Caramel Snickerdoodle Protein Balls Recipe

Introduction

These Caramel Snickerdoodle Protein Balls are a delicious and nutritious snack that combines the warm flavors of cinnamon and caramel with a boost of protein. Perfect for a quick energy bite, they’re easy to make and naturally gluten-free.

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup (75–85 grams) gluten-free rolled oats
• 1/2 cup (70 grams) dry roasted salted cashews
• 1/2 cup (60–65 grams) vanilla or caramel protein powder
• 1/2 tablespoon ground cinnamon, plus extra for coating
• 6 tablespoons (105–110 grams) creamy no-stir nut butter or sunflower seed butter
• 1/2 cup maple syrup or honey
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Optional: 1 tablespoon coconut or raw sugar + cinnamon + protein powder for coating

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a blender or food processor, pulse oats and cashews until you achieve a coarse flour-like texture.
2. Step 2: Transfer the mixture to a large mixing bowl. Whisk in the protein powder and cinnamon until combined.
3. Step 3: Stir in the nut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Mix well until a thick, sticky dough forms. If the dough feels dry or crumbly, add 2–4 tablespoons more maple syrup to help it come together.
4. Step 4: Scoop the dough into 1 to 1½ inch balls using a small cookie scoop or your hands.
5. Step 5: Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and chill in the freezer for 20–30 minutes.
6. Step 6: For the optional coating: Mix coconut sugar, cinnamon, and a little protein powder in a bowl. Roll or shake the chilled balls in the coating until evenly covered.
7. Step 7: Store the protein balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 6 weeks.

Tips & Variations

• Use almond or cashew butter for a milder flavor, or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option.
• Add a pinch of sea salt to the dough to enhance the caramel and cinnamon flavors.
• Try mixing in mini chocolate chips or chopped dried fruit for extra texture and sweetness.
• Adjust the sweetness by choosing maple syrup or honey according to your preference.

Storage

Store the protein balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed container for up to six weeks. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge or at room temperature for a few minutes. They make a great grab-and-go snack!

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different protein powder?

Yes, you can substitute with any protein powder you prefer, such as whey, pea, or soy protein. Just keep in mind that flavor and texture may vary slightly depending on the type you choose.

Are these protein balls gluten-free?

They can be gluten-free if you use certified gluten-free oats and protein powder. Always check labels to ensure all ingredients meet your dietary needs.

Caramel Snickerdoodle Protein Balls Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 133 reviews

These Caramel Snickerdoodle Protein Balls are a delicious and nutritious snack combining the cozy flavors of cinnamon and caramel with the protein-packed punch of vanilla or caramel protein powder. Made with gluten-free oats, cashews, and creamy nut butter, they are naturally sweetened with maple syrup or honey and require no baking, making them quick and easy to prepare. Perfect for a healthy snack on the go or a post-workout energy boost.

• Author: Logan
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12–15 protein balls 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

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Main Ingredients

• 3/4 cup (75–85 grams) gluten-free rolled oats
• 1/2 cup (70 grams) dry roasted salted cashews
• 1/2 cup (60–65 grams) vanilla or caramel protein powder
• 1/2 tablespoon ground cinnamon, plus extra for coating
• 6 tablespoons (105–110 grams) creamy no-stir nut butter or sunflower seed butter
• 1/2 cup maple syrup or honey
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Optional Coating

• 1 tablespoon coconut or raw sugar
• Ground cinnamon to taste
• A little extra protein powder for coating

Instructions

1. Pulse Dry Ingredients: In a blender or food processor, pulse the gluten-free rolled oats and dry roasted salted cashews until they reach a coarse flour-like texture, providing a sturdy base for the protein balls.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: Transfer the pulsed mixture to a large mixing bowl. Whisk in the vanilla or caramel protein powder and 1/2 tablespoon ground cinnamon to evenly distribute the flavors.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in the creamy no-stir nut butter or sunflower seed butter, maple syrup or honey, and pure vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until a thick, sticky dough forms. If the mixture feels dry or crumbly, add 2 to 4 tablespoons more maple syrup to help it come together smoothly.
4. Shape Balls: Using a small cookie scoop or your hands, scoop and roll the dough into 1 to 1½ inch diameter balls, ensuring even sizing for consistent texture and flavor.
5. Chill: Place the shaped balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and chill them in the freezer for 20 to 30 minutes to firm up and hold their shape.
6. Optional Coating: If desired, mix coconut or raw sugar, extra cinnamon, and a bit of protein powder in a bowl. Roll or shake the chilled protein balls in this coating mixture until evenly covered, adding a sweet and spiced crunch.
7. Store: Store the finished protein balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week or freeze them for up to six weeks, ensuring they stay fresh and ready for whenever you need a quick, healthy snack.

Notes

• Adjust sweetness to taste by varying the amount of maple syrup or honey.
• For a nut-free option, use sunflower seed butter and ensure your protein powder is nut-free.
• These protein balls are best served chilled but can be eaten at room temperature if preferred.
• Add-ins like mini chocolate chips or dried fruit can be mixed in before shaping for extra flavor variety.
• If the dough is too sticky, refrigerate it for 10 minutes before rolling for easier handling.

Keywords: Caramel Snickerdoodle Protein Balls, Protein Snack, Gluten-Free Snack, No-Bake Protein Balls, Healthy Snack, Cinnamon Protein Balls