This Samoa Cookie Protein Balls recipe comes together in about 15 minutes with no-bake effort for a quick treat that your family will absolutely love! Switch up the ingredients to suit your taste or use it as a way to clean out the fridge, feel free to toss in whatever you have on hand! These energy-boosting bites are perfect for on-the-go snacking, post-workout fuel, or just a healthy dessert that packs in tons of flavor!
Ingredient Breakdown
Let’s jump right into the ingredients section! Here’s what you’ll need to create these utterly delicious Samoa Cookie Protein Balls.
- 1 cup pitted dates
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup almond butter
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup protein powder
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Let’s Get Cooking!
Alright, let’s dive into the making of these delightful Samoa Cookie Protein Balls!
Combine Ingredients: In a food processor, combine the pitted dates, rolled oats, shredded coconut, almond butter, protein powder, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt. Give it a blast until well combined, the mixture should form a sticky dough that holds together nicely.
Pulse Until Sticky: Pulse until the mixture is sticky and holds together well. It smells incredible, and you can almost start to taste the Samoa cookie magic!
Mix in Chocolate Chips: This is where you get to add those soft chocolate chips! Pulse a few more times to ensure they’re evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Roll into Balls: Scoop out small portions of the mixture and roll them into balls. I love using my hands here, it’s a little messy, but totally rewarding.
Chill Out: Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and pop them in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This helps them firm up a bit and makes them easier to handle.
Store Them Up: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Trust me, they’ll disappear long before that, but that’s the plan, right?
I’m telling you, you’ll have a batch of these guilt-free, deliciously satisfying protein balls ready in no time!
My Connection with This Recipe
This is my go-to recipe when I need a tasty treat that’s not just empty calories. I’m a real sucker for homemade snacks that I can whip up quickly and feel good about serving to my family. Last week, I made these for my kids, who normally shy away from “healthy snacks,” and they devoured them! The best part is that they’re so versatile, you can use whatever you’ve got on hand, and still get that fun Samoa flavor!
If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my Mint Chocolate Chip Protein Balls, my Healthier Nutella Protein Balls, or my Greek Yogurt Protein Balls!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
These Samoa Cookie Protein Balls come together in under 15 minutes just dump everything into the food processor, blend up, and roll. It’s the ultimate solution for those busy weeks when you need a quick snack ready to go!
Make-Ahead Friendly
Thanks to their simple assembly and cold setting, these bites are perfect for meal prep. Make a batch at the start of the week and grab them throughout the week!
Customizable
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to modify. Swap out your nut butter, change the protein powder, or even add in your favorite spices! Don’t have chocolate chips? Try mini marshmallows or dried fruit!
Crowd-Pleaser
My kids and their friends can never get enough of these tasty bites, it’s like I’ve found the secret to keeping them fueled and happy after school, and they think it’s a treat! They’re perfect for parties, after-school snacks, or just to have on hand when you’re craving something sweet.
Comfort Food
Honestly, these protein balls provide that comforting richness and indulgent flavor reminiscent of those beloved Samoa cookies we all adore. Enjoy the nutrients without sacrificing taste, and still feel like you’re indulging!
Serving Suggestions
These protein balls are perfect on their own or paired with a low-sugar yogurt dip. My kids love them with a bit of cinnamon yogurt on the side, though they’re also great with fresh fruit for an afternoon pick-me-up!
Storage Tips
Store leftover protein balls in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep for about 7 days, but I’ll be surprised if they last that long!
Reheating Instructions
There’s no need to heat these, but if you really want to, just let them sit out for a minute to soften at room temperature. It’s the perfect balance of a deliciously chewy texture with a hint of melty chocolate!
Freezer Friendly
Absolutely! You can freeze them for a month or even longer. Just pop them in a freezer-safe bag or container; when you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw in the fridge overnight or just grab one for a quick snack straight from the freezer!
Food is such an incredible way to nourish ourselves and share with others. It’s all about bringing joy and comfort to the table, and let’s be honest, it’s also about those little moments of happiness when you take a nice big bite of your favorite treat. So, I hope you enjoy making these Samoa Cookie Protein Balls as much as I do. Trust me; they’re worth it!
Here’s to snacking with joy and love, let me know how your family enjoys this recipe! Follow us on Pinterest for daily meal inspiration!
Samoa Cookie Protein Balls
Ingredients
Method
- In a food processor, combine the pitted dates, rolled oats, shredded coconut, almond butter, protein powder, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Blend until well combined into a sticky dough.
- Add in the chocolate chips and pulse a few more times to distribute them evenly.
- Scoop small portions and roll into balls using your hands.
- Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.