I figure for our cookie basket this week I’ll ease you guys in again, this time with something a little healthier.
Now you guys know that I love my butter and sugar and cookies, oh my. You know that I will never flinch in the face of a good buttercream or a cheesecake or custards galore. But even the biggest sweets lover in the world needs a break from those things sometimes.
Sometimes.
And after this past weekend’s baking spree, this is one of those times.
Plus you and all your friends can make fun of the word “balls” all you want. See, I feel it’s imperative to give you permission to do that. I won’t be offended…
These are perfect for little pick-me-ups throughout the day, as a little sweet bite after an indulgent dinner, or if you’re working out hard (lucky!) and need a quick bite beforehand? Grab one or two. I give you permission to eat cookie dough before working out. Because, you know, you needed my permission in the first place 🙂
CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE DOUGH PROTEIN BALLS
- 9 medjool dates, pitted (I can’t stress the pitted part enough…I’m surprised my food processor still works)
- 1 1/4 cup raw cashews
- 3/4 cup oats
- 2 Tbsp maple syrup
- 3 scoops vanilla protein powder (you can certainly use unflavored, but I would suggest trying the “dough” before rolling them into balls to make sure it’s sweet enough…if not, add a bit more maple syrup)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/3 cup chocolate chips
In your food processor finely process the dates. Add the cashews and chop roughly. Add the oats, protein powder, maple syrup and salt and process until everything is finely ground and mixed well. Dump into a bowl and add the chocolate chips – it will be difficult at first, but keep working with your hands to distribute the chips evenly. Roll into balls that are 1 inch in diameter. Store in an airtight container in the fridge and pop one when you’re hungry!
I’m so glad we could come up with something healthy today guys. No promises for the rest of the week though…
karen says
Hi there
Just found this recipe and am so excited to try it. How many TBS is one scoop of protein powder? All my different powders have different size scoops
Thanks
Karen
Heather says
Hey Karen!
My scoop held 3 Tbsp! I hope that helps!
Natalie says
I was wondering how many balls this makes? Thanks!!
Heather says
it all depends on how big you roll them out, but i ended up with about 15-20 or so!
janetha says
Oh man, Heather, these look awesome! I need to get some dates!
TeeKay says
Any idea of the nutritional value of each of these protein balls?
Urban Wife says
I make some cookie dough balls similar to these. It is such a great concept and certainly not as guilt inducing as your typical cookie dough. 🙂
Delishhh says
What a great idea – i should use more of my protein powder. .
JenMarie says
What a neat idea. I wonder how they taste. With vanilla protein, it’s gotta be pretty good, though. Gotta try it!
Kelli H (Made in Sonoma) says
Looks great!
Claire @ Live and Love to Eat says
Love these! I have such a hard time finding raw nuts though that I usually have to use roasted/salted, which add salt and fat. 🙁
AllieNic @ Frisky Lemon says
LOVE THIS! My Crossfit gym is having a pot-luck holiday party this weekend…this is PERFECT! Thanks for sharing!
Ashley says
Ooooh, I like the sound of this!! There is always room for healthy cookies. At breakfast! Yum yum.
Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar says
These are awesome! Dates in cookies make me soooo happy 🙂
Lauren at Keep It Sweet says
Those look fantastic and a welcome change of pace from butter and sugar… although I look forward to more of your butter and sugar filled recipes:-)
Blog is the New Black says
Loving this recipe!
Gina @ Running to the Kitchen says
Love these! No bake dough balls are amazing. I pretty much always have a variation of these at home every week. They’re the sole reason for the gigantic bag of cashews in my pantry 🙂
Krystina says
I feel like there’s no need to have a healthy cookie recipe around the holidays. Bring on the butter. 😉
Olivia H. says
I’m allergic to cashews – do you think I could use something else in place of them? Maybe just more oats?
Gina @ Running to the Kitchen says
Olivia-I’ve made something very similar with almond & oats and they still taste dough ball like!