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    Home » Recipes » Snacks

    Published: May 15, 2017 · Modified: Apr 8, 2021 by Mary Ellen · THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS · AS AN AMAZON ASSOCIATE I EARN FROM QUALIFYING PURCHASES.

    Vegan Cookie Dough Protein Balls

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    Healthier than cookie dough, my Vegan Cookie Dough Protein Balls are made with plant-based protein powder and are low in sugar for a tasty treat the whole family will love. Enjoy these no-bake treats after a workout, for an easy snack, or when the sugar cravings hit! 

     Vegan Cookie Dough Protein Balls

    A healthy vegan snack that tastes like dessert and keeps me full for hours? Sign me up! 

    These delicious Vegan Cookie Dough Protein Balls are made with your healthy, refined sugar-free ingredients and are perfect to combat unexpected sugar cravings. They’re full of protein and low in sugar for a tasty treat the whole family will love. 

    You’re going to love these vegan protein balls because they’re:

    • So easy!
    • A no-bake recipe
    • Made with only 7 ingredients
    • Healthier than real cookie dough!

    Cookie dough protein bites are flexible and don’t require any baking. You can add fun mix-ins to the dough like chopped nuts or dried fruit to increase the flavor before rolling them up and popping one in your mouth. The balls store well in the fridge and can even be frozen for later.
    If you love having an easy and filling snack ready to eat at all times, then you’ll need to make my Chocolate Cherry Protein Balls or my Vanilla Almond Balls as well. It’s so great to always have an entire platter of healthy vegan treats at the ready!

    Jump to:
    • Are protein balls bad for you?
    • Ingredients and substitutions
    • How to make cookie dough energy balls
    • Tips and customizing
    • Make ahead chocolate chip cookie dough protein balls
    • Can you freeze cookie dough protein balls?
    • More protein-packed vegan snacks
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Reviews

    Are protein balls bad for you?

    Not these protein balls! I used almond flour and vanilla protein powder as the base of my balls to give them extra protein. They’re still decadent and sweet thanks to natural maple syrup and mini vegan chocolate chips.

    These healthy cookie dough balls are not bad for you, have lots of good fats, and enough protein to help you feel satisfied after 1 or 2. The ingredients will reduce the blood sugar spike you’d get from a handful of regular raw cookie dough but still, moderation is key. I wouldn’t down 12 of these puppies in one sitting.

    vegan cookie dough ingredients

    Ingredients and substitutions

    All you need are plant-based baking staples and some extra protein to make this recipe: 

    • Almond flour - These balls need to be made with flour to give them the realistic cookie dough taste and texture. Almond flour binds everything together while lending a nutty flavor and additional protein. If you don’t have any at home, you can sub oat flour, chickpea flour, or quinoa flour. DO NOT sub in coconut flour - that will make the balls dry and fall apart.
    • Vanilla protein powder - Protein is important in every diet and not just vegans! Mixing powdered protein into energy balls, smoothies, shakes, and more is an easy way to keep you going for hours. Plus, the vanilla flavoring makes the balls extra sweet! If you don't have vanilla protein powder, you can sub plain protein powder (just add a little extra vanilla extract) or chocolate protein powder for a double-chocolate-flavored cookie dough.
    • Mini vegan chocolate chips - I like the Enjoy Life brand but use any kind you like.
    • Almond butter - Or you can use natural peanut butter or seed butter instead.
    • Maple syrup - To give the cookie dough a little bit of natural sweetness.
    • Dairy-free milk - I usually use almond milk but any non-dairy milk would work.
    • Vanilla extract - For flavor!

    How to make cookie dough energy balls

    This easy no-bake vegan recipe takes minutes to make. As a bonus, the balls stay fresh all week long. Bring them to work, the gym, or carry some in your purse for an easy and filling snack. Here’s how this recipe comes together: 

    Make the cookie dough

    Mix the dry and wet ingredients in separate large bowls. Pour the wet into the dry and mix until the dough forms.

    Roll the balls

    Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to scoop 1 inch balls from the dough. Roll them in your hands to smooth out the edges, then store away or enjoy!

