Do you ever make cookies just to eat the batter? Ever wish that batter was healthy? These low carb, healthy chocolate chip protein cookie dough balls are for you!
When I was a kid, I begged my mom to let me bake something nearly every day – peanut butter cookies, chocolate chip cookies, brownies, etc. As much as I loved the finished product, I was most excited about licking the bowl.
Clearly my sweet tooth runs deep. As an adult, I’m forever trying to find ways to satisfy it without making chocolate cakes every night. These cookie dough balls are my latest and greatest form of sweet tooth management.
I recently made a version of these for Easter. They were delicious, but I wanted something a little cleaner for every day eating. This cookie dough features a few key ingredients that add to the health-factor:
- Vanilla Protein Powder: Protein powder has long been a staple in my diet – even before my weightlifting days. I started using it to support my workouts when I was eating a vegetarian (and then vegan?!) diet. Even today I add protein powder to smoothies and other recipes to fuel my body and keep me feeling full longer. I love the brand I linked to; it’s the cleanest, tastiest protein I’ve ever found. It’s gluten-free, vegan, non-GMO, and sugar-free. I’ve been using them for 6 years now!
- Almond Meal: I’m a big fan of “alternative” flours for a few reasons: my better half has a gluten sensitivity, many are low-carb, and I enjoy the added nutrients they provide. Almonds are rich in manganese, Vitamin E, and healthy monounsaturated fats. Plus, they add more protein!
- Stevia-Sweetened Chocolate Chips: I’m really picky about chocolate, but Lily’s has hit a home run with their dark chocolate baking chips. These chips are stevia-sweetened, so there is no added sugar, and they’re non-GMO. Don’t forget the antioxidant benefits of dark chocolate!
- Nut butter: More protein, heart-healthy fats, and straight up delicious. Need I say more?
These Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Protein Balls are super easy to make. You can dive right in with your (clean) hands and mix the ingredients in one bowl! My inner child was elated.
Did I mention they also taste like chocolate chip cookie dough? In addition to all of the nutritional benefits, these chocolate-dipped balls* have the added bonus of tasting… well, like cookie dough!
*I can’t even type “chocolate dipped balls” with a straight face… and I was doing so well at keeping it clean!
[tasty-recipe id=”18150″]
[Tweet “Who else make cookies for the batter? Try these healthy chocolate chip protein cookie dough balls!”]
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The pics only show 8 balls. Some had to be sacrificed… in mah belly.
Are you a protein powder fan?
Did you eat dough as a child? I’m amazed I’m still alive based on the warnings now!
These look great! To be honest i am not a protein powder fan. I tend to like to get my protein from the food I eat. When it is in a recipe i will usually substitute it for something since I don’t keep any on hand.
Of course cookie dough is the best part of cookie making. Growing up my dad kept a log of it in the fridge and snacked on it. SOOOO unhealthy but whatever, he’s always been skinny.
I’ve always been a protein junkie – it’s just so much easier for me to use after a workout. I get a little nauseous if I eat solids too soon. As far is in dessert… well, it’s just an easy way to make it a little healthier. 😉
Yes!!! I will take 10 of those…they look so good 🙂 I know what I’m making this weekend!
Thank you!!! I’d love to hear how you liked them!
Want to sacrifice some more balls? I’ll help
I’ll share my balls with you any time.
I make a variation of these and I so totally want the balls in my face. But I shouldn’t cause honestly my vegan recipes always kinda give me a stomach ache cause my stomach doesn’t REALLY like straight protein powder – womp! Guess I need L to drop trow. Cause that’s straight protein.
I actually gagged reading this. Thanks…
I’ve already taught my 5 year old about the “licking the bowl” benefit of baking.
You’re a good mamma! 😉
Cookie dough for sure!!! I’m with you…..can’t believe I’m still alive! I loved your Easter recipe….have made those twice. Can’t wait to try these!
I’m so very glad you liked it! I hope you like these too… I think they’re just as good, even if they are a bit healthier. 😉
Love, love, love!!! These look so good, can not wait to try! 🙂
Thank you Heather!
Your chocolate dipped balls sound delicious! 😉
I am so with you, I have a major sweet tooth!! I too am always finding healthier ways to satisfy it. Energy bites are one way that I do so!
I love all your energy bites! I still need to make those cookies…
We are all about licking the bowl over here!
Ok this is cool, because it’s like one of those ‘buckeye’ (peanut butter) balls, but it’s chocolate chip cookie dough instead!
I was thinking that too! I need to make buckeye balls next!
These look almost like buckeyes, which you need to have the next time you’re in Cleveland.
I can get on board with that. Actually… I’ve never had a buckeye…
I do wish chocolate chip cookie batter was healthy. Man ole man do I wish. wait…. this one full of protein?? Well alrighty I guess I can make it and devour it tonight 🙂 Thanks for sharing Laura. Have a great weekend.
It’s legit healthy cookie dough! 😉 I hope you like it!!!