Protein-Packed Chocolate Chip Energy Bites

These chocolate chip protein balls are a healthy holiday appetizer that also work year-round as a high-protein snack or party bite.

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Some snacks become instant favorites you keep reaching for again and again. These chocolate chip protein balls are one of those crowd-pleasers: flavorful, satisfying, and easy to adapt. The base is simple — oats, ground flax and protein powder — and you can tweak flavors by swapping the protein powder or nut butter to suit your tastes. (If you enjoy cake-batter flavors, try the cake batter protein balls for a variation.)

How to Make Protein Balls

Start with the dry base: old-fashioned oats, ground flax seed, and protein powder. For this version use chocolate protein powder for rich flavor, though vanilla or another flavor also works well.

Add shredded coconut, honey and/or maple syrup for sweetness, vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, chia seeds, peanut butter (or another nut/seed butter), and chocolate chips. Stir until everything is combined and the mixture holds together. If it feels too dry, add a little more nut butter or a touch of additional honey/maple syrup. If too wet, add a bit more oats or ground flax.

Scoop into bite-sized balls (about 1 1/2 tablespoons each), place on a tray, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up. Arrange on a platter and dust lightly with powdered sugar for an extra-festive look, if desired.

These chocolate chip protein balls are a simple, healthy appetizer or snack that travels well to gatherings and keeps in the fridge for several days. Want to make a seasonal twist? Try swapping a quarter cup each of cookie butter and peanut butter, use white chocolate chips, and add cinnamon-flavored oats for a cozy spin.

These are easy to customize — swap nut butter types, use different protein powder flavors, or add mix-ins like chopped nuts or dried fruit. Share your favorite variations and I’ll be sure to give them a try!

Chocolate Chip Protein Balls

These chocolate chip protein balls make a healthy, high-protein appetizer and a great grab-and-go snack.

5 from 1 vote

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Keyword: chocolate chip protein balls

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 16 balls

Calories: 158cal

Author: Paige Merritt

Ingredients

1 C old-fashioned oats
2/3 C shredded coconut (optional: toast for extra flavor)
1/2 C ground flax seed
1 scoop chocolate protein powder (about 30 g) — or vanilla
1/4 C peanut butter
1/4 C chocolate peanut butter (optional)
1/3 C chocolate chips
1/4 C honey
2 T pure maple syrup
2 T chia seeds
1 tsp vanilla extract
dash salt

Instructions

In a bowl, stir together oats, ground flax, protein powder, shredded coconut, and salt. Once evenly combined, add peanut butter, chocolate peanut butter (if using), honey, maple syrup, chia seeds, vanilla, and chocolate chips. Mix until the mixture holds together.
Form into balls about 1 1/2 tablespoons each. Place on a tray and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm. Serve cold or at room temperature.