I always double this recipe because these protein balls keep beautifully in the freezer for a quick grab-and-go snack anytime a craving strikes. Having a stash of the best monster cookie protein balls on hand is my ultimate secret for staying on track with healthy eating. They taste like a treat but fuel your body like a champion, making them one of the best meal prep snacks I’ve ever created. They’re the perfect solution for that 3 p.m. slump, a pre-workout boost, or a lunchbox surprise that feels like a little celebration.
Table of Contents
Best Monster Cookie Protein Balls
These protein balls are a quick, no-bake snack that tastes like a treat but fuels your body with wholesome ingredients. Perfect for meal prep, they keep beautifully in the freezer for a grab-and-go energy boost anytime. They are family-friendly and highly customizable to suit various dietary needs.
- Prep Time: 15min
- Cook Time: 0min
- Total Time: 15min
- Yield: About 18 balls 1x
- Category: snack
- Method: no-bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free option
Ingredients
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats (use gluten-free if needed)
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/3 cup honey or pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup vanilla or chocolate protein powder
- 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup M&M’s candies
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- A pinch of fine sea salt
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine oats, protein powder, ground flaxseed, and salt. Stir well.
- Add peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly with a spatula or hands until uniform.
- Fold in mini chocolate chips and M&M’s until evenly distributed.
- Scoop about 1 tablespoon of mixture and roll firmly into a ball. Repeat with remaining mixture.
- Place balls on a parchment-lined plate and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
Notes
For easier rolling, chill mixture 15-20 minutes if sticky. Store in an airtight container in fridge up to 2 weeks or freeze up to 3 months. For vegan version, use maple syrup, vegan protein powder, and dairy-free chocolate/candies.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 60
- Fat: 5
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Unsaturated Fat: 2
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 5
- Cholesterol: 5
Ingredients List
Best Monster Cookie Protein Balls start with a simple, wholesome lineup. You likely have most of these ingredients in your pantry already, which makes whipping up a batch feel effortless.
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats (use gluten-free if needed)
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (or any nut or seed butter you love)
- 1/3 cup honey or pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup vanilla or chocolate protein powder
- 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup M&M’s candies
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- A pinch of fine sea salt
For a fun twist, you could add a handful of raisins or chopped pretzels to create your own version of trail mix protein balls.
Timing
This is one of the fastest recipes you’ll ever make. From pantry to plate in minutes, it’s the definition of a quick, healthy win.
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 0 minutes
- Total time: 15 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making these high protein balls with protein powder is a simple, no-fuss process. It’s a fantastic recipe to make with kids, as there’s no heat involved and it’s a little like playing with edible playdough.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the old-fashioned oats, protein powder, ground flaxseed, and a pinch of salt. Stir these dry ingredients together until they are well mixed.
- To the same bowl, add the creamy peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract. Using a sturdy spatula or your clean hands, mix everything together. It will be thick and might require a bit of arm muscle, but keep going until no dry spots remain.
- Once the base mixture is uniform, fold in the mini chocolate chips and M&M’s. This is what gives you those classic monster bites flavor and fun, colorful specks.
- Scoop out about a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it firmly between your palms to form a ball. If the mixture is too sticky, chilling it in the fridge for 15-20 minutes can make rolling easier. Place each finished ball on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- For the best texture, transfer the plate of rolled best monster cookie protein balls to the refrigerator and let them set for at least 30 minutes. This allows the oats to soften slightly and all the flavors to meld together perfectly.
Nutritional Information
These clean energy balls are not only delicious but also packed with sustained energy. Per ball (approximate, makes about 18 balls):
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fat: 5g
- Fiber: 2g
They provide a great balance of complex carbs from the oats, healthy fats from the peanut butter, and a protein punch to keep you full and satisfied, making them ideal high calorie protein balls for active days.
Equipment Needed
You don’t need any fancy gadgets for the best energy balls recipe. A simple setup gets the job done beautifully.
- One medium mixing bowl
- A sturdy spatula (or your hands!)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- A plate or baking sheet
- Parchment paper (optional, but helpful for preventing sticking)
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe has become a staple in my kitchen for so many reasons, and I know you’ll love it too.
- Incredibly Fast: From start to finish in 15 minutes, it’s the ultimate quick fix for a healthy craving.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This is truly one of the best meal prep snacks. Make a double batch on Sunday and have snacks ready for the entire week.
- Kid-Approved: These are the ultimate protein balls kids healthy snacks. They think they’re getting a candy-filled treat, and you know they’re getting wholesome nutrition.
