Monster Cookie Protein Balls

These Monster Cookie Protein Balls are a delicious treat that tastes like cookie dough – with more protein, fiber, and nutrients. Perfect for meal prep and healthier family-friendly snacks!

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I’ve shared this monster cookie protein balls recipe on social media numerous times over the years, and they’re always a hit! They’re also a hit with my kids, and as a busy mom, I love any kind of snacky treat that gets a little extra nutrition into my kids!

Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Wholesome ingredients – for something that tastes like cookie dough, I love that there are more wholesome ingredients in these protein balls (plus some candy coated chocolates…it’s called balance!).
• Tastes like cookie dough – one of the reasons I love to make my protein balls in a food processor is it makes their texture even more like cookie dough!
• Higher in protein – I do want to be real for a moment, and note that these are not like a 20 gram protein bar. That said – it’s a little sweet treat snack that happens to include more protein than the alternative options, so it’s a win in my book!
• Family-friendly – I’m sure the mini M&Ms/ candy coated chocolates don’t hurt, but these monster protein balls are often requested and well-loved by my whole family!
• Meal prep-friendly – These protein balls are perfect for meal prep, as you can refrigerate or even freeze them for a more nourishing sweet treat whenever you’re in the mood!

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions:

For a full ingredient list with quantities, please check out the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

• Oats – since I like to use the food processor when making my protein balls, I recommend old-fashioned oats. You can use quick oats if you’re avoiding the food processor.
• Peanut Butter – creamy peanut butter adds healthy fat, flavor, and helps the protein balls bind together. You can swap with almond butter, cashew butter, or a sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option.
• Protein Powder – adds a subtle sweetness and flavor while upping the protein content!
• Honey – adds sweetness, plus helps the dough stick together.
• Water – I like to add a little water to keep the consistency soft and cookie dough-like. The amount you need may vary based on the protein powders and nut butters you use!
• Mini Chocolate Chips – the perfect mix in addition to a monster protein ball!
• Candy Coated Chocolates – aka mini M&Ms, or this dye-free option I found at Trader Joe’s. These are what make a monster cookie!

How to Make Monster Cookie Protein Balls

For complete instructions, please check out the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

To a food processor, add the peanut butter, oats, protein powder, water, and honey. Process until the consistency is like cookie-dough, and it holds it’s shape if pressed into a ball.

Remove the blade from the food processor bowl, then use a spatula to mix in the mini chocolate chips and candy coated chocolate pieces. Use a small cookie scoop to scoop the dough, then roll into balls and enjoy!

Nutrition Tips

• Gluten-Free – use certified gluten-free oats, and make sure your mix ins and protein powder don’t contain any added gluten.
• Dairy-Free – opt for your favorite plant-based protein powder and stick with dairy-free chocolates for mix ins. Try these YumEarth Choco Yums for a dairy-free “M&M” option. Enjoy Life Mini Chocolate Chips are dairy-free, too!
• Nut-Free – instead of peanut butter, use sunflower seed butter (or your preferred substitute). Make sure any protein powders and mix-ins are free of nuts, too, and made in nut-free facilities, if needed.
• No Artificial Dyes – if you’re looking for natural dyes, you can use the candy coated chocolates I used that I found at Trader Joe’s, or the YumEarth Choco Yums are free of artificial dyes, as well as allergy-friendly.
• No Added Sugar – stick to your favorite liquid non-nutritive sweetener/ honey alternative. Additionally, make sure your protein powder and mix-ins are free of added sugar, too (Lily’s makes a delicious stevia-sweetened chocolate chip you could use).

Flavor & Other Variations

• Swap mix-ins – try all M&Ms, all mini chocolate chips, or add something else entirely!
• Use almond butter to change up the flavor if peanut butter isn’t your vibe.
• Switch up the protein powder – vanilla is my go-to, but chocolate protein powder is delicious, too. And a personal favorite option? Clean Simple Eats’ Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Powder — SO good here!
• Flavor Enhancers – adding a 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract pulls out more vanilla flavor. And if you’re looking for some extra warmth, add 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
• Make them as bars! I’ll be the first to admit that rolling the protein balls into individual balls is the most tedious/ time-consuming part of this recipe, so if you’d prefer, press them into a parchment paper-lined 8×8″ pan, refrigerate, and then slice into bars or squares!

Meal Prep & How to Store

Protein balls are a perfect sweet treat to meal prep! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days, or in a freezer-safe, airtight container for up to a month.

Shop This Recipe

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All of my favorites can be found on my Amazon storefront, including a whole page dedicated to my Meal Prep Essentials!

• Glass Meal Prep Single Compartment Containers
• Ninja Kitchen System Blender + Food Processor
• Gold & Wood Measuring Cups & Spoons
• Quarter Sheet Sheet Pans
• Cookie Scoop Set
• Honey Jar

More Treat Recipes to Love

• Almond Butter Protein Balls
• Nut-Free Granola Bars
• 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Oatmeal Balls

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