Chewy, sweetened with Medjool dates, and packed with protein, these peanut butter protein balls are going to be your new favorite snack! A little bit of cinnamon makes them cozy, while optional chocolate chips make them decadent.
Over the years, I’ve made so many energy ball snacks, from mint chocolate energy balls to key lime pie energy bites. But these peanut butter protein balls are my current favorite, not only because they’re an awesome source of protein, but because they’re serving peanut butter cup vibes in a much more wholesome package. (And let’s be real, those store-bought peanut butter cups just don’t hit the same way anymore, right?!)
Why These Peanut Butter Protein Balls Are a Must-Try Snack
My family is obsessed with these peanut buttery bites of bliss, and I think you will be too!
- No-bake and ready in 20 minutes. Just blend, roll, and chill. No cooking needed!
- Naturally sweetened. Medjool dates add caramel-like sweetness without refined sugar, and most protein powders are also made with natural sweeteners like stevia.
- Protein-packed. With protein powder, hemp seeds, peanut butter, and peanuts, you couldn’t pack any more protein in if you tried!
- Perfect grab-and-go snack. These protein balls are great for post-workout fuel or afternoon cravings.
What You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to make these peanut butter protein balls. Scroll down to the recipe card for exact measurements.
- Medjool dates – These create the base and add natural sweetness. Make sure they’re pitted. (If you’ve ever accidentally left a pit in when making a recipe, you know.)
- Roasted peanuts – For extra peanut flavor.
- Peanut butter – Helps bind everything together.
- Vanilla protein powder – Boosts the protein and adds a subtle sweetness.
- Hemp seeds – Hemp seeds are an awesome protein source; I love adding them to peanut butter overnight oats too.
- Cinnamon – For a little cozy, warm flavor.
- Mini chocolate chips – Optional, for that classic peanut butter + chocolate combo.
How To Make Peanut Butter Protein Balls
This recipe couldn’t be easier. Here’s how it comes together:
- Process the base. Add the dates and roasted peanuts to a food processor. Blend until finely chopped and crumbly.
- Add the peanut butter. Scoop in the peanut butter and pulse again, until the mixture starts forming a dough.
- Mix in the protein. Add the vanilla protein powder, hemp seeds, and cinnamon. Pulse until fully combined.
- Add the chocolate chips. Pulse in the mini chocolate chips if you’re using them.
- Roll and chill. Use your hands to roll the mixture into 1-inch balls. You should get about 12. Place them in the freezer for about 10 minutes, or until firm.
Tips For Perfect Protein Balls
A few simple tricks will make sure these turn out amazing!
- Use soft dates. If your dates feel dry, soak them in warm water for 5–10 minutes, then drain them well.
- Troubleshoot the dough. If the dough feels too dry and won’t stick together, add water 1 tablespoon at a time and pulse until a soft dough forms.
- Chill for best texture. These peanut butter protein balls firm up in the freezer and they’re best stored there too. I like eating them straight from the freezer, but you can let them sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes to soften up if you’d like.
Variations To Try
Want to switch things up? Here are some easy ideas:
- Swap the nut butter. Almond butter or cashew butter both work great, and sunflower seed butter (and sunflower seeds) can be used to make this recipe nut-free.
- Add chia seeds or ground flax. For extra fiber and omega-3s.
- Make them crunchy. Stir in cacao nibs or chopped peanuts instead of chocolate chips.
Storage Tips
Store these peanut butter protein balls in an airtight container for the best texture. They’ll keep for up to 3 months in the freezer.
More Wholesome Snack Recipes
Peanut Butter Protein Balls
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups medjool dates (about 12 – 15)
- ½ cup roasted peanuts
- ¼ cup peanut butter
- 3 tablespoons vanilla protein powder
- 2 tablespoons hemp seeds
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ cup mini chocolate chips (if desired)
Instructions
- Process the dates and peanuts in a food processor until finely chopped.
- Add the peanut butter and pulse until a dough starts to form.
- Add the protein powder, hemp seeds, and cinnamon, and pulse to combine. If the dough doesn't come together, add water 1 tablespoon at a time. Pulse in the chocolate chips.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls with your hands and place them in the freezer until set, about 10 minutes.
- Store balls in the freezer for the best texture.
Nutrition
