Why You'll Love It
- No baking required – just mix, roll, and enjoy.
- Packed with protein to keep you satisfied and energized.
- The perfect balance of refreshing mint and rich chocolate.
- Incredibly easy to make ahead for a whole week of healthy snacks.
*My kids gobble these up after school instead of cookies. They're cool, sweet, and I feel good about them eating something wholesome.*
Essential Ingredient Guide
- Medjool Dates: These are the natural sweetener and binder that holds everything together. Look for dates that are soft and plump; if they're a bit dry, you can soak them in warm water for 10 minutes to soften them up.
- Vanilla Protein Powder: This gives the balls their protein power and a subtle vanilla base note. A good-quality powder blends best. If yours is clumpy, sift it first for a smoother texture.
- Peppermint Extract: This is where that cool, refreshing flavor comes from. A little goes a long way, so start with the recipe amount and add more drop by drop if you want a stronger minty kick.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: This provides the deep chocolate flavor without extra sugar. Using a dutch-processed cocoa will give you a richer, darker chocolate taste.
- Dark Chocolate Chips: These are your 'chips.' I like the mini ones because they distribute evenly. Look for a good dark chocolate to keep the sugar content in check while still getting that chocolatey bite.
- Almond Butter: This adds healthy fats, helps with binding, and gives a lovely nutty undertone. Creamy almond butter works best for a smooth consistency.
Complete Cooking Process
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Ingredient Readiness:
It all starts with soft, pitted dates. If they aren't sticky enough, the mixture won't hold together. Giving them a quick soak can make all the difference. The almond butter should be well-stirred and at room temperature for easy blending.
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Flavor Development:
The flavor really comes alive when you pulse everything in the food processor. The dates break down into a sweet paste, the cocoa powder dusts everything in chocolate, and the peppermint extract infuses the whole mixture with its cool essence. This is where it starts to smell amazing.
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Texture Control:
The key moment is when the mixture starts to clump together and forms a ball around the blade. You want it to be moist enough to hold its shape when you squeeze it, but not so wet that it's sticky. If it's too dry, a teaspoon of water can help. If it's too wet, a bit more protein powder will fix it.
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Finishing Touches:
Folding in the chocolate chips by hand ensures they stay whole for little bursts of chocolate. Rolling them into even-sized balls makes them look neat and ensures they set at the same rate. The final chill in the fridge is what sets them firm.
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Serving Timing:
These are best served chilled straight from the fridge. The cool temperature enhances the minty freshness and makes them the perfect little pick-me-up.
- Wet your hands slightly before rolling to prevent the mixture from sticking.
- Use a small cookie scoop for perfectly even-sized balls every time.
- If the mixture is too crumbly, add a teaspoon of water or maple syrup.
- For an extra flavor boost, toast the almond butter gently before using.
Pro Tips
Honestly, don't worry if the first ball or two is a bit messy. It takes a minute to get the feel for the consistency. Your hands will warm the mixture a little, which actually helps it bind. I always end up eating the little scraps that stick to my fingers, it's the cook's treat, right? Storing them is a breeze. I keep a batch in a sealed container in the fridge for up to a week. Sometimes I’ll even pop a few in the freezer for a colder, almost ice-cream-like treat that lasts for months. They’re so versatile.
The essence of the dish:
A fun fact or historical angle:
Flavor or sensory focus:
You Must Know
- The quality of your dates is crucial for the right texture.
- Don't over-process the mixture or the chocolate chips will get chopped up.
- Chilling is not optional—it's what makes them firm up and easy to eat.
- They are a fantastic make-ahead snack for a busy week of meals.
Frequently Asked Questions
→ Can I use a different nut butter?
Absolutely. Cashew butter or peanut butter would work well. Just make sure it's the creamy, natural kind without a lot of added sugar or oil separation for the best texture.
→ My mixture is too dry and crumbly. What do I do?
This happens sometimes. Add liquid one teaspoon at a time—water, maple syrup, or even a little more almond butter—until it holds together when you squeeze it.
→ Can I make these without a food processor?
You can, but it's trickier. You'd need to mash the dates very thoroughly with a fork until they form a paste, and then mix everything by hand. A processor is much faster and gives a smoother result.
→ How long do they last in the fridge?
They'll keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about a week. They also freeze wonderfully for up to 3 months.
→ Can I reduce the mint flavor?
Of course. Start with half the amount of peppermint extract, taste the mixture, and add more until it suits your preference. It's all about making it taste good to you.
→ Are these kid-friendly?
Most kids love them! They taste like a treat. They're a great alternative to sugary snacks and are perfect for an after-school bite, maybe before you start thinking about what's for dinner.
