I have to tell you, this Mint Chocolate Chip Protein Balls Recipe quickly became one of my favorite go-to snacks. It’s the perfect little bite of refreshing mint and rich chocolate, balanced by creamy almond butter and oats that keep you feeling full. Plus, these protein balls come together in no time, making them a fantastic grab-and-go option for busy mornings or afternoon pick-me-ups.

When I first tried making these, I was amazed at how simple ingredients could pack such a flavorful punch. Whether you need a post-workout boost or just a healthier sweet treat, you’ll find that this recipe hits the spot every time. I love sharing this Mint Chocolate Chip Protein Balls Recipe with friends because it’s delicious, nutritious, and totally customizable to your taste buds.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and Easy: You can whip these protein balls up in under 30 minutes with minimal effort.
  • Delicious Flavor Combo: The refreshing peppermint paired with dark chocolate chips feels indulgent yet healthy.
  • Versatile Snack: Perfect for breakfast, a midday energy boost, or post-workout refueling.
  • Customizable Ingredients: Easily swap sweeteners or add mix-ins to suit your dietary needs and preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Mint Chocolate Chip Protein Balls Recipe is in its simple, wholesome ingredients that work so well together. Each item brings its own texture and flavor, from creamy almond butter to the subtle minty zing, making each bite a pleasure. When shopping, be sure to choose good-quality almond butter and a protein powder you love since they’re the stars here.

  • Rolled oats: I always use old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture—they help hold everything together without being mushy.
  • Almond butter: Creamy almond butter is my favorite here, but you can use peanut or cashew butter if you prefer.
  • Honey: Adds just the right amount of natural sweetness; for a vegan swap, maple syrup works beautifully.
  • Vanilla protein powder: Vanilla flavor adds a subtle sweetness and boosts the protein content – make sure your powder isn’t overly chalky for best results.
  • Peppermint extract: Just a little goes a long way to create that minty freshness. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste.
  • Mini dark chocolate chips: These add delightful pockets of chocolate; I like dark chocolate for its rich flavor and antioxidants.
  • Unsweetened almond milk: Helps to loosen the mixture if it feels too dry – add slowly until you reach a sticky but workable consistency.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love experimenting with this Mint Chocolate Chip Protein Balls Recipe. It’s so easy to tailor it to your liking, whether by swapping ingredients or adding something new to the mix. Feel free to get creative—once you find your favorite version, these will be even more irresistible.

  • Vegan Version: I swapped honey for maple syrup once for a vegan-friendly snack and honestly, it was just as tasty and slightly more mellow in sweetness.
  • Extra Protein Boost: Adding a tablespoon of chia seeds or flaxseeds gives these an extra nutritional punch and lovely texture.
  • Nut-Free Variation: Use sunflower seed butter if you need to avoid nuts—I’ve done this for my niece, and it was a hit.
  • Different Extracts: Sometimes I like to play with almond or orange extract instead of peppermint for a fun twist.

How to Make Mint Chocolate Chip Protein Balls Recipe

Step 1: Mix Your Base Ingredients

Start by adding the rolled oats, almond butter, honey, vanilla protein powder, and peppermint extract into a large bowl. Use a sturdy spoon or your hands to mix everything together thoroughly. You want the mixture to be sticky but not dry—if it feels crumbly, slowly add 1 tablespoon of unsweetened almond milk at a time until it comes together.

Step 2: Fold in the Chocolate Chips

Once your mixture is just right, gently fold in the mini dark chocolate chips to distribute those little bursts of chocolate throughout the dough. Be careful not to overmix—you want those chips to stay nestled in without melting or breaking apart.

Step 3: Roll into Balls

Grab about a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it between your palms to form a smooth ball. If the mixture feels too sticky, I like to chill it in the fridge for 5–10 minutes first—it makes rolling so much easier and less messy. Place your formed balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or plate as you go.

Step 4: Chill to Set

Pop the tray in the fridge for at least 20 minutes to let the protein balls firm up. This chilling step is important because it helps everything bind together and makes them easier to store and eat. After that, you’re ready to snack or store them in an airtight container.

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Pro Tips for Making Mint Chocolate Chip Protein Balls Recipe

  • Start with Good Protein Powder: I learned the hard way that chalky protein powders really affect texture—go for a smooth vanilla whey or plant-based powder.
  • Adjust Peppermint Extract Slowly: This flavor can overpower if you add too much, so add in small increments and taste as you go.
  • Chill Before Rolling: If your hands are warm or the mixture is sticky, chilling makes rolling cleaner and quicker.
  • Use Parchment Paper for Easy Clean-Up: Lining your tray means no sticking and hassle-free storage prep.

