Craving a snack that’s both refreshingly delicious and packed with goodness? These Mint Chocolate Chip Protein Balls are your answer. They capture the indulgent flavor of mint chocolate chip ice cream in a wholesome, bite-sized treat. Perfect for a post-workout refuel, a midday energy boost, or a healthy dessert, this no-bake recipe is incredibly simple and quick to whip up.
We’ve all been there—making energy bites that turn out dry, crumbly, or just plain bland. This recipe is designed to solve that. By using Medjool dates and a touch of liquid, we ensure every ball is perfectly moist and holds together beautifully, delivering a satisfying chew and rich flavor in every single bite.
Why You’ll Love These Mint Chocolate Chip Protein Balls
If you need a go-to recipe for healthy snacking, this is it. These energy bites are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile and convenient.
Quick and Easy: With no baking required, you can have these ready in about 15 minutes. Just mix, roll, and chill!
Healthy & Wholesome: Packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats, they provide sustained energy to power you through your day.
Tastes Like a Treat: The classic combination of cool mint and rich chocolate makes for a truly satisfying snack that crushes cravings.
Perfectly Portable: They are the ideal grab-and-go snack for busy days, lunch boxes, or pre-workout fuel.
Key Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simple, high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need and why it works:
Rolled Oats: Provides a fantastic chewy texture and serves as a fiber-rich base. Use gluten-free oats if necessary.
Vanilla Protein Powder: This boosts the protein content significantly. A vanilla or unflavored whey or plant-based protein powder works best to complement the other flavors.
Medjool Dates: These are the secret to perfectly moist and naturally sweet protein balls. They act as a natural binder, holding everything together.
Almond Butter: Adds healthy fats, more protein, and helps with binding. You can substitute with cashew or sunflower seed butter.
Maple Syrup: Lends a touch of clean sweetness. For a lower-sugar option, honey or a sugar-free syrup works well.
Peppermint Extract: This gives the protein balls their signature cool, minty flavor. A little goes a long way!
Mini Chocolate Chips: What would mint chocolate chip be without the chips? Mini chips distribute more evenly for chocolate in every bite.
Water or Almond Milk: Just a small amount is needed if your mixture is too dry, ensuring the perfect rolling consistency.
Ready in 15 minutes, these no-bake protein balls are perfect for meal prep.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making these no-bake mint chocolate chip bites is as simple as it gets. Follow these straightforward steps for perfect results.
Process the Oats: Add the rolled oats to a food processor and pulse a few times until they reach a coarse, flour-like consistency.
Combine Dry Ingredients: Add the protein powder to the food processor with the oats and pulse once or twice to combine.
Add Wet Ingredients: Add the pitted Medjool dates, almond butter, maple syrup, and peppermint extract to the food processor. Blend until the mixture starts to clump together and forms a sticky dough.
Check Consistency: If the mixture appears too dry or crumbly, add one tablespoon of water or almond milk and blend again. It should be moist enough to easily stick together when pressed.
Fold in Chocolate Chips: Transfer the dough to a medium bowl. Add the mini chocolate chips and fold them in with a spatula until evenly distributed.
Roll the Balls: Scoop out about one tablespoon of the mixture at a time and roll it between your hands to form a smooth ball. Place the finished balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet or plate.
Chill and Set: For the best texture, place the protein balls in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
Expert Tips for Perfect Protein Balls
Keep these simple tips in mind to ensure your mint chocolate energy balls turn out perfectly every time.
Use Fresh Dates: Soft, fresh Medjool dates are crucial for a moist texture. If your dates are a bit dry, soak them in hot water for 10 minutes, then drain them well before using.
Don’t Over-Process: Pulse the oats briefly. You want a coarse flour, not a super-fine powder, to maintain some of that classic oatmeal texture.
Adjust as You Go: The stickiness of the dough can vary depending on your protein powder and the moisture in your dates. Don’t be afraid to add a little extra liquid if the mixture is too crumbly. If it’s too wet, add a tablespoon more of ground oats. If you are looking for another easy recipe, check out these 3-ingredient banana brownies.
You only need a few simple ingredients to make these healthy energy bites.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is incredibly adaptable. Feel free to customize it based on your dietary needs or what you have in your pantry.
Make it Vegan: Ensure you use a plant-based protein powder and maple syrup (instead of honey). Most dark chocolate chips are dairy-free, but always check the label.
Go Nut-Free: Swap the almond butter for sunflower seed butter to make this recipe safe for nut allergies.
Add Superfoods: Boost the nutritional value by adding a tablespoon of chia seeds or ground flaxseed to the dry ingredients. Similar to this healthy oatmeal apple cake, it adds a great boost.
Dip in Chocolate: For an extra decadent treat, melt some dark chocolate and dip each finished protein ball, then let it set in the fridge. For a similar decadent treat try our viral date snickers recipe.
How to Store Your Protein Balls
Proper storage keeps your Mint Chocolate Chip Protein Balls fresh and delicious. Place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to one week.
For longer storage, you can freeze them. Place the balls on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for an hour until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. You can enjoy them straight from the freezer for a firmer, chewier treat, or let them thaw for a few minutes at room temperature.
You can store these protein balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, they can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Yes, this recipe is very flexible. You can use whey, casein, or any plant-based protein powder like pea or soy. The texture may vary slightly, so you might need to adjust the amount of liquid you add.
This usually happens for two reasons: your dates were too dry, or your brand of protein powder is very absorbent. To fix it, simply add one tablespoon of water or almond milk at a time and blend until the dough becomes sticky enough to roll.
Yes, they are a great healthy snack option. They are made with whole-food ingredients and are a good source of protein, fiber, and healthy fats, which helps provide sustained energy and keeps you feeling full.
Enjoy Your Healthy Snack!
There you have it—a simple, delicious, and energizing recipe for Mint Chocolate Chip Protein Balls. They are the perfect solution for healthy snacking without sacrificing flavor. Give this recipe a try and let us know what you think in the comments below!
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Save this recipe for later! The perfect healthy snack.
Mint Chocolate Chip Protein Balls Recipe
FL Recipes
Mint Chocolate Chip Protein Balls (Easy, No-Bake Recipe)
Whip up these easy, no-bake Mint Chocolate Chip Protein Balls in just 15 minutes! Packed with protein and wholesome ingredients, they're the perfect healthy snack or dessert that tastes like a decadent treat.
1 1/2cupsRolled OatsUse certified gluten-free if needed
1cupVanilla Protein PowderWhey or plant-based
1cupMedjool DatesPitted and packed
1/2cupAlmond ButterCreamy and unsweetened
2tbspMaple SyrupOr honey
1tspPeppermint Extract
1/3cupMini Chocolate ChipsUse dairy-free if vegan
1-2tbspWater or Almond MilkAs needed for consistency
Equipment
1 Food processor
1 Baking Sheet
Method
Add rolled oats to a food processor and pulse until a coarse flour forms.
Add the protein powder and pulse briefly to combine with the oats.
Add pitted dates, almond butter, maple syrup, and peppermint extract. Blend until the mixture starts to form a sticky dough.
If the mixture is too dry, add 1 tablespoon of water or almond milk and blend again.
Transfer the dough to a bowl and fold in the mini chocolate chips.
Scoop and roll the mixture into 1-inch balls. Place on a parchment-lined plate and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
Nutrition
Calories: 125kcalProtein: 6gFat: 5gFiber: 2g
Notes
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Date Tip: If your dates are dry, soak them in hot water for 10 minutes and drain well before using.
Hi, I’m Emily Carter, and welcome to FL Recipes! I share simple, healthy recipes that make cooking easy, fun, and delicious for everyone. more about me »
