Monster Cookie Protein Balls
These no bake, Monster Cookie Protein Balls are the kind of snack that feels like a treat, but they fill you up and deliver a protein packed energy kick.
Why You’ll Love This Protein Ball Recipe
These little guys are basically cookie dough meets energy bites, and honestly, that is a relationship I fully support. They taste like cookie dough, but a couple of them will secretly fuel you for the next couple of hours.
They have that classic monster cookie flavor (peanut butter, oats, chocolate pieces, mini M&M’s, and a hint of vanilla)without the bake time. They come together with minimal ingredients, no baking, and zero fuss.
They make a perfect snack on long days, after school, before sports practice, lunchboxes, road trips, or for when you just need something sweet.
These monster cookie protein balls are:
- No-bake
- Made with simple ingredients
- Kid-friendly
- Great for lunch boxes
- Perfect for meal prep
- Freezer-friendly
- Sweet enough to feel like a delicious treat
- Filling enough to work as a healthy snack
Ingredients
- Old-fashioned oats
- Honey
- Peanut butter (I use this one)
- Vanilla protein powder (I like this one)
- Salt
- Mini M&M’s candy
- Mini chocolate chips
- Milk
How to Make Monster Cookie Protein Balls
In a large bowl combine 2 cups old-fashioned oats, ¼ cup vanilla protein powder, and 1/8t of salt.
In a small dish, microwave ½ cup creamy peanut butter for 20-30 seconds or until it becomes an easy to pour liquid. Add that to a to the bowl of oat mixture along with with ⅓ cup honey and 1T of milk. Give everything a good stir to combine. Note: You can use unflavored protein powder if you prefer and just add 1t of vanilla extract to get the same flavor.
Gently fold in ⅓ cup mini chocolate chips and ⅓ cup mini M&M’s candy. Stir until the chocolate pieces are evenly mixed throughout being careful not to crush them. Note: if batter seems too dry or crumbly, add a little more peanut butter and/or an extra drizzle of honey until batter is a bit sticky.
Use a cookie scoop to portion out a heaping 1T scoop of the mixture. Wet your hands and roll each scoop between your hands until smooth. Tip: I rewet my hands every 3-4 balls.
Place the monster protein balls on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. This step is optional, but makes for pretty balls: press a couple of extra mini M&M’s candies unto each ball.
Transfer cookie sheet to freezer for 15-20 minutes so the balls firm up a bit.
Serve chilled. Store leftovers in an air tight container in refrigerator.
Helpful Tips for the Best Protein Balls
- Use creamy peanut butter for the smoothest texture.
- Natural peanut butter can work, but make sure it’s well stirred.
- If it’s too runny, you may need more oats. If the mixture is dry, add a little more peanut butter or a drizzle of honey.
- If the mixture is wet, add a little extra oats or protein powder. If you want a smoother texture, pulse the oats briefly in a food processor before mixing.
Leftover Storage
Fridge:
Store in refrigerator for up to 10 days, in an airtight container to keep fresh.
FREEZER:
Once balls are firm from chilling, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months.
When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight or let one sit at room temperature for about 10–15 minutes.
Ideas for Mix-ins
Want to mix in some extra flavor? Try adding:
- Chia seeds
- Ground flaxseed
- Shredded coconut
- Crushed pretzels
- Raisins
- Chopped peanuts
- A drizzle of maple syrup in place of some honey
- White chocolate or butterscotch chips
What to serve with Monster Cookie Protein Balls
We love these balls as and afterschool snack or for a quick bite before a workout or sports practice. They are great on their own, but they also pair well with:
- Apple slices
- Greek yogurt
- String cheese
- A smoothie
- A glass of milk
- Fresh berries
Yes. Quick oats will give the protein balls a softer, more blended texture. Old fashioned oats give them a heartier chew.
I recommend this protein powder. Vanilla works especially well because it gives these a sweet, cookie dough flavor. You can also use plain protein powder add add 1t of vanilla extract if you prefer.
Yes, but the texture will change. You can replace it with additional oats, ground flaxseed, or a little flour.
You can try sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter. The flavor will be different, but it should still work.
Monster Cookie Protein Balls
Equipment
- 1 wooden spoon
- parchment paper
- cookie sheet
Ingredients
- 2 cups old fashion oats
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter I use this one
- ⅓ cup honey
- ¼ cup vanilla protein powder I like this one
- 1/8 tsp salt
- ⅓ cup Mini M&M’s candy
- ⅓ cup Mini chocolate chips
- 1 tbsp milk
Instructions
- In a large bowl combine 2 cups old-fashioned oats, ¼ cup vanilla protein powder, and 1/8 t of salt.
- In a small dish, microwave ½ cup creamy peanut butter for 20-30 seconds or until it becomes an easy to pour liquid. Add that to a to the bowl of oat mixture along with with ⅓ cup honey and 1T of milk. Give everything a good stir to combine. Note: You can use unflavored protein powder if you prefer and just add 1t of vanilla extract to get the same flavor.
- Gently fold in ⅓ cup mini chocolate chips and ⅓ cup mini M&M’s candy. Stir until the chocolate pieces are evenly mixed throughout being careful not to crush them. Note: if batter seems too dry or crumbly, add a little more peanut butter and/or an extra drizzle of honey until batter is a bit sticky.
- Use a cookie scoop to portion out a heaping 1T scoop of the mixture. Wet your hands and roll each scoop between your hands until smooth. Tip: I rewet my hands every 3-4 balls.
- Place the monster protein balls on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. This step is optional, but makes for pretty balls: press a couple of extra mini M&M’s candies unto each ball.
- Transfer cookie sheet to freezer for 15-20 minutes so the balls firm up a bit.
- Serve cold. Store leftovers in an air tight container in refrigerator.