    Tips and customizing

    • Is the dough too thick? Add a little bit of milk at a time until you reach the desired consistency (it should be a thick, sticky cookie dough).
    • To make the protein balls nut-free, replace the almond flour with quinoa or oat flour, and the nut butter with seed butter or tahini. Make sure you use nut-free plant milk as well.
    • Customize the flavors! You can easily add more mix-ins to this recipe, like rolled oats, coconut flakes, cinnamon sugar, finely chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even sprinkles. To give them a boost of chocolate, roll the balls in melted vegan chocolate and pop them in the freezer until the chocolate is set.
     Vegan Cookie Dough Protein Balls

    Make ahead chocolate chip cookie dough protein balls

    This feel good snack was made to be enjoyed all week long. To prepare a batch of vegan protein balls ahead of time, make the recipe as normal and store a few balls in separate containers in the fridge for an easy grab-and-go snack. They’ll stay fresh for up to 1 week.

    Can you freeze cookie dough protein balls?

    I haven’t tested it but cookie dough balls should freeze quite well. Make a batch in bulk and store them in freezer-safe bags or containers. They should freeze nicely for up to 3 or 4 months. When it’s time to eat, let the balls thaw completely in the fridge.

     Vegan Cookie Dough Protein Balls

    More protein-packed vegan snacks

    Stay full while getting your daily dose of vitamins and nutrients with these delicious vegan snacks:

    • Snickerdoodle Hummus Dip - Like a healthier version of a cinnamon sugar cookie!
    • Chocolate Protein Balls - A hit of chocolatey goodness that will keep you full.
    • Port Wine Cheese Ball - Party-ready vegan cheese made from cashews and port wine.
    • Sweet Pumpkin Hummus - This dip is so tasty, you’ll have a hard time believing that it’s healthy!

    If you make this recipe and LOVE IT, please give it 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐!

    📖 Recipe

    Vegan Cookie Dough Protein Balls

    Author: Mary Ellen Valverde | VNutrition
    A healthy cookie dough? That's right! My Vegan Cookie Dough Protein Balls are a delicious snack when a sweet craving hits. They're full of protein and low in sugar for a tasty treat the whole family will love. 
    4.60 from 10 votes
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    Prep Time 15 mins
    Total Time 15 mins
    Course Snack
    Cuisine American
    Servings 16
    Calories 86 kcal
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    Ingredients
      

    • ¾ cup finely ground almond flour
    • ½ cup vanilla protein powder
    • 3 Tablespoons mini vegan chocolate chips
    • 4 Tablespoons almond butter or peanut butter
    • 2 Tablespoons maple syrup
    • 4 Tablespoons dairy-free milk more if needed
    • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

    Instructions
     

    • Mix dry ingredients together (almond flour, protein powder, choc chips) in a large bowl.
    • In a separate bowl add the rest of the ingredients together (wet ingredients). 
    • Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and incorporate until a dough forms. Add more milk if necessary. You want it the consistency of a cookie dough. 
    • Make 1" size balls with your hands. 
    • Store in fridge for up to 5 days. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 86kcalCarbohydrates: 6.4gProtein: 3.6gFat: 5.7gFiber: 1.1gCalcium: 24mgIron: 0.5mg

    PLEASE NOTE: Nutritional information data is computer generated and only an estimate so it should be used only as a guide.

    Mary Ellen

    Mary Ellen Valverde MS, CNS, LDN is a Licensed Nutritionist and Certified Nutrition Specialist who empowers vegans to feel clear and confident about what is uniquely nourishing to them. Mary Ellen's recipes and nutrition information have been featured on Yahoo News, Parade, VegNews, LIVESTRONG, Dr. Axe, Greatist, LIVEKINDLY, Brit+Co, Well+Good, and more. 

    More Vegan Snack Recipes

    • Sweet Pumpkin Hummus {dairy & gluten free}
    • Easy Vegan Cheese Ball
    • Chocolate Cherry Protein Balls with Chopped Almonds
    • Vegan Cheesy Potato Wedges in the Air Fryer {GF}
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    Comments

    1. Juniper says

      December 07, 2021 at 5:19 pm

      If I am allergic to almonds, could I use peanut butter instead?

      Reply
      • Mary Ellen Valverde | VNutrition says

        December 08, 2021 at 12:47 pm

        Hi Juniper! Yes, you can sub in peanut butter. They might be a little less sweet but I feel like you can't go wrong with the classic PB and chocolate combo!

        Reply
    2. R Singh says

      August 17, 2020 at 12:39 pm

      Hi
      Can you freeze them?

      Reply
      • Mary Ellen says

        August 18, 2020 at 3:43 pm

        Hi! I've never frozen them myself but I don't know why it wouldn't work. If you do freeze them, let me know how it goes!

