These cinnamon raisin protein balls taste just like an oatmeal raisin cookie, but healthier! They’re easy to whip up and great for snacking or a post-workout treat.
If you love oatmeal raisin cookies you’re going to love these cinnamon raisin protein balls!
These little bites have all the flavor of regular oatmeal raisin cookies, but they’re protein-packed and don’t have any processed sugar or flour. Plus, there’s no need to turn on your oven!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
They taste like an oatmeal raisin cookie, but in protein ball form!
You only need 6 simple ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen.
They’re super easy to whip up! You only need 1 bowl and a spoon.
cashew butter – the perfect nut butter pairing for the rest of the ingredients in this recipe! Look for a brand with just one or two ingredients (cashews and salt). Also, try to use cashew butter that’s creamy and drippy. Some of my favorite brands are Once Again creamy cashew butter and Artisana Organics cashew butter.
honey – what binds these protein balls together.
vanilla protein powder – any brand of vanilla protein powder works, but Sun Warrior and Nuzest are two of my favorite brands. They’re both plant-based, have a minimal, clean ingredient list and taste great!
cinnamon – a must to achieve that cinnamon raisin flavor!
raisins – look for unsweetened raisins!
How to Make
Just like with all my protein ball recipes these cinnamon raisin protein balls are super easy to whip up! Place oats, cashew butter, honey, protein powder, raisins and cinnamon in a large bowl and stir to combine.
Getting the mixture to combine takes a little arm muscle and it may seem a little crumbly at first, but it will come together as you keep mixing. I used my hands to knead the dough near the end and that seems to help.
Once combined, use a small cookie scoop to scoop and form the dough into balls. Store in a covered container in the fridge or freezer.
Substitutions & Notes
Honey: Maple syrup will work great as a substitute for honey.
Cashew butter: If you’re looking to swap the cashew butter with another nut or seed butter you could use almond butter, peanut butter, tahini or sunflower seed butter.
Protein powder: I prefer vanilla protein powder as it pairs nicely with the cashew butter, cinnamon and raisins but feel free to use your favorite brand and flavor of protein powder for this recipe! If you’re looking for a recipe without protein powder you can make these no bake energy balls instead!
Raisins: Feel free to swap the raisins with another dried fruit like dried cranberries or dates. You can also add additional mix-ins to this recipe if you want. Some good options include shredded coconut, chocolate chips, cacao nibs, chopped nuts or chia seeds. Also, if you’re looking for a recipe without raisins try making one of these other recipes instead: chocolate peanut butter protein balls, almond joy protein balls or tahini chocolate chip protein balls.
Why Are My Protein Balls Dry or Crumbly?
There are a few reasons why your protein balls might be dry or crumbly. One possibility is that you didn’t add enough moisture to the mixture. Be sure to use a nut butter that is smooth and runny, and consider adding a bit of almond milk or water to help bind the mixture together.
Another possibility is that you used a protein powder that is too dry or that absorbed too much moisture from the other ingredients. In this case, you might need to adjust the amount of protein powder you use or add a bit more moisture to the mixture.
How to Store
At room temperature: Protein balls can be stored at room temperature for a few days, but they may become softer and less firm over time. To store them at room temperature, place them in an airtight container and keep them in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing them in direct sunlight or in a warm environment.
In the fridge: These protein balls can be stored in the fridge for 1-2 weeks. To store them in the fridge, place them in an airtight container. I like using glass storage containers or Stasher bags for storing protein balls.
In the freezer: Store these balls in the freezer for up to 3 months. To store them in the freezer, place them in an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag and seal it tightly. Label the container or bag with the date. When you’re ready to enjoy a protein ball, simply remove it from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for a few minutes before eating.
These cinnamon raisin protein balls taste just like an oatmeal raisin cookie, but healthier! They're easy to whip up and great for snacking or a post-workout treat.
Place oats, cashew butter, honey, protein powder, raisins and cinnamon in a large bowl and stir to combine.
