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- 1 cup rolled oats - 1/2 cup nut butter (either almond or peanut) - 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup - 1 scoop vanilla protein powder - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional) - 2 tablespoons chia seeds (optional) - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Each protein ball packs a powerful punch of nutrition. With about 90 calories per ball, you get a good mix of carbs, protein, and healthy fats. Here’s a quick look at the key nutrients: - Protein: Each ball contains around 4 grams of protein, thanks to the protein powder and nut butter. - Fiber: Rolled oats and chia seeds add fiber, aiding digestion and keeping you full longer. - Healthy Fats: Nut butter and chia seeds provide essential fatty acids, supporting heart health. - Rolled Oats: They offer slow-release energy, keeping you energized throughout the day. - Nut Butter: This adds protein and healthy fats. It can help improve heart health and boost brain function. - Honey or Maple Syrup: These natural sweeteners provide quick energy and are less processed than white sugar. - Chia Seeds: High in omega-3 fatty acids, they support your brain and heart health. - Ground Cinnamon: This spice not only adds flavor but helps regulate blood sugar levels, making it a great addition for energy balance. - Vanilla Extract: It enhances taste without extra sugar, making your snack even more delicious. These ingredients work together to create a tasty and healthy snack. Enjoying these protein balls can help you stay on track with your health goals while satisfying your sweet tooth. {{ingredient_image_2}} To make cinnamon vanilla protein balls, gather all your ingredients first. You need rolled oats, nut butter, honey or maple syrup, protein powder, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla extract. Optional ingredients include mini chocolate chips and chia seeds. 1. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, put the rolled oats, nut butter, and honey (or maple syrup). 2. Stir Well: Use a spatula to mix these until no dry oats are left. 3. Add Dry Ingredients: Next, sprinkle in the vanilla protein powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. If you use chia seeds, add them now too. 4. Mix Again: Stir until everything is evenly mixed. 5. Add Vanilla Extract: Pour in the vanilla extract and mix until the dough sticks together. 6. Optional Chocolate Chips: If you want mini chocolate chips, fold them in gently. 1. Form Balls: Use clean hands to scoop about one inch of the mixture. Roll it into a ball shape. 2. Place on Sheet: Put the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave space between them. 3. Chill: Transfer the sheet to the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This makes them firm. 4. Store: After chilling, move the protein balls to an airtight container. Enjoy them as a snack or post-workout treat! To get the best texture for your protein balls, start with the right balance of ingredients. Use rolled oats for a chewy base. The nut butter adds creaminess, while honey or maple syrup provides sweetness and binds everything together. Mix well until no dry oats remain. If the mix feels too crumbly, add a little more nut butter or syrup. If it’s too sticky, add extra oats. This will help you form nice, round balls. One common mistake is not chilling the protein balls long enough. If you skip this step, they may fall apart. Another mistake is adding too many liquid ingredients. Stick to the amounts listed in the recipe. Too much liquid can make your mixture too soft. Lastly, don’t skip the mixing step. You need to blend all ingredients well to ensure equal flavor and texture. To boost flavor without sugar, use fresh vanilla extract. It adds depth and richness. Ground cinnamon is another great choice. It gives warmth and spice without any added sugar. You can also add nuts or seeds for more flavor and crunch. If you want a sweeter taste, consider adding a bit of unsweetened cocoa powder. This will add a nice chocolatey kick without extra sugar. Pro Tips Keep It Fresh: Store your protein balls in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness and firmness. They can last up to one week in an airtight container. Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to customize your protein balls by adding different spices like nutmeg or even a pinch of sea salt for a flavor twist. Boost Nutritional Value: Include additional superfoods like flaxseeds, hemp seeds, or dried fruits to enhance the health benefits of your protein balls. Perfect Portioning: Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized protein balls, ensuring they cook and chill uniformly for the best texture. {{image_4}} You can change the flavor of your protein balls easily. For a fruity twist, add dried fruit like cranberries or apricots. If you want a nutty taste, mix in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans. For a chocolatey version, switch to chocolate protein powder. This allows you to enjoy different tastes each time. Not a fan of some ingredients? No problem! You can replace rolled oats with ground oats or oat flour. If nut butter is not your thing, use sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option. Instead of honey, agave nectar works well too. Adjusting these ingredients can make your snack fit your needs. Make these protein balls suit your diet. To make them gluten-free, use certified gluten-free oats. For a vegan option, replace honey with maple syrup and select a plant-based protein powder. These small changes help everyone enjoy this healthy snack. Whether you are gluten-free or vegan, you can savor these tasty protein balls! To keep your cinnamon vanilla protein balls fresh, use an airtight container. This helps lock in moisture and flavor. Store the container in the fridge. If kept in the fridge, they stay fresh for about a week. You can freeze these protein balls for longer storage. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet first. Freeze them for about an hour until firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. The shelf life of protein balls is about one week in the fridge. If frozen, they can last for three months. Just remember to thaw them in the fridge before eating. Using these simple tips, you can enjoy your snacks at their best! Yes, you can use different protein powders. Try chocolate, pea, or hemp protein. Each type brings its flavor. Just make sure it mixes well with the other ingredients. Adjust the amount slightly if needed. This keeps the texture right. You can eat 2 to 4 protein balls each day. They are great for snacks or after workouts. Listen to your body and adjust as needed. If you are active, you might want more for energy. Balance is key. If you can't use nut butter, try sunflower seed butter or soy nut butter. These options work well in the recipe. You can also use tahini for a different taste. Just make sure the substitute has a similar texture. This keeps your protein balls delicious and satisfying. You’ve explored all aspects of making protein balls, from ingredients to storage. You learned about ingredient benefits, preparation steps, tips for texture, and flavor variations. Remember to avoid common mistakes and try different flavors to keep it fun. Storing them right keeps them fresh longer. Protein balls are easy to modify for any diet. Enjoy your healthy snacks, and don’t hesitate to experiment further!

Cinnamon Vanilla Protein Balls

Delicious and nutritious protein balls perfect for a quick snack or post-workout energy boost.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 100 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 0.5 cup nut butter (either almond or peanut)
  • 0.25 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 0.25 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons chia seeds (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, nut butter, and honey (or maple syrup). Use a spatula or wooden spoon to stir thoroughly until the mixture is well blended without any dry oats visible.
  • Sprinkle in the vanilla protein powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. If you are opting to include chia seeds, add them at this stage as well. Mix everything together until the dry ingredients are uniformly distributed throughout the mixture.
  • Pour the vanilla extract into the bowl, and mix again until the mixture reaches a dough-like consistency that sticks together when pressed.
  • If you’re adding mini chocolate chips, fold them into the mixture gently until evenly dispersed, ensuring a delightful surprise in each bite.
  • Using clean hands, scoop a portion of the mixture (about 1 inch in diameter) and roll it between your palms to form small balls. Aim for uniform size for consistent results.
  • Place the formed protein balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are spaced apart to avoid sticking.
  • Once all the mixture is rolled into balls, transfer the baking sheet to the refrigerator and chill for at least 30 minutes. This step is essential for helping the protein balls firm up and maintain their shape.
  • After chilling, carefully transfer the protein balls to an airtight container for storage. These delicious treats are perfect for enjoying as a quick snack or a post-workout energy boost!

Notes

These protein balls can be stored in an airtight container for freshness.
Keyword healthy, protein balls, snack