Cranberry Orange Protein Balls
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These cranberry orange protein balls are bright, chewy and naturally sweet, with plenty of protein to keep you satisfied. They come together in one bowl and make a festive no bake snack for the holiday season.
It is day five of my holiday protein ball week. Today we are making a cranberry orange version that feels so bright and festive!
I love this flavor combo and make it often, especially in my cranberry orange muffins and cranberry orange baked oatmeal. The fresh citrus and chewy cranberries work so well together. Thus, it only felt right to turn that combo into an easy no bake protein ball.
These little bites mix up in one bowl with simple ingredients. The white chocolate chips make them taste extra special. I have been keeping a batch in the fridge for quick grab and go snacks. They’ve been disappearing fast!
Table of Contents
Why You Gotta Try This One
- Bright and festive: The fresh orange zest and chewy cranberries make these feel like a little burst of holiday flavor in every bite.
- Protein you can feel: They have a solid boost of protein that keeps you satisfied. This makes them perfect for busy days when you want something sweet.
- One bowl magic: Everything mixes together quickly with simple pantry ingredients. You can roll up a batch whenever you want an easy snack for the week.
Ingredients Needed
- rolled oats – create the base and give the protein balls a hearty, chewy texture.
- vanilla protein powder – adds sweetness and structure while giving each bite a nice protein boost.
- cashew butter – helps bind everything together and gives the balls a soft, cookie dough feel.
- maple syrup – adds natural sweetness and moisture so the dough holds its shape.
- orange zest – brings bright citrus flavor that makes these taste so fresh.
- vanilla extract – adds warmth and ties the flavors together.
- ground ginger – adds a subtle cozy spice note that pairs well with the orange and cranberries.
- sea salt – enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- almond milk – helps adjust the consistency if the mixture feels too dry.
- dried cranberries – add chewy texture and that classic cranberry tartness.
- white chocolate chips – give a sweet, creamy finish that makes these feel extra festive.
How to Make Cranberry Orange Protein Balls
Step 1: Add the oats, protein powder, cashew butter, maple syrup, orange zest, vanilla, ginger and salt to a mixing bowl. Stir until the mixture starts coming together into a dough.
Step 2: Fold in the chopped cranberries and white chocolate chips.
Step 3: If the mixture feels a little dry or crumbly, add a splash of almond milk and mix again until it holds together.
Step 4: Scoop the dough into balls, shape with your hands and chill for 15 to 20 minutes before enjoying.
Tips for Success
- Mix by hand at the end: The dough can feel thick at first, but using your hands to knead it near the end helps everything come together.
- Finely chop the cranberries: Smaller pieces mix in more evenly and keep the balls from falling apart.
- Use fresh orange zest: Freshly grated zest gives the best bright flavor, so avoid bottled zest here.
- Chill before serving: A short chill helps the balls firm up and lets the flavors settle into that perfect chewy texture.
How to Prep and Store
These cranberry orange protein balls keep really well, which makes them great for holiday snacking and meal prep.
- Store in the fridge: Pop the balls in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to one week. They firm up as they chill and the texture gets even better.
- Freeze for later: If you want to stock up, freeze them on a sheet pan until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to three months.
- Meal prep friendly: Make a double batch and portion them into small containers. This way, you have quick snacks ready to grab throughout the week. These travel great in lunchboxes and tote bags.
More Protein Balls to Try
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Cranberry Orange Protein Balls
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups rolled oats
- 2 scoops vanilla protein powder, I used Truvani Whey
- 1 cup cashew butter, I used Artisana
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- 1-2 Tablespoons almond milk, if needed
- ¼ cup dried cranberries, chopped
- ¼ cup white chocolate chips
Instructions
- Add rolled oats, protein powder, cashew butter, maple syrup, orange zest, vanilla, ginger and sea salt to a mixing bowl. Stir to combine until a dough starts to form. Getting the mixture to combine takes a little arm muscle and it may seem too thick 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. If your mixture seems too dry, you can add almond milk, starting with 1 Tablespoon.
- Stir in chopped cranberries and white chocolate chips.
- Once combined, use a small cookie scoop to scoop and roll the dough into balls.
- Chill for 15–20 minutes to set or enjoy right away.
Notes
- Zest size matters: Finely grated zest blends better into the dough and gives a more even citrus flavor.
- Chop the cranberries: Smaller pieces mix in more smoothly and help the balls hold their shape.
- Adjust sweetness: Taste the dough before rolling. Add a little extra maple syrup if you prefer a sweeter bite.
- Storage: These keep well in the fridge for up to one week or in the freezer for up to three months.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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