High-Protein Cranberry Energy Balls Recipe
Need a quick snack that fuels your day? Try this High-Protein Cranberry Energy Balls Recipe. It's packed with protein and tangy cranberries. Learn how to make High-Protein Cranberry Energy Balls at home. No baking needed.
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup vanilla whey protein powder or plant-based
- 1/2 cup almond butter or peanut butter
- 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped almonds
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons chocolate chips optional, dark for health
Instructions
Pulse the Dry Base
- Add oats, protein powder, chia seeds, cinnamon, and salt to food processor. Pulse until fine crumbs form. Takes 30 seconds. This creates the sturdy base. No big oat chunks left.
Mix in Wet Ingredients
- Add almond butter, honey, and vanilla extract. Process until dough sticks together. Scrape sides as needed. About 1 minute total. Mixture gets thick and sticky now.
Fold in Cranberries and Nuts
- Transfer to mixing bowl. Stir in chopped cranberries, almonds, and chocolate chips by hand. Ensures even chunks. Keeps textures perfect. No over-processing here.
Scoop the Balls
- Line baking sheet with parchment. Use cookie scoop or spoon for 1-tablespoon portions. Roll into tight balls with hands. Makes 20 even sizes. Wet hands if sticky.
Chill to Set
- Place balls on sheet. Refrigerate 30 minutes. They firm up nicely. Easier to store. Patience makes them hold shape.
Enjoy Your Snack
- Store in airtight container. Grab one anytime. They stay fresh and chewy. Share with friends too!
Notes
- Use room-temperature nut butter for smooth mixing.
- Swap cranberries for raisins or apricots.
- Add hemp seeds for extra omega-3s.
- Roll in coconut flakes for crunch.
- Make nut-free with sunflower seed butter.
- Boost protein with collagen powder.
- Freeze dough balls for grab-and-go.
- Taste dough; adjust sweetness before rolling.