Chocolate Chip Protein Cookie Dough Balls [Gluten-Free Recipe]

Chocolate Chip Protein Cookie Dough Balls [Gluten-Free Recipe]
Do you ever make cookies just to eat the batter? Ever wish that batter was healthy? These low carb, healthy chocolate chip protein cookie dough balls are for you! When I was a kid, I begged my mom to let me bake something nearly every day – peanut butter cookies, chocolate chip cookies, brownies, etc. As much as I loved the finished product, I was most excited about licking the bowl. Clearly my sweet tooth runs deep. As an adult, I’m forever trying to find ways to satisfy it without making chocolate cakes every night. These cookie dough balls are my latest and greatest form of sweet tooth management. I recently made a version of these for Easter. They were delicious, but I wanted something a little cleaner for every day eating. This cookie dough features a few key ingredients that add to the health-factor: Vanilla Protein Powder: Protein powder has long been a staple in my diet – even before my weightlifting days. I started using it to support my workouts when I was eating a vegetarian (and then vegan?!) diet. Even today I add protein powder to smoothies and other recipes to fuel my body and keep me feeling full longer. I love the brand I linked to; it’s the cleanest, tastiest protein I’ve ever found. It’s gluten-free, vegan, non-GMO, and sugar-free. I’ve been using them for 6 years now! Almond Meal: I’m a big fan of “alternative” flours for a few reasons: my better half has a gluten sensitivity, many are low-carb, and I enjoy the added nutrients they provide. Almonds are rich in manganese, Vitamin E, and healthy monounsaturated fats. Plus, they add more protein! Stevia-Sweetened Chocolate Chips: I’m really picky about chocolate, but Lily’s has hit a home run with their dark chocolate baking chips. These chips are stevia-sweetened, so there is no added sugar, and they’re non-GMO. Don’t forget the antioxidant benefits of dark chocolate! Nut butter: More protein, heart-healthy fats, and straight up delicious. Need I say more? These Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Protein Balls are super easy to make. You can dive right in with your (clean) hands and mix the ingredients in one bowl! My inner child was elated. Did I mention they also taste like chocolate chip cookie dough? In addition to all of the nutritional benefits, these chocolate-dipped balls* have the added bonus of tasting… well, like cookie dough! *I can’t even type “chocolate dipped balls” with a straight face… and I was doing so well at keeping it clean! Chocolate Chip Protein Cookie Dough Balls [Gluten-Free Recipe] Keywords: raw snack dessert gluten-free low-carb low-sodium sugar-free vegan vegetarian soy-free applesauce almond flour chocolate chips nut butter healthy Ingredients (12 bites) Instructions Line a tray with parchment or wax paper. Mix together sugar, almond meal, protein powder, and chocolate chips. Add in nut butter, applesauce, and vanilla until well combined. Using your hands is easier than a spoon. If dough feels too dry to form balls, add milk one tablespoon at a time until just sticky enough to roll. Form 12 balls and place in freezer for at least 30 minutes. If dipping in chocolate: Melt chocolate by microwaving for 30 seconds. Stir and repeat until chocolate is melted and smooth. Dip the bottom of each ball into chocolate, shake off excess and place on waxed paper-lined cookie sheet. Freeze until firm, ~30 mins. Store these in the freezer for best results. The pics only show 8 balls. Some had to be sacrificed… in mah belly. Are you a protein powder fan? Did you eat dough as a child? I’m amazed I’m still alive based on the warnings now! Original article and pictures take http://www.sprint2thetable.com/chocolate-chip-protein-cookie-dough-balls/ site