No Bake Chocolate Peppermint Protein Balls

No ratings yet

No Bake Chocolate Peppermint Protein Balls

I always have these no-bake chocolate peppermint protein balls in the fridge during December as a healthy holiday treat. I make them with cocoa powder, peppermint extract, and almond butter. In just 5 minutes, I have rich brownie-like bites with a cool minty finish and just enough crunch from candy canes or cacao nibs.

Prep Time5

Total Time5

Course: 30 Minutes or Less, Dessert

Cuisine: American

Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian

Servings:

Calories: 118kcal

Author: Anjali Shah

Ingredients

10 tablespoons cocoa powder
6 tablespoons maple syrup
1/4 cup almond butter , use sunbutter for nut free (see note)
1/4 cup unflavored pea protein powder , I use NOW Sports brand (see note)
¼ - ½ teaspoon peppermint extract , use more if not using the candy cane option
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
2-4 tablespoons crushed candy canes , or cacao nibs for a healthy crunchy option (plus more to top for presentation if wanted)
2-4 tablespoons dairy free chocolate chips , omit for even healthier option
2-4 tablespoons water optional (see note)

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Put everything except the candy cane or cacao nibs, chocolate chips and water into a bowl and mix well.
Slowly add water if needed. You may not need any water if your almond butter is runny. Start with a teaspoon and slowly add until you get a well mixed batter. If you add too much then the batter will be too soft to roll.
Add the candy canes/cacao nibs and chocolate chips and mix again.
Allow to chill in the fridge while you clean up, then roll into balls.
You can then top with more crushed candy canes for presentation if you want. I just rolled them in or sprinkled them on top.

Notes

My #1 Secret Tip for this no bake chocolate peppermint protein balls recipe is to add the water very slowly and stop the second the mixture holds together when pressed. This kind of no-bake dough can go from perfectly fudgy to too soft surprisingly fast, especially if my almond butter is already runny. I start with a teaspoon at a time and mix really well after each addition.
Use runny nut butter: A smooth, drippy almond butter mixes into the cocoa and protein powder more easily than a stiff, crumbly one, like the kind at the bottom of the jar. If mine is very thick, I stir it really well first so the oil is fully incorporated back in.
Chill before rolling: I always give the mixture a quick chill before shaping to firm up the batter and make it less sticky on my hands when rolling.
Taste the mint: Peppermint extract can vary a lot in strength, which is why I like to taste the mixture before rolling it. If I am using cacao nibs instead of candy canes, I usually add a little more peppermint extract so the mint flavor still pops.
Crush candy finely: When I use candy canes, I crush them into small pieces instead of big chunks. That way, they mix through the dough more evenly and do not make the balls crack while rolling.
Mix in last: I stir the candy canes, cacao nibs, and chocolate chips in at the very end. If they go in too early, the dough can become harder to mix, and the candy cane pieces start dissolving into the batter.

Nutrition