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Easy No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Balls: Best 5-Minute Snack

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These no-bake chocolate peanut butter protein balls are a quick, healthy snack that tastes like a Reese’s cup. Made with simple pantry staples, they come together in five minutes and are perfect for meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (90g) rolled oats
  • ½ cup (130g) creamy peanut butter
  • ⅓ cup (110g) honey
  • ⅓ cup (60g) chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark)
  • ¼ cup (30g) chocolate or vanilla protein powder (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons (14g) flaxseed meal
  • Pinch of sea salt
  • Optional mix-ins: shredded coconut, chopped nuts, dried fruit, cacao nibs, or extra chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Combine the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add 1 cup rolled oats, ¼ cup protein powder (if using), 2 tablespoons flaxseed meal, and a pinch of sea salt. Whisk together with a fork until evenly distributed.
  2. Add the wet ingredients: Add ½ cup creamy peanut butter and ⅓ cup honey to the bowl. Use a silicone spatula to press and fold the mixture until the peanut butter and honey coat every oat. The mixture will look dry and crumbly at first; keep going.
  3. Add the chocolate chips: Fold in ⅓ cup chocolate chips. Reserve a few to press onto the tops of the balls later if desired. Mix until evenly distributed. The dough should feel slightly sticky but hold together when pressed. If it crumbles, add 1 tablespoon of peanut butter or honey. If too wet, add 1 tablespoon of oats.
  4. Chill the mixture: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes. This firms up the mixture, making it easier to roll into balls.
  5. Roll into balls: Line a baking sheet or large plate with parchment paper. Using a 1-tablespoon cookie scoop or your hands, portion out the mixture and roll it between your palms into smooth balls. Aim for uniform size. You should get about 16-18 balls.
  6. Press extra chocolate chips on top (optional): If you reserved chocolate chips, gently press 2-3 onto the top of each ball for a polished look.
  7. Chill again: Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to set the balls so they hold their shape.
  8. Transfer to storage: Once firm, move the balls to an air-tight container. Layer them between sheets of parchment paper if stacking to prevent sticking.

Notes

Chill the mixture before rolling for best results. Wet your hands slightly if the mixture is sticky. Don’t overmix to maintain texture. Taste and adjust sweetness or salt before rolling. Use room temperature peanut butter for easier mixing. The flavors improve after a day or two in the fridge.

Nutrition

Keywords: no-bake protein balls, chocolate peanut butter protein balls, healthy snack, meal prep snack, easy protein balls, 5-minute snack

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