These little guys are like biting into a scoop of mint chocolate chip ice cream… except they’re good for you. And you don’t need to turn on the oven.
They’re cool, chocolatey, and packed with protein — the perfect grab-and-go snack or sweet treat after a workout.
I’ve been making these for years whenever I want something that feels indulgent but still keeps me on track.
🍫 What You’ll Need
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup natural almond butter (creamy)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/3 cup chocolate protein powder
- 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (any kind, as needed for texture)
- Optional: pinch of salt
📝 Why I Love This Recipe
This one is always in my snack rotation. It checks every box:
- No-bake, no mess.
- They taste like mint chip ice cream (but with protein!).
- I can whip them up in under 10 minutes.
- Perfect for post-workout, mid-day pick-me-ups, or late-night sweet cravings.
Plus, the texture is soft and fudgy with just the right amount of crunch from the chocolate chips. What’s not to love?
Servings: 10–12 protein balls
Time: 10 minutes
🧠 Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
- Oats give structure and fiber.
- Nut butter binds everything together with healthy fats.
- Protein powder adds staying power and flavor.
- Peppermint extract gives that cool, fresh bite — a little goes a long way!
- Mini chocolate chips melt just slightly from your hands while rolling, giving that soft, gooey feel.
🥗 Meal Plan Ideas
- Breakfast: Grab 2 protein balls and a banana.
- Post-workout: Pair with a protein shake or Greek yogurt.
- Dessert: Chill them in the fridge and serve with almond milk.
- On-the-go: Pack a few in a reusable container for busy days.
🚫 Common Mistakes
- Using too much mint extract: It’s strong! A little gives you that ice cream flavor. Too much? Hello toothpaste.
- Skipping the milk: Don’t skip it if your mix is dry. Just a splash helps it come together.
- Using chunky nut butter: It won’t mix as smoothly. Stick to creamy for the best texture.
🍽️ What to Serve With
- A warm mug of tea or iced coffee
- Sliced fruit like apples or strawberries
- A smoothie bowl on the side
- Greek yogurt for a higher-protein snack plate
🧊 Make Ahead Tips
You can totally make these ahead of time! Just store them in the fridge in an airtight container. They’ll stay good for about a week.
🛠 Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl
- Silicone spatula or spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small cookie scoop (optional, for even portioning)
- Airtight container (for storage)
🔁 Substitutions & Variations
- Nut-free: Use sunflower seed butter.
- No protein powder? Add 2 tbsp extra oats and 1 tbsp cocoa powder.
- Make it extra minty: Stir in chopped fresh mint leaves.
- Add crunch: Mix in crushed almonds or cacao nibs.
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Combine the dry ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/3 cup chocolate protein powder
- Optional: pinch of salt
Mix to combine.
Step 2: Add wet ingredients
To the same bowl, add:
- 1/2 cup creamy almond butter
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 tsp peppermint extract
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
Stir until fully mixed and thick.
Step 3: Adjust texture
If the mixture is too dry, add 1–2 tablespoons of milk (any kind), one at a time, until the mixture sticks together when pressed.
Step 4: Add chocolate chips
Stir in:
- 2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips
Step 5: Roll into balls
Use clean hands or a small scoop to roll the mixture into 1-inch balls.
🧊 Leftovers and Storage
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days.
- You can freeze them too! Just thaw for 10 minutes before eating.
❓FAQ
Can I use peanut butter instead of almond butter?
Yep! It’ll have a slightly stronger flavor, but it still works great.
Can I skip the protein powder?
Sure — just sub in a bit more oats and a tablespoon of cocoa powder to keep the chocolate flavor.
Do they need to be refrigerated?
They’ll hold up at room temp for a few hours, but for best texture and freshness, store them in the fridge.
💬 Wrap-Up
That’s it! Super easy, no-bake, and so, so good. I hope you love these mint chocolate chip protein balls as much as I do. When you make them, drop a comment below and let me know how they turned out — or if you added your own twist. Happy snacking! 🍫🌿