Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these mint chocolate chip protein balls! They’re not just a treat; they’re a delicious and nutritious snack that hits all the right notes. With a refreshing burst of mint and sweet chocolate chips, they’re perfect for a quick snack or some post-workout fuel that keeps you going strong. Plus, they’re super simple to whip up in no time—seriously, it takes just 10 minutes of your day! Packed with protein from the powder and healthy fats from almond butter, you can indulge without feeling guilty. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll be your new go-to snack for every occasion!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup rolled oats: These are the base of your protein balls, giving them a hearty texture and a nice dose of fiber.
- 1/2 cup protein powder: Any flavor works, but I love vanilla! This adds a protein punch to keep you satisfied.
- 1/4 cup almond butter: Creamy and nutty, this binds everything together while adding healthy fats. You can swap it for peanut butter if you prefer!
- 1/4 cup honey: This natural sweetener provides a touch of sweetness and helps hold the balls together. Maple syrup can be used for a vegan option.
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips: Because what’s a mint chocolate chip protein ball without a bit of chocolate? They add a fun burst of sweetness!
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract: Just a hint of this gives your protein balls that minty freshness that’s simply irresistible.
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional): Add your choice of nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and nutrition. Totally up to you!
How to Prepare Mint Chocolate Chip Protein Balls
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of rolled oats and 1/2 cup of protein powder. Give it a good stir to ensure they’re well mixed. This is the foundation of your protein balls!
- Next, add in 1/4 cup of almond butter and 1/4 cup of honey. The almond butter provides creaminess while the honey adds sweetness and helps everything stick together. Don’t be shy—use a spatula to mix this well until it’s fully combined!
- Now, it’s time for the fun part! Stir in 1/4 cup of mini chocolate chips and 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract. If you’re using chopped nuts, toss those in too! You’ll want to mix until everything is evenly distributed. Wow, that minty smell is heavenly!
- Once your mixture is ready, it’s time to form the balls. Grab a tablespoon or your hands and scoop out a portion, rolling it into a ball shape. Aim for about 1 inch in diameter. This is where you can really get your hands dirty—don’t worry, it’s all part of the fun!
- Place your formed protein balls on a tray lined with parchment paper. Once you’ve rolled them all out, pop them in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time helps them firm up nicely, making them easier to grab later.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—ready in just 10 minutes!
- Nutrient-packed with protein and healthy fats to keep you energized.
- Deliciously sweet with a refreshing minty twist.
- Perfect for a post-workout snack or a mid-afternoon treat.
- Customizable with your favorite add-ins like nuts or seeds.
- No baking required—just mix, roll, and chill!
Tips for Success
To make your mint chocolate chip protein balls absolutely perfect, here are some of my top tips! First, if you want to switch things up, feel free to use any nut butter you love—peanut butter or cashew butter works great too! For a vegan version, just swap honey for maple syrup. If you prefer a stronger mint flavor, add a bit more peppermint extract, but be careful not to overdo it—less is more! Also, try mixing in some chia seeds or flaxseeds for an extra nutritional boost. And remember, the colder they are after chilling, the firmer they’ll be for that perfect bite!
Nutritional Information
These mint chocolate chip protein balls are not just tasty, but they pack a nutritious punch! Each ball contains approximately 100 calories, 4g of fat, 5g of protein, and 12g of carbohydrates. With about 2g of fiber and 5g of sugar, they make for a balanced snack. Keep in mind that these values are estimates based on typical ingredients, so feel free to adjust based on your choices!
FAQ Section
Can I make these protein balls nut-free? Absolutely! You can substitute almond butter with sunflower seed butter or a nut-free alternative. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change a bit, but they’ll still be delicious!
How long do these protein balls last? When stored in an airtight container in the fridge, your mint chocolate chip protein balls will last up to a week. Just make sure they’re well-sealed to maintain freshness!
Can I freeze them? Yes, you can! These little gems freeze beautifully. Just place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, and they’ll be good for up to two months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight for a quick snack anytime!
What can I use instead of protein powder? If you don’t have protein powder on hand, you can use additional rolled oats or a scoop of your favorite meal replacement powder. Just keep in mind that it may alter the texture slightly.
Are these protein balls suitable for kids? Definitely! Kids love the sweet chocolate chips and mint flavor. They’re a great way to sneak in some nutrition without compromising on taste!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your mint chocolate chip protein balls is super simple! Just place them in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week, making them the perfect grab-and-go snack. If you find yourself with leftovers (though I doubt it!), you can also freeze them for longer storage. Just pop them in a freezer-safe bag or container, and they’ll be good for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge. No need for reheating—just grab one and enjoy that delightful minty-chocolate goodness right away!
For more delicious recipes, check out these banana muffins or chocolate lime brownies.
Print
Mint Chocolate Chip Protein Balls: 10 Reasons to Enjoy
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 balls 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Delicious and nutritious mint chocolate chip protein balls.
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup protein powder
- 1/4 cup almond butter
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix rolled oats and protein powder.
- Add almond butter, honey, and peppermint extract.
- Stir in mini chocolate chips and nuts if using.
- Form the mixture into small balls.
- Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Great for a quick snack or post-workout fuel.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: mint chocolate chip protein balls
