Sugar Cookie Protein Balls
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These sugar cookie protein balls taste just like the classic cookie but come together in one bowl with no oven needed. They pack in 7 grams of protein each and make the perfect festive snack to meal prep for the holiday season.
It’s day three of my holiday protein ball week and today I’m sharing a classic flavor… sugar cookie protein balls.
Sugar cookies are one of the first treats I ever remember making during the holidays and my healthy sugar cookies are still a yearly tradition in our house.
These protein balls capture that same sweet, buttery cookie dough flavor in the easiest one bowl recipe. The sprinkles make them extra cute and I love how festive they look in a holiday snack box.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Sugar Cookie Protein Balls
- Perfect for meal prep: They hold up so well in the fridge, so you can grab a sweet little snack whenever you want something holiday themed but still balanced.
- Great for gifting: They pack and travel really well, which makes them an easy homemade treat to bundle up for friends, teachers or neighbors.
- Satisfying: The 7 grams of protein in each one gives you a sweet treat that also keeps you going through busy days.
Ingredients Needed
- oat flour – this gives the protein balls their soft, doughy texture. It is mild in flavor, which helps the sugar cookie taste shine. If you do not have any on hand, you can make your own oat flour by blending rolled oats into a fine powder.
- vanilla protein powder – adds structure and boosts the protein in every bite. Vanilla is key here because it naturally enhances that sugar cookie vibe. I used Truvani vanilla protein powder, but your favorite brand will work.
- cashew butter – the creamy base that brings everything together. It adds richness and a cookie dough consistency that rolls beautifully. I used Artisana cashew butter.
- maple syrup – adds just the right amount of sweetness and moisture so the mixture sticks without being overly sticky.
- vanilla extract and almond extract – adds that warm, classic sugar cookie flavor we all love.
- sea salt – just a pinch to balance the sweetness and bring out all the flavors.
- almond milk – helps adjust the texture if your dough feels a little dry.
- holiday sprinkles – these make the protein balls festive and fun. They add a little crunch and give the finished bites that classic sugar cookie look. I used Trader Joe’s Christmas sprinkles, but any type of sprinkle will work perfectly.
How to Make Sugar Cookie Protein Balls
Step 1: Add all ingredients (except milk) into a medium mixing bowl and stir to combine.
Step 2: Once the dough starts to form, feel if it’s too dry and add milk if needed.
Step 3: Form dough balls using a cookie scoop.
Step 4: Use a small bowl for the sprinkles, and gently roll the protein balls in the bowl so the sprinkles stick.
Tips for Success
- Use drippy cashew butter: A runnier cashew butter helps everything mix together smoothly. If yours is thick, warm it slightly so it blends with the dry ingredients without cracking or drying out the dough.
- Adjust the milk slowly: Start with a small splash of almond milk and add more only if you need it. Protein powder brands absorb liquid differently and a little goes a long way here.
- Chill before rolling if the dough feels sticky: A quick chill in the fridge helps the dough firm up and makes rolling much easier. Ten minutes is usually enough.
How to Store and Meal Prep
- Refrigerator: Store the balls in an airtight container for up to one week. They keep their soft, doughy texture and the flavor stays delicious.
- Freezer: Freeze them in a single layer until firm, then transfer to a freezer safe container. They keep well for up to three months. Let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before eating.
- Meal prep tip: Make a double batch and freeze half so you always have a quick protein snack ready to go. These are perfect for lunch boxes, holiday travel or busy days when you want something festive and filling.
More Festive Treats to Try
If you enjoyed this recipe, please consider leaving a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below.
Sugar Cookie Protein Balls
Ingredients
- 1 cup oat flour
- 2 scoops (50-60g) vanilla protein powder, I used Truvani
- 1 cup cashew butter, I used Artisana
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- Pinch of sea salt
- 1-2 Tablespoons almond milk, if needed
- 2–3 Tablespoons holiday sprinkles, I used Trader Joe's Christmas sprinkles
Instructions
- Add oat flour, protein powder, cashew butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, almond extract and salt to a medium mixing bowl. Stir to combine until a dough starts to form. If your mixture seems too dry, you can add almond milk, starting with 1 Tablespoon at a time. Stir in holiday sprinkles.
- Once combined, use a small cookie scoop to scoop and roll the dough into balls.
- Add additional sprinkles to a small bowl and roll protein balls into sprinkles, pressing them in slightly to help stick. You don’t want the balls to be covered, just enough to look festive.
- Chill for 15–20 minutes to set or enjoy right away.
Notes
- Texture will vary by protein powder: Every brand absorbs liquid differently. If your dough feels dry, add a splash of milk. If it feels too soft, add a little extra oat flour until it firms up.
- Storage: Keep these protein balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week or freeze for up to three months.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Like This Recipe? Rate & Comment Below!
These were so good! They really taste like a sugar cookie and the texture is perfect. The kids had so much fun helping roll them in the sprinkles and now we are already almost out. Looks like we will be making another batch soon!