How to Serve Mint Chocolate Chip Protein Balls Recipe

The image shows four round truffle balls placed on a white marble surface. Each truffle ball has a green base layer with a smooth texture, covered with a rough topping of small dark brown chocolate flakes and tiny tan nut pieces evenly spread around the surface. Around the truffles, there are scattered dark brown chocolate drops adding to the visual appeal. The focus is clear on the front truffle, with a soft blur on the ones in the back. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 6.1

Garnishes

I often sprinkle a tiny pinch of crushed peppermint leaves or finely chopped fresh mint on top when I serve these at parties—it amps up the mint flavor and looks super fresh. Another favorite is rolling them lightly in cocoa powder or finely chopped nuts for a decorative touch that adds texture.

Side Dishes

These protein balls pair nicely with a crisp green salad or a refreshing fruit bowl for a balanced snack. If I’m bringing them to a brunch, I like serving alongside yogurt or cottage cheese to round out the protein content and keep everyone satisfied longer.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I arrange these protein balls on beautiful tiered trays with little mint sprigs tucked in between. Another fun idea is to individually wrap them in colorful parchment papers and tie with twine—makes a charming homemade gift that friends really appreciate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep my Mint Chocolate Chip Protein Balls in an airtight container in the fridge, where they stay fresh for up to a week. They firm up nicely and taste just as good as the day I made them. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature if you want them a bit softer before eating.

Freezing

Freezing these protein balls works wonderfully! I place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw in the fridge overnight or leave them out for 20 minutes for a quick snack fix.

Reheating

These don’t need reheating per se, but if you prefer them softer, I recommend warming gently in the microwave for about 10 seconds or letting sit at room temperature after taking them out of the fridge. This helps soften the almond butter and enhances the flavors wonderfully.

FAQs

  1. Can I make this Mint Chocolate Chip Protein Balls Recipe gluten-free?

    Absolutely! Rolled oats are naturally gluten-free, but if you want to be sure, look for oats labeled as gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination. The rest of the ingredients are gluten-free by nature.

  2. How long will these protein balls last in the fridge?

    I recommend storing them for up to one week in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Beyond that, they may dry out or lose freshness, though freezing can extend their shelf life.

  3. Can I substitute the almond butter with another nut butter?

    Yes! I’ve tried peanut butter, cashew butter, and even sunflower seed butter if you have nut allergies. Each brings a slightly different flavor but works perfectly for this recipe.

  4. Is it possible to make these without protein powder?

    You can omit the protein powder, but the texture and protein content will change. To compensate, try adding extra oats or some ground flaxseed for a bit more bulk and nutrition.

  5. How can I adjust the mint flavor if I don’t like it too strong?

    Start with just a quarter of the suggested peppermint extract and taste the mixture before adding more. Mint extract can be quite potent, so adding it gradually helps you control the intensity.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Mint Chocolate Chip Protein Balls Recipe turns out—it’s one of those recipes that feels healthy but satisfies your sweet tooth in the best way. Every time I make a batch, my family goes crazy for them and often asks for more. I really hope you’ll give these a try and discover how easy it is to whip up your own little bites of minty chocolate goodness. Trust me, once you master these, you’ll have a go-to snack that’s both nourishing and delicious.

Print
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Mint Chocolate Chip Protein Balls Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 60 reviews
  • Author: Julia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12–15 balls
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Mint Chocolate Chip Protein Balls are a quick, no-bake, nutrient-dense snack combining the refreshing flavor of peppermint with the richness of dark chocolate and the wholesome goodness of oats and almond butter. Perfect for a post-workout boost or a healthy treat anytime.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup (50g) rolled oats
  • 1/4 cup (30g) vanilla protein powder
  • 1/4 cup (40g) mini dark chocolate chips

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup (240g) almond butter
  • 2 tbsp (42g) honey
  • 1/4 tsp peppermint extract
  • 1-2 tbsp (15-30ml) unsweetened almond milk (if needed)

Instructions

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, almond butter, honey, vanilla protein powder, and peppermint extract. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
  2. Adjust Consistency: If the mixture is too dry or crumbly, add unsweetened almond milk, one tablespoon at a time, mixing after each addition, until the mixture reaches a pliable, sticky consistency suitable for shaping.
  3. Add Chocolate Chips: Gently fold the mini dark chocolate chips into the mixture, ensuring they are evenly distributed without melting or breaking.
  4. Form Balls: Using a tablespoon measure, scoop out portions of the mixture and roll them between your palms into smooth balls. Repeat until all mixture is used, making approximately 12 to 15 balls.
  5. Chill: Place the formed protein balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to allow them to firm up properly.
  6. Store and Serve: Transfer the chilled protein balls to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to one week. Enjoy as a nutritious snack anytime.

Notes

  • For a vegan option, substitute honey with maple syrup.
  • If the mixture is too sticky to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for 5-10 minutes before rolling.
  • Adjust the amount of peppermint extract based on your flavor preference.
  • For added nutrition and protein, consider adding chia seeds or flax seeds to the mixture.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 ball
  • Calories: 120
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 10mg
  • Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

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