Is there anything better than cookie dough? I say not much else is! The only problem is its super sugary, and not incredibly healthy. SO I was on a mission to create THE BEST cookie dough protein balls for kids. And these protein energy bites are it!
HOW TO MAKE KID-FRIENDLY PROTEIN BALLS?
Kids have a few different things that us adult don't.
- Appeal to their palette. Children's taste buds are changing as they are growing, as adults its our jobs to teach kids how to eat and to help train their tastebuds and their palette to love healthy flavors instead junk food. No matter how hard we do this kids will still LOVE a good sweet treat and these fit the bill.
- Textures- so many texture or too much of one textures alone (not having anything to do with flavor) can turn kids away from certain foods. So I've adjusted the textures of these balls so there PERFECT. Its not too grainy, oatmeal, or gritty. PERFECT. I'm telling you. with a chocolate crunch.
Is protein powder safe for kids?
3. No, Adult protein powder is not safe for kids. They have too much protein which is harsh on your childs organs and interfere with absorption.. I'm using a safe protein powder for kids- if you don't have a kid-friendly protein powder omit it from the recipe. I highly recommend this awesome protein powder- Kidzshake. My kids love it! it has NO sugar- made completely from fruits and kid friendly protein.
BEST THINGS ABOUT THESE PROTEIN BALLS:
- NUTRITIOUS. There is no sugar!!
- Amazing texture. Not to chunky, not too smooth, with a little crunch of chocolate.
- No-bake!!
- Great for snacks, carb sugar cravings, after workout/sports.
- Main ingredients are always in your pantry so you can whip them up anytime: peanut butter, honey, oats, coconut, chocolate chips.
- Tastes like a delicious dessert (not too healthy smeathy tasting)
EASY NO-BAKE COOKIE DOUGH PROTEIN BALLS
(KID FRIENDLY OF COURSE)
PRO-TIP// KID TRICK
THIS is makes these protein balls so kid friendly- it is to blend your oats and your coconut. These things are ultimately what kids are most sensitive too. My kids can pick out a piece of coconut like a needle in a haystack...but did they know coconut were in these bad boys? NOPE!
STEP 1: If you have a food processor you can totally use that. I used my Blendtec. Measured oats and pulse them a few times. You want the oats to have texture, just not too much. DO NOT over pulse them- you don't want an oat flour.
Now, do the same with coconut. Do not over pulse. Just pulse until they are a nice small course texture.
You can continue to mix your ingredients this in your food processor, or use your stand mixer with the paddle attachment.
Add remaining ingredients!
Mix the ingredients until they are just combined. Don't over mix them.
You want them to have a sticky texture similar to this.
WHAT SIZE DO I MAKE PROTEIN BALLS?
This is totally up to you and your personal preference. I love to make them about 1 inch which equals to 2 bites. You can make them smaller or larger. Since you are making them your own size I cannot tell you how many the recipe exactly makes, but for me and my 1 inch balls it made about 25 balls.
CAN I FREEZE PROTEIN BALLS?
Yes! I highly recommend immediately freezing your protein balls after rolling your protein balls place them on a cookie sheet (on some parchment paper). Freeze until they are firm in their shape, about 2 hours. Move them to an airtight container. Store them in the fridge or place them back in the freezer.
To thaw, remove 2-3 from airtight container and let sit at room temp for 5-15 minutes.
HOW LONG DO PROTEIN BALLS LAST IN THE FRIDGE? HOW LONG DO THEY KEEP?
Because these protein balls contain very shelf stable ingredients ( and zero milk or diary products) they easily can last for 2 weeks. They will last in the freezer for 3 months.
CAN I ADD IN OTHER MIX-INS?
ABSOLUTELY!! if you love dried fruit, nuts, flax seeds, butterscotch chips, etc. Feel free to add them in! Just add a little more peanut butter and honey to ensure they are not too dry and will form a nice firm energy ball. You can totally eyeball the amount.
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Cookie Dough Protein Balls (Kid Friendly!)
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups oats
- 1 ½ cups coconut
- ½ cup peanut butter
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup chia seeds
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon vanilla protein powder for kids, can use other flavors too!
- other mix-ins!
Instructions
- In blender or food processor blend oats, then coconut to a more fine texture. You dont want them to be too fine- like flour.
- In food processor or stand mixer using paddle attachment- add all ingredients into bowl. Mix until all ingredients are all incorporated and evenly distributed. You wan the texture to be a little sticky and not too dry. If adding in extra mix-ins like nuts, dried fruit or other powders add a little more honey and peanut butter.
- Roll into a ball the size of your preference. I like a 1 inch ball equals about 2 bites. Place on parchment lined cookie sheet. Place in freezer for two hours. Remove and place into an air tight container. Store in fridge for 1-2 weeks. Freezer for 3 months. To thaw- separate balls and let sit at room temp for about 15 minutes.
Georgina Gesseljay says
My kids hate coconut, what could I use instead?
Kadee says
You can just omit the coconut
Vanessa says
Thanks for sharing! Does it keep long?
Suzanne says
This looks so good! What a great way to make this treat into something healthy!
Melissa says
I make these for my picky eater to take in his lunch and we are going on the fourth week in a row that he wants them! I’m so glad I found something that will fill him up more and that I feel good about giving him. Thanks for the recipe!
Lauren McMillan says
Any replacement suggestions for the peanut butter so they're a safe snack to take to school?
Desarae says
if an almond butter is approved you could try that, may be some kind of cookie butter