These Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Balls are a healthy snack that feels like a treat and comes together fast. They are easy to make, family friendly, and perfect for busy days when you want something nourishing and satisfying. Great for lunchboxes, after school snacks, or a quick grab and go option.
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Click HERE to read my policies.
This post was originally published on 7/30/2020 and updated on 1/22/2026.
I have been creating and testing homemade snacks for my family for decades now. I like to focus on from scratch recipes that balance flavor, texture, and real life practicality. These protein balls have been made many times in my kitchen and taste tested by my kids to make sure they are both enjoyable and reliable. You can trust this recipe because it is based on years of hands on cooking and recipe testing.
Why We Love These Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Balls
- Easy, no bake recipe that is ready in minutes.
- Healthy snack option that still tastes like a treat.
- Family friendly and kid approved.
- Perfect for meal prep, lunchboxes, and busy days.
- Great grab and go snack for after school or workouts.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Protein Balls Recipe Ingredients
- Honey
- Creamy Peanut Butter
- Dark Cocoa Powder
- Chocolate Protein Powder
- Mini Chocolate Chips
Substitution Suggestions
- Honey: This is needed to sweeten them but also to help it all stick together. If you need to switch it out, you can use maple syrup or a different liquid sweetener.
- Creamy Peanut Butter: I like to use a natural peanut butter that has minimal ingredients and not a lot of sugar. Use your favorite! If you can't have peanut butter use your favorite nut butter or seed butter.
- Dark Cocoa Powder: I like to use Hershey's Special Dark Cocoa Powder, but any dark cocoa powder or dutch processed cocoa powder will work.
- Chocolate Protein Powder: Use your favorite protein powder. I usually use soy, but any type of protein powder will work. You can also use vanilla if that is what you have on hand.
- Mini Chocolate Chips: Use your favorite chocolate! Try and use the mini version of your favorite. If you can't find it, you can finely chop up a chocolate bar.
How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Balls
- First, line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
- Add all the ingredients to a large mixing bowl and combine really well!
- Using a medium size cookie scoop, or 2 level tablespoons, portion the bites and then roll them into balls.
- Place balls on prepared sheet pan and eat them right away, chill them in the fridge or freeze them.
Ways to Enjoy Healthy Energy Balls
- These protein balls are the perfect after school snack. They're healthy but feel like a treat. Make them ahead of time and keep them in the fridge all week.
- Add them to the kids or spouse's lunch box for a mid-morning snack or afternoon pick me up. Or they can enjoy them as a treat with their lunch.
- Enjoy one before or after a workout.
If you love easy make ahead snacks, be sure to check out my other protein ball recipes: Monster Cookie Protein Balls and Chickpea Protein Balls.
Storing Protein Balls
Storing: After the protein balls have chilled add them to an airtight container or zip top bag and keep in fridge for up to a week.
Freezing: Once the balls are all formed and on a parchment lined baking sheet, just pop the pan in the freezer. Freeze the bites for an hour or so and then place them in an air tighter freezer safe container or zip top freezer bag.
To Thaw: take out desired amount the night before and thaw in fridge or thaw on counter for 10-15 minutes. Or eat them frozen like my hubby and kids do!
Heather's Favorite Tools for this Recipe
- My MOST favorite tool in my kitchen is my KitchenAid Stand Mixer. If you don't want to mix these protein balls up by hand, use your mixer!
- Long ago, I used to be a Pampered Chef consultant and I still prefer their baking tools and pans to any others. I like their baking sheets best, but these aluminum sheet pans from Nordic Ware are a great option too.
- A medium sized cookie scoop that holds about 2 tablespoons is great for these protein balls. Again I use the pampered chef one but this medium scoop from OXO on Amazon is a great one.
- Pre-cut parchment paper is a life saver and so easy. No cutting my fingers!
- Or this silicone baking mat is great for these energy balls too!
Tips for Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Balls
- If possible, use mini versions of the chocolate chips. The bites will hold together better.
- Make ahead and store in the fridge for the week.
- Make a double batch and freeze so you always have some on hand!
- If you want smaller balls you can use a small cookie scoop that holds about a tablespoon. They are the perfect size for a one bite snack!
Other Healthy Snack Recipes:
- Peanut Butter Cereal Bars
- Chocolate Chip Breakfast Cookies
- Peanut Butter Apple Sandwiches
- Air Fryer Chickpeas
- Banana Chocolate Chip Oat Squares
Did you make this recipe? Rate it!
If you enjoyed this recipe give it a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating in the comments below. It really helps the recipe stand out and I appreciate the feedback to make recipes everyone will enjoy.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Balls
Ingredients
- ½ cup honey
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons dark cocoa powder
- 1 cup chocolate protein powder
- ¼ cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- In a large bowl, add all ingredients and mix together thoroughly.
- Use a medium size cookie scoop, or 2 level tablespoons, portion out bites and roll into balls.
- Place in an air tight container or zip top bag and store in fridge (or freezer).
Leave a comment