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When I’m feeling snacky and want something sweet that actually helps me stay on track, Mint Chocolate Chip Protein Balls come to the rescue. They’re legit awesome for that mid-afternoon crash when you need a yummy pick-me-up with some staying power from protein and fiber.
I started making these after workouts, and now I can’t show up to a potluck without them. People always ask me for how to make them.
Delicious Ingredients
- Unsweetened almond milk: only toss this in if the dough feels too stiff. Make sure to shake the carton so it’s well mixed.
- Mini dark chocolate chips: these tiny chocolates bring a bit of cocoa goodness to every piece. I always hunt for at least 60 percent cocoa so they’re extra rich.
- Peppermint extract: gives that classic minty kick. Some brands are strong, so give it a taste before adding more.
- Vanilla protein powder: adds some sweetness and makes it more filling. Pick one without a ton of weird stuff if you care about that.
- Honey: sticks everything together and adds a natural hit of sweet. Raw or local honey always tastes best to me.
- Almond butter: makes the texture rich and creamy, plus brings a little healthy fat and protein. I like it unsweetened for this.
- Rolled oats: gives the balls their bite and fiber. Old-fashioned oats keep ‘em chewy.
Simple Step-by-Step
- Keep ‘Em Fresh:
- Once they’re chilled, store your protein balls in a closed container in the fridge all week.
- Firm ‘Em Up:
- Lay out the balls on a parchment-lined tray. Chill them for about 20 minutes to let them set and get the best texture.
- Roll ‘Em Out:
- Grab a tablespoon of the mix and gently shape into a ball with your hands. They should hold together easily—if they’re crumbly, add a dab more almond milk.
- Mix in Chocolate:
- Once you love your dough’s texture, fold in the mini chips gently so they’re spread through the mix and don’t melt.
- Get It Sticky:
- If things seem dry or crumbly, add almond milk a spoon at a time until it feels soft but not wet.
- Stir the Base Together:
- Grab a big bowl and mix rolled oats, almond butter, honey, protein powder, and peppermint until it's all even. The dough should stick when pressed.
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You Gotta Know
Peppermint and chocolate together just takes me back to hot summer nights with my family and a scoop of mint ice cream. These balls give me those happy vibes even on days when I’m crazy busy.
Storing Info
Stick them in something airtight and stash in the fridge, and they'll be perfectly chewy for up to a week. If you want to save extras, freeze them first on a tray, then move to a freezer bag—they’ll stay great for two months.
Ingredient Swaps
Need these dairy-free or vegan? Use pure maple syrup instead of honey. Nut allergies? Try sunflower or peanut butter—but look for a swap if you need nut free. Play with more or less peppermint to get it just right, and tossing in hemp or chia seeds cranks up the protein.
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Serving Ideas
These are awesome cold from the fridge, but for a fancy touch dip half of each in melted dark chocolate or sprinkle with a bit of sea salt before serving. On busy days, I just grab a couple for the road—they travel well and keep me full.
Background and Origins
People have been making energy bites like this forever. Athletes and parents have used similar combos of oats, sweetener, and nut butter for years. Now we jazz them up with protein powder and that mint chocolate flavor for a fresh twist that works for anybody running around all day.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I swap the honey for something else to make them vegan?
Sure can. Just use maple syrup and they’ll still taste awesome and be fully plant-based.
- → What does almond milk do in this?
If your mix is too dry, a splash of almond milk helps make it moist and easier to shape into balls. Just use a little at a time.
- → Can I pick a different nut butter?
Definitely. Try peanut, sunflower, or cashew butter. They all bring their own twist to the flavor.
- → How should I keep these stored?
Just pop them in an airtight container in your fridge and they’ll stay fresh for a week.
- → What can I add for more nutrition?
Go for chia or flax seeds. They’ll bump up the fiber and protein without changing the texture much at all.
- → Can I make the mint flavor stronger or lighter?
Yep! Use more or less peppermint extract to get your favorite level of mint taste.