Monster Cookie Protein Balls (Low Calorie)

Course: Snack

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 15

Additional Time: 30

Total Time: 45

Servings:

Calories: 90kcal

Author: Lauren

Peanut butter lovers rejoice! Enjoy the classic flavors of a thick, chewy monster cookie without all the extra calories! These Low Calorie Protein Balls are the perfect lightened up version of one of my favorite desserts. Sweet, nutty and mixed with melt-in-your-mouth M&M's, you can't go wrong with these delicious, chewy, oatmeal protein balls!

Print Recipe

Equipment

Food processor

Ingredients

2 cups rolled oats (160g)
1/3 cup vanilla protein powder (40g) can omit or replace with peanut butter powder
1/4 cup honey (84g)
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce (60g) see notes for substitutions
1/4 cup peanut butter (56g)
2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup mini M&M's
Other optional mix-ins: mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, flax seed, shredded coconut, etc.

Instructions

Add all the ingredients (except the mini M&M’S) to a food processor and mix until all ingredients are combined. Add a few splashes of water if needed if the mixture is too dry to roll into balls.
Fold in the mini M&M’s (save some to stick to the outside if desired).
Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to scoop out (about a heaping tablespoon in size) and roll into balls with your hands. Rolling tip so it doesn't stick to your hands: I like to wear disposable gloves for easy clean up! Or you can dampen your palms with a little water or nonstick spray to help prevent the sticking.
Chill balls for 30 minutes before enjoying. Keep balls stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 1 week or in the freezer for 3 months.

Notes

Applesauce: You can replace the applesauce with canned pumpkin or additional peanut butter or honey. Or you can just omit and add a few splashes of milk or water as needed to get the balls rollable.

NOTE: Protein powders can vary in consistency and some will absorb liquid more easier than others. This might cause your cookie dough mixture to seem a little dry or crumbly. Just add a little water or milk, about a teaspoon at a time, until it gets to cookie dough consistency. Add liquid slowly – you also don’t want to over due it!

Nutrition