SIMPLE RECIPES // Peanut Butter Protein Balls

When I was a kid I used to love (who am I kidding? I still love) when my mom would make no-bake cookies. They were sooo good! And I feel like this recipe is the healthier, adult version of those. These peanut butter protein balls are the perfect bite-size breakfast or afternoon pick-me-up – no baking required! They have so much flavor and they’re packed full of wholesome ingredients. I had fun making these with my mom during my last visit, and even my brother (who is a big cookie lover) enjoyed them and didn’t complain that they tasted “too healthy”. The protein-filled ingredients means that one of these tasty little guys will satiate your appetite and get your energy up. Just make a batch and keep them handy in your fridge, so the next time you feel like eating an entire package of Oreos you can rescue yourself with a healthier option. I hope you enjoy these as much as I did!

Peanut Butter Protein Balls
 
Ingredients:
3 cups quick cook oats
1 cup pumpkin puree
1 cup peanut butter
2/3 cup honey (or maple syrup)
½ teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
½ tablespoon vanilla extract
4 tablespoons ground flax seeds (or chia seeds)
1 cup shelled sunflower seeds (or chopped nuts or dried fruit)
½ cup mini chocolate chips
 
Directions:
1)Gradually pour ingredients into a large bowl, mixing well
2)Using your hands, roll dough into rounded balls (about 1 tablespoon of dough each)
3)Place dough balls on a cookie sheet covered in parchment paper and place in fridge to set
4)Once set (after about 2 hours), protein balls can be removed from the cookie sheet and stored in a refrigerated container.