Pin it
These protein-packed cookie dough bites turn ordinary cottage cheese into a delicious yet healthy snack. We make velvety smooth cottage cheese by blending it thoroughly, then mix in protein powder and dark chocolate for tasty morsels that seem like cookie dough but actually give you a serious protein boost.
While trying out different protein ball combos, I found that blending cottage cheese completely makes for a creamy, smooth foundation that feels just like real cookie dough. My children were shocked when I told them these weren't regular cookie dough treats.
Key Ingredients and Shopping Advice
- Cottage cheese: Grab 2% for ideal consistency and protein level
- Almond flour: Get it fresh and finely ground for better results
- Protein powder: Vanilla's my pick but you can use whatever you like
- Dark chocolate chips: Try sugar-free ones to cut down on calories
- Maple syrup: This natural sweetener brings rich flavor notes
- Vanilla extract: The real stuff gets you that authentic cookie flavor
- Coconut oil: This makes your chocolate coating firm up nicely
Step-by-Step Making Process
- Step 1:
- Get Your Base Right: Throw cottage cheese in a blender until it's silky smooth. Make sure you get rid of every lump. Run your blender for a full cycle. You might need to push down stuff from the sides. Double check before moving on.
- Step 2:
- Mix Everything Together: Put your smooth cottage cheese into a bowl with almond flour. Slowly add in protein powder as you stir. Toss in chocolate chips evenly. Keep mixing until you get a dough. Add more sweetener if needed.
- Step 3:
- Form and Cool: Use the same size scoop for each ball. Roll them in your hands until smooth. Lay them on a lined cookie sheet. Stick them in the freezer until they're solid. Don't let them touch each other.
Pin it
I was making these for after my workout one day and realized that putting the balls in the freezer before dunking them in chocolate makes way less mess and gives you a more uniform chocolate layer.
Keeping Them Fresh
Your protein balls will stay good if you: Put them in a container that seals tight. Keep them in the fridge. Put parchment paper between layers. Eat them within seven days. Freeze them if you want them to last longer.
Different Flavor Ideas
Try these fun add-ins: Bits of nuts. Other kinds of chocolate. Smashed protein cookies. Little pieces of dried fruit. Shredded coconut.
Pin it
I can't get enough of these protein balls as my go-to healthy snack. They show you don't have to pick between good-for-you food and stuff that tastes great. If you need something after working out or just want a sweet treat that's actually good for you, these balls check all the boxes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why do I need to blend cottage cheese?
- Blending makes it silky so there are no lumps, giving the dough a smooth, classic consistency.
- → Can regular flour replace almond flour?
- You can, but you'll need to heat-treat it first to make it safe to eat raw.
- → Which protein powder works for this?
- Any flavor is fine! Vanilla is a great go-to, but use what you like.
- → What's the best way to store these?
- Keep them in a sealed container in the fridge. They'll stay fresh for about a week.
- → Is regular maple syrup an option?
- Yes, regular maple syrup works the same if you're not using sugar-free.