Go Back

Poinsettia Protein Balls

Print Recipe
Servings: 18 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats or quick oats for smoother texture
  • 1 cup vanilla or chocolate protein powder whey or plant-based
  • 1/2 cup natural almond butter or peanut/cashew butter
  • 1/3 cup pure maple syrup or honey
  • 2 tablespoons cocoa powder Dutch-processed for richer flavor
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut optional, for body
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 2–4 tablespoons milk or dairy-free milk as needed for consistency
  • 1/3 cup dried cranberries , chopped small for the “red petals”
  • 1/3 cup shelled pistachios , finely chopped for the “green leaves”
  • Zest of 1 orange optional but festive
  • 2 tablespoons mini dark chocolate chips optional, but you'll be happier

Method
 

  1. Finely chop the dried cranberries and pistachios. Keep them in separate shallow bowls—these are your poinsettia “petals” and “leaves.”
  2. In a large bowl, combine oats, protein powder, cocoa powder, coconut, and sea salt. Stir to distribute evenly.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk almond butter, maple syrup, vanilla, and orange zest until smooth. If it's too thick, microwave 10–15 seconds to loosen.
  4. Pour the wet mixture into the dry. Stir with a sturdy spatula. Add milk 1 tablespoon at a time until the dough holds together when pressed—slightly tacky, not sticky.
  5. Add mini chocolate chips and half the chopped cranberries. Mix to distribute without overworking.
  6. Scoop 1 tablespoon per ball (a small cookie scoop helps). Roll between your palms to form smooth spheres.
  7. Press each ball lightly into a little plate of pistachios on one side and cranberries on the other, creating a red-green split. Gently press to adhere.
  8. Place balls on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate 20–30 minutes to firm up.
  9. Want sweeter? Dust with a touch more cranberries. Want richer? Drizzle a whisper of melted dark chocolate across the tops.
  10. Transfer to an airtight container. Try not to eat half the batch immediately. No promises.