Description
These Samoa Cookie Protein Balls are a healthier twist on the classic Samoa cookies, packed with protein and rolled in toasted coconut. Enjoy a guilt-free snack that satisfies your sweet tooth while fueling your day!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut, plus 3 tablespoons, (divided)
- 1/2 cup creamy almond butter
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 2 large soft medjool dates, (pitted)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup old fashioned rolled oats
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder, (or unflavored)
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon mini chocolate chips
- Flaky sea salt, (for sprinkling on top)
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 teaspoon coconut oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. This is crucial for toasting the coconut to perfection.
- Spread the 1/4 cup of shredded coconut on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 5 minutes, stirring once. You want it to be lightly golden but not burnt — the smell will be nutty and fragrant.
- In a food processor, combine almond butter, maple syrup, pitted dates, vanilla extract, rolled oats, protein powder, and kosher salt. Process until the mixture is smooth and well-combined, about 1-2 minutes.
- Transfer the mixture to a bowl and fold in 1/4 cup of the toasted coconut, chia seeds, and mini chocolate chips. Use a spatula or your hands for an even mix.
- Using your hands, form the mixture into balls, about 1 tablespoon each. Make sure to press them firmly so they hold together well.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Dip the bottoms of each protein ball into the melted chocolate and place them on the prepared sheet. Drizzle any remaining chocolate over the tops.
- Immediately sprinkle the tops with the remaining toasted coconut and a pinch of flaky sea salt.
- Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 1 hour, or until the chocolate has hardened.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 protein ball
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: For a smoother texture, ensure your almond butter is at room temperature. You can substitute almond butter with sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option.