These chocolate covered protein balls are the kind of snack that makes healthy eating feel like a treat. Made with simple, wholesome ingredients, they’re packed with protein, healthy fats, and fiber—so you get energy without the sugar crash. They’re perfect for meal prep, easy to stash in the fridge, and ready to grab whenever hunger strikes!
Protein: 5 grams per protein ball
The protein in these comes from almond flour, powdered peanut butter, flaxseed, and a bit from the dark chocolate. I love how easy they are to make—just mix, roll, chill, and coat in chocolate. The combination of peanut butter and chocolate is classic, and they taste like little bites of cookie dough!
Contents
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Why you will love this recipe
- Easy to make: Just mix, roll, and dip in chocolate. No baking required!
- Protein-packed: Made with almond flour, peanut butter, and flax for extra grams of protein.
- Naturally sweetened: No added sugar, just a touch of stevia.
- Customizable: Use different nut butters, protein powders, or chocolate coatings.
- Perfect texture: Soft and chewy inside with a crisp chocolate shell.
Key ingredients and substitutions
- Old Fashioned oats: Adds texture and fiber. Use oat flour for a smoother consistency.
- Almond flour: The base of the dough, keeping it soft and protein-rich.
- Powdered peanut butter: Gives that peanut butter flavor with extra protein.
- Filtered milk: Helps bind everything together. Use almond, oat, or any plant-based milk for a dairy-free option.
- Ground flaxseed: A great source of fiber and healthy fats.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor and gives a slight sweetness.
- Salt: A pinch balances the flavors.
- Liquid stevia: Naturally sweetens without added sugar. Honey or maple syrup can work but will change the texture.
- Dark chocolate: Melts into the perfect chocolate coating. Semi-sweet, milk, or white chocolate can be used instead.
- Refined coconut oil: Helps create a smooth, glossy chocolate coating. Use a little vegetable oil if needed.
How to make chocolate peanut butter protein balls
- Mix the ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the old-fashioned oats, almond flour, powdered peanut butter, ground flaxseed, vanilla extract, salt, and filtered milk. Stir everything together with a wooden spoon until a thick dough forms. A food processor works here too.
- Taste and adjust: Give the mixture a quick taste and add more liquid stevia if you’d like it sweeter.
- Roll into balls: Use a small cookie scoop or your hands to roll the dough into 1-inch balls. If the dough is sticky, wet your hands slightly to make rolling easier.
- Chill the balls: Place them on a parchment-lined plate and pop them in the freezer for 15 minutes. This helps them firm up for dipping.
- Melt the chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the dark chocolate in 30-second increments, stirring in between. In a separate bowl, melt the coconut oil. Once both are melted, mix them together until smooth.
- Dip in chocolate: Use two forks to dip each protein ball into the melted chocolate. Let the excess drip off before placing it back on the parchment paper.
- Set the coating: Transfer the coated balls to the freezer for about 10 minutes, or until the chocolate hardens completely.
- Enjoy or store: Dig in right away, or keep them in the fridge for later!
Recipe notes and tips
- Protein boost: Swap in vanilla or chocolate protein powder for extra grams of protein.
- Texture tip: If the mixture is too dry, add a splash more milk. If too wet, a bit more almond flour will help.
- Chocolate coating trick: If the melted chocolate starts thickening while dipping, reheat it for a few seconds to keep it smooth.
- Mess-free dipping: Use a fork to coat the balls and tap off excess chocolate for a clean finish.
- Extra crunch: Roll the chocolate-covered balls in crushed nuts, shredded coconut, or chia seeds before the chocolate hardens.
Storage instructions
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
- Freezer: Keep them in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before eating.
- Layering Tip: If stacking in a container, place wax paper or parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
- Grab-and-Go: Store in portioned snack bags for an easy, on-the-go healthy treat.
Variations
- White Chocolate: Swap dark chocolate for melted white chocolate for a sweeter coating.
- Crunchy Texture: Stir in crushed nuts, cacao nibs, or mini dark chocolate chips into the dough for extra crunch.
- Low-Carb Option: Use extra almond flour instead of oats for a lower-carb version.
- Lactation Snack: Add brewers’ yeast and extra flax seeds for a breastfeeding-friendly energy boost.
