Holly Jolly Protein Balls (Festive & Fun!) – A No-Bake Holiday Snack
These Holly Jolly Protein Balls bring all the merry vibes without the sugar crash. They’re chewy, chocolatey, and studded with festive sprinkles for that holiday sparkle. You can whip them up in 15 minutes with pantry staples, no baking needed.
They’re perfect for snack trays, lunch boxes, or a quick bite before you head out the door. Make a batch, stash them in the fridge, and you’ll have a cheerful, energizing treat all week long.
Ingredients
Method
- Prep the base: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups rolled oats, 1/2 cup protein powder, 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed, and a pinch of salt. Stir to blend.
- Add the wet ingredients: Add 1/2 cup nut or seed butter, 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix with a sturdy spoon until a thick dough forms.
- Adjust texture: If the mixture is too dry or crumbly, add 1–2 teaspoons milk or water. If it’s too sticky, sprinkle in a bit more oats or protein powder.
- Fold in the fun: Stir in 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips. Add optional extras like 2 tablespoons dried cranberries or 1 teaspoon orange zest if you like.
- Chill briefly: Pop the bowl in the fridge for 10 minutes to make rolling easier.
- Roll into balls: Scoop about 1 heaping tablespoon per ball and roll between your palms. You should get 16–20 balls.
- Make them festive: Roll each ball in holiday sprinkles or crushed peppermint to coat the outside. Press lightly so the coating sticks.
- Set and store: Place on a parchment-lined plate and chill for 15 minutes to firm up. Enjoy or transfer to an airtight container.
What Makes This Recipe So Good
- No-bake and fast: Ready in about 15 minutes, start to finish.
- Balanced and satisfying: Packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats to keep you full.
- Festive flair: Holiday sprinkles or crushed peppermint make them cute and celebratory.
- Customizable: Swap nut butters, sweeteners, and mix-ins to suit your taste and diet.
- Perfect make-ahead snack: Mix once, enjoy for days.
Shopping List
- Rolled oats (old-fashioned; not instant)
- Vanilla or chocolate protein powder (whey or plant-based)
- Nut or seed butter (peanut, almond, cashew, or sunflower for nut-free)
- Honey or maple syrup
- Ground flaxseed or chia seeds
- Mini chocolate chips (dark or semi-sweet)
- Vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Holiday sprinkles or crushed peppermint for coating
- Optional add-ins: cinnamon, orange zest, shredded coconut, dried cranberries, chopped pistachios
- Optional moisture adjusters: milk of choice or a splash of water
Instructions
- Prep the base: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups rolled oats, 1/2 cup protein powder, 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed, and a pinch of salt. Stir to blend.
- Add the wet ingredients: Add 1/2 cup nut or seed butter, 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
Mix with a sturdy spoon until a thick dough forms.
- Adjust texture: If the mixture is too dry or crumbly, add 1–2 teaspoons milk or water. If it’s too sticky, sprinkle in a bit more oats or protein powder.
- Fold in the fun: Stir in 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips. Add optional extras like 2 tablespoons dried cranberries or 1 teaspoon orange zest if you like.
- Chill briefly: Pop the bowl in the fridge for 10 minutes to make rolling easier.
- Roll into balls: Scoop about 1 heaping tablespoon per ball and roll between your palms.
You should get 16–20 balls.
- Make them festive: Roll each ball in holiday sprinkles or crushed peppermint to coat the outside. Press lightly so the coating sticks.
- Set and store: Place on a parchment-lined plate and chill for 15 minutes to firm up. Enjoy or transfer to an airtight container.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 1–2 weeks.
Keep a sheet of parchment between layers to prevent sticking.
- Freezer: Freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Keep up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before eating.
- On-the-go: Pack a few in a small container or bag.
They’ll hold up for several hours at room temp, though they stay firmest when chilled.
Why This is Good for You
- Protein for steady energy: Protein powder and nut butter help curb cravings and support muscle recovery.
- Fiber for fullness: Oats and flaxseed offer soluble fiber that supports digestion and keeps you satisfied.
- Healthy fats: Nut or seed butter provides monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats that support heart health.
- Smarter sweetness: Honey or maple syrup adds sweetness with a smaller portion than many holiday treats.
- Customizable nutrition: You can control the sugar, protein type, and add-ins to match your goals.
What Not to Do
- Don’t skip the pinch of salt: It brightens flavors and balances sweetness.
- Don’t use instant oats: They can make the texture pasty. Rolled oats give a better bite.
- Don’t overload wet ingredients: Too much sweetener or nut butter makes the mixture sticky and hard to roll.
- Don’t forget to chill: A quick chill firms the dough so the balls keep their shape.
- Don’t add large mix-ins: Chop dried fruit or nuts finely so the balls hold together.
Recipe Variations
- Peppermint Mocha: Use chocolate protein powder, add 1/2 teaspoon instant espresso, and roll in crushed peppermint.
- Gingerbread Cheer: Use vanilla protein powder, 1 teaspoon ground ginger, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and a pinch of cloves.
- Cranberry Orange: Stir in 2–3 tablespoons finely chopped dried cranberries and 1 teaspoon orange zest. Roll in shredded coconut.
- Nut-Free Snowballs: Use sunflower seed butter and skip nuts.
Roll in coconut for a snowy look.
- Pistachio Poppy: Swap chocolate chips for chopped pistachios and add 1 teaspoon poppy seeds.
- Low-Sugar Boost: Use an unsweetened protein powder and reduce honey/maple to 2–3 tablespoons. Add a splash of milk to adjust texture.
FAQ
Can I make these without protein powder?
Yes. Replace the protein powder with 1/4 cup finely ground oats or extra flaxseed, plus a pinch more vanilla.
You may need an extra tablespoon of nut butter or milk to reach the right texture.
What type of protein powder works best?
Whey blends are soft and easy to mix. For dairy-free, choose a smooth plant-based option like pea or a pea-rice blend. If your powder tastes strong, adjust sweetener and vanilla to balance.
How do I keep the balls from crumbling?
If they’re crumbly, add a teaspoon of milk or water at a time until the mixture holds together when squeezed.
Chilling the dough briefly also helps it set.
Are these gluten-free?
They can be. Use certified gluten-free oats and a gluten-free protein powder. Always check labels for cross-contamination warnings.
Can I make them vegan?
Absolutely.
Use maple syrup instead of honey and a plant-based protein powder. Choose dairy-free chocolate chips or omit them.
How many should I eat at once?
Two balls make a satisfying snack for most people, especially with a glass of water or tea. Adjust based on your hunger and goals.
Do the sprinkles melt or bleed?
Most hold up well when the balls are chilled.
If you’re worried about color bleed, coat just before serving or use nonpareils that tend to keep their color better.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes. Use a large bowl and mix in stages to keep the texture even. You may need a touch more liquid with larger batches.
Final Thoughts
Holly Jolly Protein Balls deliver all the cozy, holiday fun without the fuss or the crash.
They’re quick to make, easy to customize, and festive enough for any cookie platter. Keep a batch in the fridge for instant cheer whenever you need a pick-me-up. Simple, tasty, and merry—exactly what the season calls for.
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