Recipe: Cookie Dough Protein Balls (with Sprinkles!)

Myth: Healthy eating means no desserts or sweet snacks ever again.

Fact: Healthy eating is about maintaining a balanced diet that supports your body and works for your lifestyle. This means it’s okay to indulge your sweet tooth now and then.

At Little West, we love cold pressed juice cleanses and anti-inflammatory foods, but we also love to treat ourselves. Eating treats that have no nutritional value from time to time is more than okay, as long as the rest of the diet is balanced and healthy. 

But what about treats that are delicious, satisfy your sweet tooth and also have a great nutritional value? Yes please! We’re all about getting the best of both worlds; easy and healthy recipes that still deliver a sweet and satisfying experience. 

If you’re looking for a no-bake dessert that’s healthier than a normal brownie or cookie, try this easy recipe for cookie dough protein balls from Little West’s co-founder, Cassandra Troy. 

Delicious Cookie Dough Protein Balls

These cookie dough balls are high in protein and fiber, with simple ingredients you can whip together in a food processor or blender. They’re a great alternative to commercial protein bars which are often full of chemical additives or sugar alcohols. Plus, they make a festive treat when you add colorful sprinkles! 

The main ingredient and source of protein is chickpeas. Don't worry - they bring no flavor into the recipe, but instead bring delicious texture and nutrients. They somehow manage to mimic actual cookie dough and are also packed with fiber, plant protein and minerals like iron, zinc and magnesium. 

The whole family will love this easy recipe for cookie dough protein balls. You can also use dairy-free chocolate chips and plant-based protein powder to make this recipe vegan. 

Ingredients

For this recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Protein Cookie Dough Balls

• 1 large can (usually 19oz) chickpeas, drained
• 2 Tbsp creamy nut butter of your choice
• 1/4 cup almond meal (ground almonds)
• 1/4 cup collagen peptide powder
• 3 Tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp pink Himalayan salt
• 2 Tbsp chocolate chips

Chocolate Coating

• ¾ cup dark chocolate chips (dairy-free, if needed)
• 3 tsp coconut oil 

Sprinkles

• 1/4 cup sprinkles of your choice

Directions

Put all ingredients, except the chocolate chips, into a food processor or a good blender with a tamper (like Vitamix). Blend until the mixture achieves a dough-like consistency. (Note: You may need to push down the sides a few times to fully combine while blending.) 

Next, add the 2 Tbsp chocolate chips and pulse a few times to combine. Chill until the dough is soft enough to form into balls. 

Use a 1 Tbsp scoop to measure out the cookie dough and roll it into balls. Freeze the dough balls on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet or plate in a single layer for 15 minutes, or while you make the chocolate coating. 

Put 1/4 cup sprinkles of your choice in a small bowl next to the melted chocolate.

Using a double boiler, melt the chocolate chips with coconut oil, stirring constantly. Use a fork to roll the chilled cookie dough balls in the melted chocolate. 

Before the chocolate cools completely, roll each ball either half or fully in the sprinkles. Set the coated, sprinkled cookie dough balls back onto the parchment-lined sheet or plate. Chill in the freezer for an additional 15 minutes. 

Then, enjoy!

Variations and Tips

If you want to skip the sprinkles and still add some crunch and exterior, we have a few healthier options for you. 

Crushed nuts (such as pistachios for their gorgeous green color), bee pollen, cacao nibs and dried and crushed berries are a delicious and healthier option for topping up your cookie dough protein balls. These toppings bring more nutritional value and just as much crunch and looks as sprinkles!

If you’re not a big fan of dark chocolate, you can also coat the cookie dough protein balls in white chocolate. White chocolate will make these protein balls sweeter, which makes them a perfect treat for special celebrations and holidays, for example. If using white chocolate, use only a third of the amount of the coconut oil described in the recipe.

Want to turn these Cookie Dough Protein Balls into cake pops? Just add a cake pop stick/lollipop stick right after you have added the sprinkles (and the dough and chocolate is still soft). Cake pops make a nice treat for special occasions, such as birthdays. 

Nutritional Facts

Per one serving (one cookie dough protein ball) you get around 120 calories, 5 grams of fats, 13 grams of carbohydrates, 3 grams of fiber and 3 grams of protein. Depending on the size of the balls, this recipe makes around 8-12 cookie dough protein balls. 

Storage Tips

Store these cookie dough protein balls in the fridge for up to 10 days. If you prefer them room temperature, we recommend placing them in an airtight container and consuming them in 5 days. You can always store them in the freezer as well. Just let them thaw for at least 30 minutes before serving or eating.

Have You Made This Recipe?

If you’ve made this recipe, we’d love to know how it turned out! Share a photo of your homemade cookie dough protein balls on Instagram or Facebook and tag Little West.