Peanut Butter Protein Balls
Published 12/8/2023 • Updated 6/16/2024
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We are BIG fans of protein balls here on Fit Foodie Finds and have been making them since this website launched in 2010! Heck, I’ve been making them since before the website as a quick grab-and-go snack in college. And, this specific recipe was a lifesaver after I had my baby Gus 🙏🏻
Peanut butter protein balls are the perfect high-protein snack to munch on post-workout or mid-day when you need something to tide you over! These protein balls have 9g of protein per ball and do not require a food processor!
These peanut butter protein balls are our most popular protein ball recipe on the site and rightfully so. They’re made with just 6 ingredients and don’t require a food processor.
I almost always have a bag of these protein balls in my freezer because I know hanger can strike at any moment. More recently, I’ve taught my 2 nephews how to make peanut butter protein balls and now every time I see them they expect some balls!
What is in these peanut butter protein balls?
- Peanut Butter- Though peanut butter adds a whole bunch of amazing flavor to this recipe, it also acts as a nice binder as well has adds moisture to this ball recipe. So, when you are deciding what peanut butter to use in this recipe, make sure it is DRIPPY peanut butter!
- Protein powder- Not to scare you, but what type of protein powder you use will dictate how chalky your protein balls are! We used Garden of Life Plant-Based Protein Powder in these balls and you can barely tell that there is protein powder. I’ve also made this recipe with Vital Proteins Vanilla Collagen Powder countless times.
- Rolled Oats- Oats not only add a healthy dose of fiber to these balls, but they give these protein balls a nice bite and act as a great binder to soak up extra moisture.
- Honey- Honey is both the sweetener and the glue that holds these balls together! Don’t skip it!
- Chia Seeds- These protein balls are a great source of protein AND fiber and omega 3 fatty acids because of these chia seeds!
- Chocolate Chips- I mean, is there a better combination than peanut butter and chocolate? I didn’t think so. Add the mini chocolate chips! Feel free to replace the chocolate chips with vegan chocolate chips or even chopped up chocolate bar!
5 Stars
Garden of Life Raw Organic Protein Powder
22G protein // 0g sugar // 110 calories // $1.56 per serving// vegan // gluten-free // soy-free // non-gmo // organic
Variations
Instead of peanut butter, try a different nut butter such as cashew or almond. Add different add-ins into the dough for an easy twist such as:
- Chopped nuts
- Mini M&M’s
- Pumpkin seeds
- Raisins
What is the best protein powder for protein balls?
We get this question all the time. What is the best protein powder? Lucky for you, we’ve done an extensive protein powder review on the site and have some options for you below. You’re more than welcome to use a whey-based protein powder or plant-based.
Quick tip: make sure you like the taste of your protein powder. We’re not huge fans of stevia, so just watch for that on the label.
Best Protein Powders
Check out our top protein powder recommendations for baking, smoothies, and everything in between.
Garden of Life
Raw Organic Protein
Simply Tera's
Pure Whey Protein
Sun Warrior
Protein Powder
Garden of Life
Organic Whey Protein
Can I use collagen powder instead?
You sure can! I actually prefer it. Vital Proteins Vanilla Collagen has been my go-to in this protein balls recipe. I love how smooth and creamy it is and it doesn’t taste like fake sure! Plus, it’s also high in protein.
Why aren’t my peanut butter protein balls sticking together?
If your protein balls are not sticking together you probably need to add a little bit more moisture. Add a teaspoon of water at a time until your protein balls stick together to form a ball!
PS: this is why we recommend using an all-natural, drippy peanut butter because that extra moisture helps these balls stick together.
Can I use a different nut butter?
If you don’t have peanut butter on hand you can substitute the peanut butter with any other DRIPPY nut butter. Just be sure it’s DRIPPY.
- Cashew Butter
- Almond Butter
- Sunflower Seed Butter
How do I make protein balls all the same size?
You can make sure all your protein balls are the same size by using a cookie dough scooper or a tablespoon.
How to Store Protein Balls
If you look in my freezer, there is always a bag of protein balls! And this, is my preferred way to store them.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and then place the balls on the parchment paper.
- Freeze them for 2 hours. You do this so that they don’t stick to one another in the bag.
- Transfer them into a gallon-size plastic bag and remove as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Peanut Butter Protein Balls Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup drippy all-natural peanut butter, I
- 1/3 cup vanilla protein powder, we used Garden of Life*
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1-4 teaspoons water*
Instructions
- Place peanut butter, protein powder, rolled oats, chia seeds, honey, and mini chocolate chips into a medium bowl.
- Use a wooden spoon or your hands to mix the dough together. At this point, begin to add water by the teaspoon.
- Depending on how drippy your peanut butter is, you’ll need to add more or less water. The water not only helps moisten things so your balls hold shape, but they actually help your balls become less chalky.
- Use a 1 tablespoon cookie scoop to scoop dough into your palms. Roll into balls until all dough is gone. You should get somewhere between 14-16 balls.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to a week or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Tips & Notes
- Protein powder: All protein powders are different and might require a different amount of water. If you use a whey or collagen-based protein powder, you will likely need more than 1/3 cup. We tested with Bulletproof Vanilla Collagen Protein Powder and Vital Proteins Vanilla Protein Powder and needed to use an extra 2.5 tablespoons of protein powder and no water.
Watch It
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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These are amazing, changed to almond butter and white choc chips, oh wow!!! YUM!!!
Oh, loved that combo!
These protein balls are simply the perfect outdoors snack! I took them backcountry skiing and my skiing partners loved them as well! I used a creamy peanutbutter without stir and did not have to add any water to it. I prefer them frozen! 🙂 So good!
Backcountry skiing!!! FUN.
A few modifications for what I had on hand (added some coconut and no mini chips so bigger..) but oh so good! Someone who enjoyed licking the peanut butter spoon is awfully jealous of these bad boys! Yum Yum!
A few modifications for what I had on hand (added some coconut and no mini chips so bigger..) but oh so good! Someone who enjoyed licking the peanut butter spoon is awfully jealous of these bad boys!😋
These are a family favorite!
Yummy!
These were the easiest protein balls I have ever made! Also the most delicious! They are a perfect post run/workout snack! I’m excited to share them with my roommates and enjoy them after track practice!
I struggle with getting enough protein and fiber in my diet so am thrilled to have this yummy recipe! I never would have thought to add water and using the cookie scoop made this so easy and a great way to ensure they are all the same size. I also added 1 tablespoon of flaxseed for a little extra bump of fiber.
Fantastic!
My photo didn’t attach in the other review!
Easy to make and tasty! I like that you don’t need a food processor either! I did ground up my oats a little because I used Trader Joe’s rolled oats and they seemed a bit bigger than average. I also used a mix of almond and peanut butter. Overall delicious!