Getting the mixture to combine takes a little arm muscle and it may seem a little crumbly at first, but it will come together as you keep mixing. I used my hands to knead the dough near the end and that seems to help.
Once combined, use a small cookie scoop to scoop and form the dough into balls.
Store in a covered container in the fridge or freezer.
Notes
Honey: Maple syrup will work great as a substitute for honey.
Cashew butter: If you’re looking to swap the cashew butter with another nut or seed butter you could use almond butter, peanut butter, tahini or sunflower seed butter.
Protein powder: I prefer vanilla protein powder as it pairs nicely with the cashew butter, cinnamon and raisins but feel free to use your favorite brand and flavor of protein powder for this recipe!
Raisins: Feel free to swap the raisins with another dried fruit like dried cranberries or dates. You can also add additional mix-ins to this recipe if you want. Some good options include shredded coconut, chocolate chips, cacao nibs, chopped nuts or chia seeds.
I just made these this morning. I used what I had in my cupboards and I can eat…. I have food allergies. I used sunflower butter and my collagen protein powder but it’s not vanilla flavored. I’m sensitive to oats, but decided I’m going to try to add oats back into my diet so when I try these balls will be the first time since 2017 that I’ve eaten oats. . It’s been so hard eliminating foods so trying a few back in every so often. If I can end up eating oats again, it will really add so many ideas for foods to make. I’m craving granola with milk. Of course I’ll have to use my dairy free coconut milk.
I used 2 scoops MRE meal replacement oatmeal cookie protein powder, 2 tsp cinnamon, almond butter(couldn’t find cashew butter at the store) and mini chocolate chips since my son doesn’t like raisins that much. I make these for work and school snacks about 2-3 a month. They are great!
These are so easy to make and taste delicious! I love the simplicity. The flavor is spot on with an oatmeal raisin cookie. Plus the texture is a cookie dough fake out, in a good way! (I prefer cookie dough to baked cookies any day of the week)
Ah yay! So happy to hear this protein balls were a hit, Charity. Thanks so much for trying them and coming back to leave a review. I really appreciate it!
I’ve made many of Brittany’s energy ball recipes, and this one continues to be my favorite! I am a huge fan of oatmeal raisin cookies, and these taste just like them, only you don’t feel guilty after eating them!!
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These Cinnamon Raisin Protein Balls are delicious! Tastes like cookie dough, only better!
Yay! I am excited to hear that you are loving this recipe, Barbara. Thank you for your review + star rating, I so appreciate it.
I just made these this morning. I used what I had in my cupboards and I can eat…. I have food allergies. I used sunflower butter and my collagen protein powder but it’s not vanilla flavored. I’m sensitive to oats, but decided I’m going to try to add oats back into my diet so when I try these balls will be the first time since 2017 that I’ve eaten oats. . It’s been so hard eliminating foods so trying a few back in every so often. If I can end up eating oats again, it will really add so many ideas for foods to make. I’m craving granola with milk. Of course I’ll have to use my dairy free coconut milk.
Ahh I hope you are able to enjoy these, Kathy! Best of luck and thanks for your review & star rating, I appreciate it!
I used 2 scoops MRE meal replacement oatmeal cookie protein powder, 2 tsp cinnamon, almond butter(couldn’t find cashew butter at the store) and mini chocolate chips since my son doesn’t like raisins that much. I make these for work and school snacks about 2-3 a month. They are great!
Happy to hear these protein balls were a hit, Joslyn! Thanks so much for the review and trying them out. I really appreciate it!
These are so easy to make and taste delicious! I love the simplicity. The flavor is spot on with an oatmeal raisin cookie. Plus the texture is a cookie dough fake out, in a good way! (I prefer cookie dough to baked cookies any day of the week)
Ah yay! So happy to hear this protein balls were a hit, Charity. Thanks so much for trying them and coming back to leave a review. I really appreciate it!
I’ve made many of Brittany’s energy ball recipes, and this one continues to be my favorite! I am a huge fan of oatmeal raisin cookies, and these taste just like them, only you don’t feel guilty after eating them!!