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These healthy cookie dough balls are the perfect no-bake treat—made with wholesome ingredients, ready in minutes, and totally crave-worthy. A quick and easy snack or dessert you’ll want to keep on hand!
The Snack You Didn’t Know You Needed: Healthy Cookie Dough Balls
Lately, I’ve been obsessed with dates—they’re naturally sweet, full of fiber, and have the most amazing caramel-like flavor. I wanted to find a fun way to work them into a healthy snack and instantly thought of my go-to oat energy balls. I’ve always loved making them as a quick, nourishing bite, but this time, something clicked: with blended oats, creamy nut butter, sweet dates, and chocolate chips, the flavor reminded me so much of classic cookie dough. And let’s be honest—who doesn’t love cookie dough? These healthy cookie dough balls come together in minutes and are perfect for snacking straight from the fridge.
Ingredients
- Dates: Naturally sweet and chewy, dates add rich caramel flavor and act as a healthy natural sweetener in these energy balls.
- Oats: Oats bring fiber and heartiness, creating a satisfying, chewy texture.
- Creamy peanut butter: Adds protein, healthy fats, and a smooth, nutty taste that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the dates.
- Vanilla protein powder: Boosts protein content for a filling snack, with a mild vanilla flavor that complements the other ingredients.
- Pure maple syrup: A natural sweetener that adds subtle richness and helps bind the dough together.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors and delivers that classic sweet-and-salty cookie dough vibe.
- Milk or water: Added gradually to help reach the perfect dough-like consistency for easy rolling.
- Mini chocolate chips: Little bursts of chocolate that make these healthy bites feel like an indulgent treat.
How to Make Healthy Cookie Dough Balls (In Minutes!)
Making these no-bake healthy cookie dough balls couldn’t be simpler!
In a food processor, combine the pitted dates, oats, peanut butter, vanilla protein powder, maple syrup, and a pinch of salt. Blend until the mixture starts to come together. Slowly add milk or water, one tablespoon at a time, pulsing between each addition until the texture is soft and dough-like—but not too wet.
Transfer the mixture to a bowl and stir in the mini chocolate chips. Roll into bite-sized balls and place them on a parchment-lined plate or tray. Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to help them set.
That’s it! Store in the fridge or freezer for an easy grab-and-go snack anytime.
Recipe Tips for the Best Healthy Cookie Dough Balls
- Don’t Skip the Salt: A pinch of salt really brings out that classic salty-sweet flavor you love in cookie dough—don’t leave it out!
- Adjusting Consistency: Slowly add milk or water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the mixture comes together into a soft, dough-like texture. It shouldn’t be too wet—if it’s sticky, add a few more oats to help firm it up.
- Chilling After Rolling: After forming the balls, chill them in the fridge for 20–30 minutes to firm up.
- Storage Tips: Store cookie dough balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Recipe Swaps and Alternatives
- Sweetener Swaps: Feel free to substitute the maple syrup with honey or agave. If your dates are very sweet, you may even be able to skip the added sweetener altogether.
- Protein Powder Options: Vanilla protein powder works well here, but chocolate, peanut butter, or unflavored varieties are great too. Use one you like, as the flavor will shine through.
- Nut Butter Swaps: If you have a peanut allergy or want to switch things up, almond butter or sunflower seed butter are great alternatives.
- Chocolate Chip Alternatives: Feel free to substitute mini chocolate chips with chopped dark chocolate, M&M-style candies, crushed nuts, or even dried fruit for a different twist.
Tools Used For These Healthy Cookie Dough Balls
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More Healthy Snack Options You’ll Love
The Best Healthy Cookie Dough Balls (Ready in Minutes!)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 8 dates pitted
- 1 cup oats
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup vanilla protein powder
- 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2-3 tbsp milk or water
- ¼ cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- In a food processor, combine the pitted dates, oats, peanut butter, vanilla protein powder, maple syrup, and a pinch of salt. Blend until the mixture begins to come together. Gradually add milk or water, one tablespoon at a time, pulsing until you reach a soft, dough-like consistency. Transfer to a bowl and stir in the mini chocolate chips. Roll into balls and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- Adjusting Consistency: Slowly add in the milk or water, one tablespoon at a time. The mixture should come together into a soft, dough-like consistency. If it’s too wet, it will be sticky and harder to roll into balls—add a few more oats if needed.
- Chilling for Best Texture: For the best texture, chill the rolled balls in the fridge for at least 20–30 minutes before serving to help them firm up.
- Storage: Store cookie dough balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.
