Pin it
These delicious protein-packed dough bites turn ordinary cottage cheese into a tasty yet healthy snack. We get a smooth texture by blending cottage cheese thoroughly, then mixing it with protein powder and chunks of dark chocolate for delightful nibbles that taste just like cookie dough while delivering serious protein benefits.
I tried loads of protein ball recipes before figuring out that blending cottage cheese until it's completely smooth makes a creamy base that feels just like real cookie dough. My children were shocked when I told them these weren't actually raw cookie dough.
Key Ingredients and Shopping Advice
- Cottage cheese: Grab 2% for the ideal balance of texture and protein
- Almond flour: Look for freshly ground fine texture for best results
- Protein powder: Vanilla's our top pick but feel free to use any flavor
- Dark chocolate chips: Try sugar-free ones to cut down on calories
- Maple syrup: This natural sweetener brings rich flavor notes
- Vanilla extract: Go for pure extract to get that real cookie flavor
- Coconut oil: This makes sure your chocolate coating hardens properly
Step-by-Step Preparation Guide
- Step 1:
- Smooth Out Your Foundation: Run cottage cheese in blender until silky smooth. Make sure you get rid of all lumps. Let your blender work its magic. Don't forget to wipe down the sides. Double-check it's completely smooth.
- Step 2:
- Mix Everything Together: Put your smooth cottage cheese in a bowl with almond flour. Slowly work in protein powder while you keep stirring. Toss in chocolate chips all around. Keep stirring until you've got dough. Make it as sweet as you like.
- Step 3:
- Form Balls and Cool: Use the same size scoop for each ball. Roll them in your hands until smooth. Set them on a paper-lined tray. Pop them in the freezer until they're solid. Make sure they don't touch each other.
Pin it
While making these as a snack after working out one day, I found out that putting the balls in the freezer before covering them with chocolate makes the whole process cleaner and gives you a smoother chocolate layer.
Keeping Them Fresh
Your protein balls will stay tasty when you: Put them in containers that seal tight. Keep them in the fridge. Put parchment between each layer. Eat them within seven days. Stick them in the freezer if you want them to last longer.
Taste Adventures
Play around with different additions: Bits of nuts. Several types of chocolate. Broken up protein cookies. Tiny pieces of dried fruit. Shredded coconut.
Pin it
These protein balls have become the top healthy snack in my kitchen. They show you can eat well without giving up good taste or feeling hungry. Whether you need something after gym time or just want something sweet that won't wreck your diet, these balls give you the best of both worlds.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What’s the reason for blending cottage cheese?
- Blending makes it super smooth, giving it that classic cookie dough feel without chunks.
- → Can regular flour replace almond flour?
- Yes, but make sure to heat it so it’s safe to eat raw.
- → What’s the best protein powder to use?
- Any works! Vanilla is super versatile, but pick what you love.
- → What’s the best way to store them?
- Pop them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to seven days.
- → Is regular maple syrup okay?
- Totally! If you’re not worried about sugar, regular syrup works great.