Chef's Tips
For a stronger chocolate flavor, use chocolate protein powder.,Store in the freezer for a longer-lasting, extra-cool treat.,Roll the balls in extra cocoa powder or shredded coconut for a different look and texture.
Nutrition Facts
per serving
95
Calories
4g
Protein
10g
Carbs
5g
Fat
Taste Profile
A refreshingly cool mint flavor balanced with rich chocolate notes and a subtle sweetness.
Ingredient Substitutions
Don't have an ingredient? Try these alternatives
Use an equal amount for a nut-free or different flavor profile.
The flavor will change, and you may need to adjust the liquid slightly as their texture varies.
Recipe Variations
Try these delicious twists on the original
Coconut Lover's Version
Add 1/4 cup of unsweetened shredded coconut to the food processor and roll the finished balls in more coconut for a tropical twist.
Cookie Dough Style
Omit the cocoa powder and peppermint extract. Use peanut butter and add a splash of vanilla extract for a classic cookie dough flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Learn from others' mistakes for perfect results
- Using hard, dry dates will result in a crumbly mixture that won't hold its shape.
- Over-processing after adding chips will chop them up and turn the mixture grey.
- Skipping the chill time results in soft, messy balls.
Meal Prep & Storage
Make Ahead Tips
These are the ultimate make-ahead snack. You can prepare a batch on Sunday and have healthy snacks ready for the entire week. They're perfect for when you have a busy dinner night planned and need something easy to grab.
Leftover Ideas
Leftovers? They'll keep getting better as the flavors meld. Just keep them chilled. They're great crumbled over oatmeal or yogurt for breakfast.
Perfect Pairings
Serve this with...
Cooking Timeline
Prep ingredients: pit dates (if needed), measure everything.
Process the base ingredients in the food processor until a ball forms.
Fold in chocolate chips by hand in a bowl.
Roll mixture into balls.
Chill in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to set.
Mint Chocolate Chip Protein Balls Recipe
These cool, chocolatey mint chocolate chip protein balls are energizing bites perfect for snacks or healthy treats. They come together quickly with simple ingredients and deliver that classic refreshing mint and chocolate flavor combination in a wholesome package.
Timing
Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
0 Minutes
Total Time
15 Minutes + Chilling
Recipe Details
Ingredients
For the Base
- 01 1 cup pitted Medjool dates (about 10-12 dates)
- 02 1/2 cup creamy almond butter
- 03 1/3 cup vanilla or unflavored protein powder
- 04 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 05 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 06 A pinch of salt
For Mix-In
- 01 1/4 cup mini dark chocolate chips (dairy-free if needed)
Instructions
If your dates are at all dry, place them in a bowl and cover with warm water for about 10 minutes to soften them up. Then, drain them very well and pat dry with a paper towel. This step makes them much easier to blend.
Add the softened dates, almond butter, protein powder, cocoa powder, peppermint extract, and salt to the bowl of a food processor. Pulse everything together until the dates are completely broken down and the mixture starts to clump together. It might look crumbly at first, but keep processing until it forms a sticky ball.
Transfer the mixture to a medium bowl. Now, add the mini chocolate chips. Use your hands or a spatula to fold them in evenly throughout the mixture. This way, they stay whole and give you those little bursts of chocolate.
Scoop out about a tablespoon of the mixture at a time. Roll it firmly between your palms to form a smooth ball. If the mixture is sticking to your hands, dampen them slightly with water. Place each finished ball on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Once all the balls are rolled, place them in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up. This chilling time is important—it makes them easier to handle and enhances the cool mint flavor. They're like a great make-ahead appetizer but for your everyday life.
After chilling, transfer the protein balls to an airtight container. They'll keep in the fridge for up to a week. Enjoy them cold for a refreshing and energizing snack whenever you need a boost.
Notes & Tips
- 1 For a stronger chocolate flavor, use chocolate protein powder.
- 2 Store in the freezer for a longer-lasting, extra-cool treat.
- 3 Roll the balls in extra cocoa powder or shredded coconut for a different look and texture.
Tools You'll Need
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Food Processor
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Measuring Cups and Spoons
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Mixing Bowl
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Parchment Paper or a Plate
Must-Know Tips
- Soak dry dates – It makes blending smoother and ensures a sticky base.
- Chill before eating – This step is non-negotiable for the perfect firm texture.
- Taste the mixture – Adjust mint or sweetness before rolling to your liking.
Professional Secrets
- Room temperature almond butter – Blends more easily into the mixture.
- Sift cocoa and protein powder – Prevents little dry clumps for a smoother result.
- Wet hands for rolling – The simplest trick to prevent a sticky mess.
Recipe by
Lily_HarperFrom crispy bites to soft nibbles, I’m all about snack-time happiness made simple and delicious.
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