and I let frozen balls thaw in the fridge before eating.
4. Are these kid-friendly?
Definitely. My family loves them as an after-school snack. I just reduce the mint extract to half if kids prefer milder flavors.
5. How do I make them less sweet?
I cut the honey by half and sometimes switch to a sugar-free honey substitute. I might also choose unsweetened nut butter to help tone down sweetness.
Conclusion
These Mint Chocolate Chip Protein Balls are my go-to for a quick, healthy treat that satisfies a sweet tooth without derailing my nutrition goals. They’re easy to customize, easy to store, and easy to love. Let me know how you like them or what variations you try next!