- Energy Balls: Mix in a teaspoon of instant coffee or espresso powder to the dough for a caffeine kick.
- Coconut Dream: Add shredded coconut to the mixture and sprinkle more on top of the chocolate coating.
What to serve with chocolate protein balls
- Smoothies: Pair with a protein-packed smoothie like banana peanut butter or chocolate almond.
- Yogurt bowls: Crumble a protein ball over Greek yogurt with fresh berries and a drizzle of honey.
- Coffee or tea: Enjoy with your morning coffee or afternoon matcha for a balanced snack.
- Nut butter drizzle: Dip or drizzle with extra natural peanut butter, almond butter, or cashew butter for extra richness.
- Fresh fruit: Serve with sliced bananas, strawberries, or apple wedges for a naturally sweet combo.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a different protein powder?
Yes! Whey, pea protein, or chocolate protein powder all work. Just adjust the liquid if needed to get the right dough consistency.
Why is my dough too dry?
Add a splash of milk or a little runny nut butter to bring it together.
Can I skip the chocolate coating?
Of course! They’ll still be delicious and packed with protein, just without the chocolate shell.
What if I don’t have liquid stevia?
Use honey, maple syrup, or another liquid sweetener—just adjust the dry ingredients to keep the texture right.
More sweet snack recipes you will love
- Snickers Frozen Cottage Cheese Bark
- Soft-Serve Vanilla Protein Ice Cream (Ninja Creami)
- Peanut Butter Protein Balls
- Protein Chocolate Spread (Nutella)
- Healthy Banana and Chocolate Chip Muffins
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Chocolate-Covered Peanut Butter Protein Balls
These chocolate-covered protein balls are a delicious and satisfying snack made with simple ingredients. They’re packed with protein, healthy fats, and fiber to keep you fueled throughout the day. Perfect for meal prep, they make a great grab-and-go option!
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1.5 cups almond flour
- 3/4 cup powdered peanut butter - like PB2 or PBfit
- 1/2 cup filtered milk - fat free fairlife or arla bob
- 1/4 cup ground flaxseed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 10-20 drops liquid stevia - add to taste
- 3.5 oz dark chocolate - melted
- 1 tablespoon refined coconut oil - melted
Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients to a medium mixing bowl, and mix well with a wooden spoon.1/4 cup old-fashioned oats, 1.5 cups almond flour, 3/4 cup powdered peanut butter, 1/2 cup filtered milk, 1/4 cup ground flaxseed, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/8 teaspoon salt, 10-20 drops liquid stevia
- Taste and add extra liquid stevia if needed.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch-sized balls and place them in the freezer to chill for 15 minutes.
- While they're chilling, melt the dark chocolate in 30 second intervals. Melt the coconut oil in a separate bowl (you can put these in the microwave at the same time). Mix the melted chocolate and coconut oil together. It should be very runny.3.5 oz dark chocolate, 1 tablespoon refined coconut oil
- Remove the protein balls from the freezer and dip each one, one at a time, in the melted chocolate. Use two forks to remove the ball, gently tapping it to remove the excess chocolate.
- Place the chocolate covered balls on parchment paper and then chill in the freezer for 10 minutes, or until they're hard.
- Dig in and enjoy or chill in the fridge for later!
Notes
- Protein boost: Swap in vanilla or chocolate protein powder for extra grams of protein.
- Texture tip: If the mixture is too dry, add a splash more milk. If too wet, a bit more almond flour will help.
- Chocolate coating trick: If the melted chocolate starts thickening while dipping, reheat it for a few seconds to keep it smooth.
- Mess-free dipping: Use a fork to coat the balls and tap off excess chocolate for a clean finish.
- Extra crunch: Roll the chocolate-covered balls in crushed nuts, shredded coconut, or chia seeds before the chocolate hardens.
Storage instructions
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
- Freezer: Keep them in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before eating.
- Layering Tip: If stacking in a container, place wax paper or parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
- Grab-and-Go: Store in portioned snack bags for an easy, on-the-go healthy treat.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 126kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.002g | Cholesterol: 0.3mg | Sodium: 53mg | Potassium: 73mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 22IU | Vitamin C: 0.01mg | Calcium: 44mg | Iron: 1mg