- Highly Customizable: Don’t have M&M’s? Use dried cranberries. Out of peanut butter? Almond butter works wonderfully. It’s a forgiving and flexible recipe.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
You can easily tailor these best monster cookie protein balls to fit various dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.
- For a Sugar-Free Version: Use a sugar-free maple syrup alternative and sugar-free chocolate chips and candies.
- For a Nut-Free Version: Swap the peanut butter for sunflower seed butter.
- To Boost Protein: Add an extra scoop of your favorite protein powder. You may need to add a teaspoon or two of milk or water if the mixture becomes too dry.
- For a Vegan Version: Use maple syrup, vegan protein powder, and ensure your chocolate chips and candies are dairy-free.
Serving Suggestions
While these best monster cookie protein balls are fantastic straight from the fridge, here are a few ways to enjoy them.
- Pack them in lunchboxes for a midday energy boost.
- Place a platter of them out as one of your snacks for party healthy options—they’re always a hit.
- Crumble one over a bowl of Greek yogurt for a protein-packed parfait.
- Enjoy two with a glass of milk for a balanced mini-meal. If you love this no-bake format, you might also enjoy my No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Balls or these festive New Years Eve Cake Ball Drops.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
A few small tips can ensure your protein balls turn out perfect every single time.
- Using Instant Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats provide the best chewy texture. Instant oats can become too mushy.
- Skipping the Chill Time: The 30-minute chill is not just a suggestion. It’s crucial for the balls to firm up and hold their shape.
- Over-measuring Wet Ingredients: If you add a little too much honey or peanut butter, the mixture can become too sticky and difficult to roll. If this happens, just add a few more tablespoons of oats or protein powder to balance it out.
- Not Mixing Thoroughly: Take the time to really mix until the dough is uniform. This prevents dry, crumbly spots in your finished best monster cookie protein balls.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
Keeping your high protein balls with protein powder fresh is simple, and they are a dream for freezer meal prep.
- Refrigerator: Store the balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezer: For long-term storage, place the rolled balls on a baking sheet and flash-freeze for one hour. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. They will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 15 minutes or grab one straight from the freezer—it will thaw by lunchtime! For more no-bake treats that store beautifully, check out my No-Bake Gingerbread Cheesecake Cups.
Conclusion
These truly are the best monster cookie protein balls—a little bit indulgent, a whole lot nutritious, and incredibly easy to make. They prove that healthy snacks don’t have to be boring and that the best energy balls recipe is one that everyone in the family will love. I hope this recipe becomes a trusted go-to in your kitchen, just like my Oreo Balls and Pumpkin Cheesecake Bites have in mine.
I’d love to hear how your batch turns out. What fun mix-ins did you try? Share your creations with me, and don’t forget to save this recipe for your next snack emergency. Happy, healthy snacking.
FAQs about Best Monster Cookie Protein Balls
How do you make monster cookie protein balls stick together?
The stickiness typically comes from a combination of wet ingredients like peanut butter (or other nut/seed butter), honey/maple syrup, and potentially a little milk or water if the mixture is too dry. Ensure ingredients are well-mixed and pressed firmly. Chilling the dough also helps them set before forming.
Are monster cookie protein balls healthy?
When made with quality ingredients, yes. They offer a good source of protein, healthy fats, and often fiber. While they contain some sugar (from chocolate chips/M&M’s), they are generally a more nutritious snack option than traditional monster cookies, especially if made with mindful portion sizes and reduced added sugars.
What ingredients are in monster cookie protein balls?
Typical ingredients include a base of rolled oats, protein powder, peanut butter, and a sweetener like honey or maple syrup. For the signature “monster cookie” flavor, mini chocolate chips, M&M’s, and sometimes a touch of vanilla extract are added.
Can I substitute ingredients in monster cookie protein balls?
Absolutely. You can swap peanut butter for almond butter or a seed butter (like sunflower seed butter). Honey can be replaced with maple syrup or agave. Different protein powders work, though whey or casein tend to bind best. Oats are fairly essential, but you can experiment with gluten-free certified oats.
How long do monster cookie protein balls last?
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, monster cookie protein balls typically last for 1-2 weeks. For longer storage, they can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator or at room temperature before enjoying.
Are monster cookie protein balls good for pre-workout?
Yes, they can be an excellent pre-workout snack. The oats provide complex carbohydrates for sustained energy, while the protein helps protect muscles during exercise. The healthy fats offer additional energy, making them a balanced and convenient option about 30-60 minutes before a workout.
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