Cookie Dough Protein Balls (Paleo, Vegan, Nut Free)

Make way for these delicious, low carb Cookie Dough Protein Balls!  This high protein energy ball recipe is Paleo, Vegan, low carb and great for curing any sweet tooth.  These balls are made with sunflower seed butter, pea protein and coated in extra dark chocolate.

Pretty sure you all know my love for truffles and energy balls runs high!  And this recipe combines the two.  As in, these Cookie Dough Protein Balls taste like a dessert (hello cookie dough filling), but are low in sugar and high in protein and healthy fats.

I had a hard time eating just one…or two!  So I’m warning you now, these nut free cookie dough bites are addicting.

But how could they not be?

These balls are filled with a delicious, soft cookie dough filling, coated in extra dark chocolate and topped with a pinch of sea salt.

The sea salt is optional, but adds to the flavor.  Aaaand, makes these balls look like store-bought truffles.

These healthy Vegan cookie dough protein balls are:

• gluten free
• nut free
• dairy free
• Paleo friendly
• low in sugar and carbs
• high in protein
• no bake
• perfect for snacking or dessert
• only a handful of ingredients
• made without dates

With a list like this, what’s not to love?!

So, on to the ingredients.  As I’m sure you’re all wondering what makes these protein balls healthy…but still delicious!

Ingredients in Cookie Dough Protein Balls

These energy balls require just a few simple, every-day ingredients.  They are as follows:

• unsweetened sunflower seed butter (or any creamy nut butter)
• vanilla protein powder (I recommend THIS brand)
• maple syrup (or honey)
• chocolate chips
• vanilla extract (optional)
• water
• flaked sea salt (optional)

Sunflower Seed Butter

To make this recipe not only Vegan and Paleo, but nut free as well, I used sunflower seed butter.  However, any creamy, unsweetened nut or seed butter will work.

Vanilla Protein Powder

This protein ball recipe uses vanilla pea protein powder.  THIS is my favorite brand of pea protein.  I love this brand because it uses high quality ingredients, actually tastes good, is gut friendly, is both Paleo AND Vegan and doesn’t contain any fillers, preservatives or additives.

Sweetener

I recommend adding a little sweetener to this recipe.  Maple syrup or honey are great Paleo options.  However, any liquid sweetener will work.  Or, you may omit the sweetener completely.  Just note, not using a liquid sweetener may mean you need to add more water.

Chocolate Chips

Mini chocolate chips work well in this recipe.  Large chocolate chips or even chopped chocolate (from a chocolate bar) can also be used.  You will need chocolate for both the filling and the coating.  I used mini chocolate chips for the filling and 100% dark chocolate chips for the coating.

How to Make Vegan Cookie Dough Protein Balls

One of the things I love about protein balls and energy bites are that they are super easy to make.  These quick snacks can be part of your weekly meal prep or simply thrown together while you’re cooking dinner.

First, make the filling.  In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine all the filling ingredients.  This includes the sunflower seed butter, vanilla protein, maple syrup, mini chocolate chips, vanilla and water.

Depending on the type and brand of protein powder you use, you may need more or less water.  So, add one tablespoon at a time until you reach a consistency that allows you to roll dough into balls.

Roll the dough into balls approximately one tablespoon in size (making 12-14 balls).  Place the balls on a large plate or small baking sheet.

Transfer the balls to the freezer for 20 minutes to firm up.

Next, prep the dark chocolate coating.  To do this, place the chocolate in a small sauce pan.  Set the sauce pan on the stove top and set the heat to low.  Stir frequently.

Once the chocolate is melted, grab the balls from the freezer and dip them (one at a time) into the chocolate.  Place the balls on a sheet of parchment paper.

Lastly, drizzle the balls with any remaining dark chocolate and sprinkle with flaked sea salt.  Of course, this step is optional, but recommended 😉

Storing Cookie Dough Protein Balls

These Paleo cookie dough balls need to be stored in the fridge or freezer.  They are great for a quick snack, dessert or packed in a lunch.

I love popping a few in packed lunches or just grabbing one in-between meals or post workout.

More Healthy Paleo Protein Ball Recipes

• Nut Free Energy Bites
• Birthday Cake Energy Bites
• Chocolate Covered Collagen Bites

Enjoy!

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