Looking for a fun, easy, and delicious no-bake treat that’s full of protein and holiday cheer? These Mint Chocolate Protein Balls are exactly what you need! They’re fudgy, chocolatey, and have just the right hint of mint to make them feel extra festive. Whether you’re whipping these up for a quick snack, a lunchbox treat, or a healthier dessert option, you’re going to love every bite. And guess what? They only take a few minutes to make and no oven is required!
Method:
Make your oat flour
Start by making your own oat flour, which is super simple and adds a wholesome texture to the protein balls. Measure out ½ cup of rolled oats and place them into a blender or food processor. Blend on high speed for just a few seconds until the oats turn into a fine, powdery flour. Be careful not to over-blend, just a quick blitz is enough to do the trick. Once your oat flour is ready, set it aside and get ready to mix the rest of the ingredients.
Mix everything up
In a large mixing bowl, combine the freshly made oat flour, ⅓ cup of rolled oats, ½ cup of peanut butter (or your favorite nut or seed butter), ¼ cup of maple syrup, 3 tablespoons of chocolate protein powder, 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder, and 2 tablespoons of mint hot cocoa powder. Using a spoon or spatula, stir everything together until it starts to come together into a thick dough. If it feels a bit dry or tough to mix, that’s totally normal this is when I love to use clean hands to finish combining the ingredients. Kneading with your hands really helps bring the dough together evenly and gives you a feel for the right texture.
Form into balls
Once your dough is fully mixed and smooth, it’s time to shape it into bite-sized balls. Scoop out small portions of the dough and roll them between your palms to form balls about the size of a ping pong ball. Depending on how big or small you make them, you should end up with around 8 to 10 balls. Don’t worry about making them perfect, they’re homemade and that’s part of the charm!
Roll in crushed candy cane
Now comes the fun (and festive!) part. Take your crushed candy cane pieces and roll each protein ball in them, gently pressing so the candy sticks to the outside. This not only gives them a pretty, sparkly look but also adds a delicious minty crunch to every bite. You can crush your candy cane using a rolling pin and a sealed bag, or give it a few pulses in a food processor just be sure not to overdo it; you want small pieces, not candy dust!
Chill and enjoy
Once all the balls are coated, place them on a plate or tray and pop them into the fridge for at least 20–30 minutes. Chilling helps them firm up and hold their shape better. After that, store them in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy whenever you need a quick, energizing, and festive treat!
Necessary Tools
- A blender or food processor (for making oat flour)
- A mixing bowl
- A spoon or spatula
- Clean hands (because mixing with your hands is kind of the best part!)
- A plate or tray for forming the balls
- An airtight container for storing
Mint Chocolate Protein Balls
Cuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy10
servings10
minutes10
minutesIngredients
½ cup oat flour (make your own – instructions below!)
⅓ cup rolled oats
½ cup peanut butter (or any nut/seed butter you like)
¼ cup maple syrup
3 tbsp chocolate protein powder
2 tbsp cocoa powder
2 tbsp mint hot cocoa powder (I used @itsblume – so yummy!)
1 candy cane, crushed
Directions
- Make your oat flour
Take ½ cup of rolled oats and blend them on high for a few seconds until they turn into a fine flour. That’s your homemade oat flour – super easy! - Mix everything up
In your mixing bowl, add the oat flour, rolled oats, peanut butter, maple syrup, chocolate protein powder, cocoa powder, and mint hot cocoa powder. Stir it all together really well. Sometimes the dough gets thick, so don’t be shy – get in there with your hands and knead it all together. - Form into balls
Roll the dough into small balls – about the size of a ping pong ball. You should get about 8 to 10 balls, depending on how big you make them. - Roll in crushed candy cane
Once your balls are formed, roll them in the crushed candy cane pieces for that extra festive sparkle and crunch! - Chill and enjoy
Store the balls in the fridge for a bit so they firm up. Then grab one whenever you need a little tasty boost!
Notes
- Don’t over-blend your oats when making flour – just a few seconds is enough.
- If your dough feels too dry or crumbly, add a tiny bit more peanut butter or a splash of plant-based milk.
- If it’s too sticky, sprinkle in a bit more oat flour.
- Make sure your candy cane is crushed well but not powdered – you want a bit of crunch, not dust!
- Don’t skip chilling – it helps the balls hold their shape and taste even better
Serving Suggestions
- Pop one into your lunchbox for a fun midday treat.
- Serve them on a holiday dessert platter with other goodies.
- Pair one with a hot cocoa or mint tea for a cozy snack.
- Crumble one over yogurt or oatmeal for an extra protein punch.
Fun Fact
Did you know that peppermint is not only festive but can also help with digestion and boost your energy? That means these little balls are doing more than just tasting good – they’re helping you feel good too!
Conclusion
And there you have it – the tastiest and most festive protein balls around! I love how quick these are to make and how they bring together cozy chocolate and peppermint in every bite. They’re great for kids, adults, holiday gatherings, or just keeping in the fridge for whenever snack time hits. I hope you try them out and love them as much as I do!
