This Brookie Protein Balls, Easy No-Bake Recipe comes together in about 30 minutes and requires zero baking, making it perfect for a easy snack that your family will love! Not only is it kid-friendly and a total crowd-pleaser, but you can also switch up the ingredients based on what you have on hand or to suit your taste. It’s a great way to use up those odds and ends in your pantry, think of it as a fun and tasty “clean out the fridge” treat!
Ingredient Breakdown
Drippy Cashew Butter
Cashew butter is my secret weapon for this recipe! It brings the perfect creaminess and nutty flavor to these Brookie Protein Balls. I like to use drippy cashew butter because it helps everything come together nicely, creating a smooth and delicious texture. If you’re out of cashew butter, don’t worry. You can easily substitute it with almond butter or even peanut butter, both will work well in this recipe!
Vanilla Pea Protein Powder
I chose vanilla pea protein powder for a boost in nutrition. It’s a great source of plant-based protein and adds just the right hint of sweetness without being overwhelming. Plus, it’s perfect for those looking to avoid dairy! If you’re not a fan of pea protein, you can use any protein powder you have on hand, whether it’s whey or a different plant-based option. Just keep in mind that the flavor might change a bit, but hey versatility is what makes this recipe so fun!
Maple Syrup
Maple syrup is the sweetener of choice here! It not only adds a natural sweetness but also brings a lovely depth of flavor to the Brookie Protein Balls. I prefer real maple syrup because it’s just so much richer than the fake stuff. If you’re looking for an alternative, agave nectar or honey would work just fine.
Milk of Choice
You’ll need about 2 tablespoons of milk, any kind will do! I like using almond milk for its lightness, but you could also go for oat milk, coconut milk, or even regular dairy milk. The milk helps bind everything together and can be adjusted based on how thick your mixture is. If the dough feels too dry, add another splash!
Vanilla Extract
A little vanilla extract goes a long way in bringing out the flavors in these protein balls. I swear by the real stuff! It’s rich and aromatic and makes everything taste just that much better. If you’re in a pinch, imitation vanilla works too, but believe me, the flavor won’t be quite as good.
Chocolate Chips
What’s a Brookie without chocolate? I like to add 1/4 cup of dark chocolate chips for that rich, indulgent flavor that everyone loves. You can use milk chocolate or even white chocolate if that’s more your jam. Don’t skimp on chocolate, it’s part of what makes these protein balls a crowd favorite!
Cacao Powder
Finally, we’ve got 3 tablespoons of cacao powder! This is where the “brookie” magic happens, giving you that delicious chocolatey flavor. Cacao powder is fantastic for adding richness without too much added sugar. If you’re out of cacao powder, feel free to use unsweetened cocoa powder instead, totally acceptable, and it’s the same vibe!
Let’s Get Cooking!
How to Make Brookie Protein Balls
Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of drippy cashew butter, 1/4 cup maple syrup, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons milk of choice. Whisk thoroughly until everything is well blended and smooth. This should take just a couple of minutes, take in that delicious nutty aroma that’s wafting up!
Add the Dry Ingredients: Now, let’s amp up the texture! Add 1/2 cup of vanilla pea protein powder and 3 tablespoons cacao powder to the wet ingredients. Mix with a spatula or a sturdy spoon until you get a thick, dough-like consistency. You might need to put a little muscle into it, but trust me, it’s worth it!
Incorporate the Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in 1/4 cup of chocolate chips until they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough. If the dough is feeling too sticky, no biggie! Just add a smidge more protein powder or cacao powder. If it’s too crumbly, toss in another teaspoon of milk to loosen things up.
Form the Balls: Here comes the fun part! Lightly dampen your hands with water or a little oil (this helps keep the dough from sticking). Take about a tablespoon-sized portion of the dough and roll it between your palms to form a compact ball. Do this with the rest of the dough until your plate is full.
Chill Out: Once you’ve formed all the balls, place them on a plate or baking sheet and pop them in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This is crucial, it allows them to firm up and makes them oh-so-deliciously satisfying to bite into!
Enjoy!: After chilling, serve these Brookie Protein Balls chilled. They’re perfect for quick snacks on the go, lunchbox treats, or even a little pick-me-up in the afternoon. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for up to two months!
A Personal Touch
These Brookie Protein Balls are my go-to recipe when the snack attack hits! I’m a real sucker for anything that’s quick and easy, especially when it packs a nutritional punch. They remind me of those wonderful days spent baking with my family, making treats that brought us together. The best part is, you can use whatever you’ve got on hand, making these a wonderful treat any time of year. Honestly, I’ve had my picky 8-year-old ask for seconds, and that’s a real win in my kitchen!
If you loved these Brookie Protein Balls, be sure to check out my Gingerbread Protein Balls, my Greek Yogurt Protein Balls, or my Lemon Blueberry Cottage Cheese Protein Bites!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for those busy weeknights or when you’re in need of a snack in a pinch. There’s simply no need to stress about messy pans or complicated instructions; just combine, roll, and you’re good to go!
Make-Ahead Friendly
These protein balls are a fabulous make-ahead option! You can whip up a batch over the weekend and have them on hand for snacking throughout the week, perfect for meal prep! They’ll stay fresh for up to a week in your fridge, or stash them in the freezer for even longer.
Customizable
One of the best aspects of these Brookie Protein Balls is their versatility. Don’t have one of the ingredients? No problem! Go ahead and substitute with what you have. Different nut butters, sweeteners, or even flavors of protein powder, all can create a totally different yet equally delicious version!
Kid-Friendly
I can’t stress enough how much my kids love these! They’re like a treat disguised as a nutritious snack, and I’m all about that. Plus, they’re so easy to make together. My kiddos love getting involved in the kitchen, especially when there are chocolate chips involved!
Budget-Friendly
Using affordable ingredients that you likely already have at home is another huge win. These Brookie Protein Balls won’t break the bank, and they’re far healthier than store-bought snacks. You can enjoy the satisfaction of making something both economical and delicious!
How to Serve This Recipe
These Brookie Protein Balls make a fantastic snack all on their own, but they can also be paired with a variety of items! Try serving them with:
- A glass of almond milk or your favorite dairy or non-dairy beverage
- Fresh fruit, like apple slices or banana halves, yumm!
- Snack them alongside a homemade granola for a boost of texture and flavor
Storage and Reheating
Store your Brookie Protein Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. If you’d like to keep them longer, freeze them! They freeze beautifully for up to two months. Just make sure to thaw them in the fridge before enjoying for the best texture.
When you’re ready to dig in, no reheating necessary! These little gems are delicious straight from the fridge. Think of them as your healthy answer to dessert cravings!
And there you have it my absolute favorite Brookie Protein Balls recipe that’s easy to whip up and perfect for any time you need a little treat in your life. You’ll want to keep this one in your back pocket for sure! Enjoy the deliciousness, and remember, cooking can be fun, especially when you make it together! Happy snacking! Follow us on Pinterest for daily meal inspiration!
Brookie Protein Balls
Ingredients
Method
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the drippy cashew butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and milk. Whisk until well blended and smooth.
- Add the vanilla pea protein powder and cacao powder to the wet ingredients. Mix until you achieve a thick, dough-like consistency.
- Gently fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
- Dampen your hands with water or oil to prevent sticking. Roll walnut-sized portions of the dough into balls.
- Place the formed balls on a plate or baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Serve chilled as a healthy snack. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for up to two months.