        Reply
    3. E Spaulding says

      January 16, 2019 at 9:22 pm

      5 stars
      These were amazing! We are trying to get healthier in my household, and these sounded delicious. I used Orgain Vanilla Bean protein powder. My 5 year old kept grabbing some out of the bowl and eating. Thank you!

      Reply
      • Mary Ellen says

        January 17, 2019 at 7:58 am

        So glad you and your little one enjoyed them! I haven't try that brand of protein powder before but I'll look around for it to try. Thanks so much for posting to let me know. 🙂

        Reply
    4. Alex says

      March 04, 2018 at 3:54 am

      Hi!
      I really want to make these but i dont have vanilla protein powder. Could i substitute it with maca powder and a bit of vanilla extract do you think?

      Thanks 🙂 xxxx

      Reply
      • Mary Ellen says

        March 04, 2018 at 10:52 am

        Hmmm, that might work. I haven't tried it before so I can't say for sure but if do try it, let me know!

        Reply
    5. Kimmythevegan says

      May 31, 2017 at 11:41 pm

      I just made a batch of your vanilla almond date balls actually haha. I look forward to trying these out too. I feel like the best way to get through the work day is to pack snack balls like these =)

      Reply
      • Mary Ellen says

        June 01, 2017 at 7:47 pm

        It's the only way I get through the afternoon!

        Reply
    6. Christine @ Run Plant Based says

      May 22, 2017 at 9:16 am

      Wow, these look wonderful - a much healthier version. Thanks! I have vanilla peanut powder, wonder if that would work in place of the almond flour.

      Reply
      • Mary Ellen says

        May 22, 2017 at 1:13 pm

        Thanks so much Christine! Oooh if you do try the peanut powder let me know it tastes, I think that would be good. 🙂

        Reply
    7. Sarah says

      May 22, 2017 at 1:13 am

      Yes! I totally love cookie dough! These look perfect!

      Reply
      • Mary Ellen says

        May 22, 2017 at 8:12 am

        Thanks so much Sarah!

        Reply
    8. Jenn says

      May 18, 2017 at 3:05 pm

      These sound amazing! I know I shouldn't eat all 12, but I just might! 🙂

      Reply
      • Mary Ellen says

        May 19, 2017 at 1:34 pm

        Thanks Jenn! I think I ate 4 in one sitting once - I actually thought I'd eat more (I've been known to down at least half a container of regular cookie dough) but they filled me up too much!

        Reply
    9. Amy Katz from Veggies Save The Day says

      May 17, 2017 at 7:28 pm

      5 stars
      These look really delicious, Mary Ellen! I'm allergic to almonds, but I'm sure I can figure out a substitute for the flour.

      Reply
      • Mary Ellen says

        May 18, 2017 at 7:43 am

        Thanks Amy! I've used quinoa flour before and they're just as tasty!

        Reply
    10. Julie @ Running in a Skirt says

      May 17, 2017 at 9:22 am

      5 stars
      LOVE cookie dough! When I got to college my form of rebelling was buying a whole tube to keep in the fridge and eat raw.... lol. This recipe probably would have been a much better idea. 🙂

      Reply
      • Mary Ellen says

        May 17, 2017 at 9:35 am

        Haha! That's a fun way to rebel!

        Reply
    11. Dianne says

      May 16, 2017 at 3:22 pm

      I'm feeling snacky right now – a few of these would really hit the spot!

      Reply
      • Mary Ellen says

        May 17, 2017 at 9:34 am

        They always do for me!

        Reply
    12. Kate says

      May 16, 2017 at 9:22 am

      These look amazing! In fact, they look like the healthy version of Timbits (donut holes) but even better. I'm going to make some tonight I think, so that I can take some to work tomorrow... Yum!

      Reply
      • Mary Ellen says

        May 16, 2017 at 11:51 am

        Kate, thanks so much! I've never heard of Timbits before! They sound tasty! Let me know what you think! I love taking them to work for a not-so-naughty snack. 🙂

        Reply
        • kateringforveggies says

          May 16, 2017 at 5:13 pm

          I'm so sad right now... I don't have any almond flour! I'm buying some tomorrow for sure.

          When you come to Canada eventually, you'll see the Timbits are everywhere! I made a vegan version for the blog last year so I'll have to make you some. 😊

          Reply
          • Mary Ellen says

            May 17, 2017 at 9:34 am

            Yes, I need to try those timbits! They sound so fun!
            I seem to use a lot of almond flour. I'm mostly gluten free so that comes in handy. You could probably use regular flour if you have it, I just haven't tried it with normal flour.

            Reply

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