These chickpea energy balls taste like cookie dough with no added sugar or flour. They’re made with wholesome plant-based ingredients like chickpeas, flax, oats, peanut butter, maple syrup, dates and dark chocolate chips.
This healthy snack contains plenty of protein to keep you full between meals and help tired muscles recover after a workout. These cookie dough-inspired energy balls are so delicious, you’ll be excited to add more plant-based protein to your recovery routine.
Pack a batch to have on hand when you’re hungry or need protein after exercise.
Components
To make these simple energy bites, you need a few plant-based ingredients, including:
- Chickpeas: these protein-packed legumes are high in fiber, so they’re filling and good for your muscles and digestive system.
- Oats: this breakfast staple contains a special fiber called beta-glucan, which has been shown to help lower cholesterol levels.
- Peanut Butter: a classic food staple, peanut butter is rich in healthy fats. It’s also the glue that holds these protein balls together.
- Dates: they are naturally sweet and chewy and help mold these bites.
- Flax: made from ground flax seeds, flax meal is high in fiber and healthy fats with a nutty flavor.
- Maple Syrup: Just a hint of maple syrup adds a touch of sweetness to these protein balls.
- Dark chocolate chips: dark chocolate contains antioxidants and has less sugar than milk chocolate. I choose a 70% dark chocolate chip, but feel free to use whatever you have.
How to Make No-Bake Vegan Cookie Energy Balls
These no-bake protein balls are so easy to make. All you need is a food processor, a bowl and a refrigerator.
First, add the chickpeas, oats, peanut butter, dates, flax rope and maple syrup to a food processor and process until a paste forms. You may need to stop and scrape down the sides of the food processor a few times to incorporate all the ingredients.
Once the mixture becomes a paste, transfer it to a bowl and add the chocolate chips. Mix it well.
Using your hands, roll the mixture into golf ball-sized bites and place on a cutting board or parchment-lined plate. Refrigerate the bites for at least an hour and enjoy.
How do you store energy balls?
After the one hour set time, store the bites in a sealed container such as a Tupperware or mason jar. Bites can be refrigerated for up to 5 days.
Can energy balls freeze?
Energy balls can be frozen for up to 3 months. To thaw them, take them out of the freezer and leave them in the fridge for a day. Or, for quick thawing, microwave them for 30-second intervals until soft.
Are chickpeas a good source of protein?
Chickpeas are a good source of plant protein. One cup of chickpeas has 12 grams of protein.
Is it ok to eat chickpeas every day?
Chickpeas are part of a healthy plant-based diet. They are loaded with nutrients, including protein, fiber, folate and vitamin C. Eat them every day to get more of these beneficial nutrients.
Are chickpeas a complete protein?
It was once believed that most plant foods are incomplete proteins, meaning they do not contain all nine of the essential amino acids (those the body cannot make). But, believe it or not, all plant foods have all the essential amino acids and are considered complete proteins.
That said, plant proteins are limited and contain only small amounts of certain essential amino acids. Eating a variety of plant foods, such as beans, legumes, whole grains, nuts and seeds, ensures that you get plenty of essential amino acids in your diet.
Are canned chickpeas good for you?
Canned chickpeas are a healthy part of the diet. It’s an incredibly easy plant-based protein to use in a variety of recipes, including salads, soups, energy bites and more.
Canned chickpeas are packed in a salty liquid, so rinse them in cold water before eating to remove some of the sodium.
Easy No-Bake Chickpea Cookie Dough Protein Balls
-
1
cup
chickpeas -
1/3
cups
oat flakes -
2
pitted dates -
2
tablespoons
linen house -
2
tablespoons
peanut butter -
1/2
teaspoon
vanilla extract -
1
Tablespoon
maple syrup -
1/4
cup
dark chocolate chips
Add the chickpeas, oats, dates, flax meal, peanut butter, vanilla extract and maple syrup to a food processor and process until a paste forms.
Put the mixture in a large bowl and add the chocolate chips. Mix well.
Roll the bites into golf ball sized balls and refrigerate for at least an hour.
Nutrition facts
Easy No-Bake Chickpea Cookie Dough Protein Balls
Amount per serving (3 bites)
Calories 268
Calories from Fat 99
% Daily Value*
Fat 11 gr17%
Saturated fat 4 g25%
Polyunsaturated fat 3 g
Monounsaturated fat 3 g
Cholesterol 0.1 mg0%
Sodium 51 mg2%
Potassium 384 mg11%
Carbohydrates 37 gr12%
Vegetable fibers 6g25%
Sugar 18 g20%
Protein 8 gr16%
Vitamin A 30 IU1%
Vitamin C 1 mg1%
Calcium 84 mg8%
Iron 2 mg11%
* Percent daily values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
