Cookie Dough Energy Balls

Cookie Dough Energy Balls

Evann Ryan

High-protein vegan cookie energy balls are my favourite kind of “I deserve a treat” snack: soft, chewy, sweet-but-not-too-sweet, and secretly loaded with plant protein. In fact, these peanut butter cookie energy balls pack around 6 grams of protein each, thanks to flax, sprouted oats, and a scoop of chocolate vegan protein powder. Plus, they come together in one bowl, no baking, no fancy equipment, and almost no dishes. So you get that nostalgic, cookie-dough energy bite vibe with ingredients that actually love you back.

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Why You’ll Love These High-Protein Vegan Cookie Energy Balls

These high-protein vegan cookie energy balls are:

  • High in protein and super satisfying – about 6 g of plant protein per ball, which makes them perfect as a post-workout bite or afternoon snack.
  • Naturally sweetened – maple syrup adds just enough sweetness, and it keeps the texture soft and cookie-like.
  • Full of slow-burning energy – sprouted oats and flax meal bring complex carbs, fibre, and healthy fats to keep you full.
  • Ridiculously easy – everything goes into one bowl, you roll, chill, and you’re done.
  • Meal-prep friendly – they keep well in the fridge all week, so you always have a high-protein vegan cookie energy ball ready to grab.
  • Customizable – you can swap nut butters, change the flavour of protein powder, or add chocolate chips without losing that cookie energy ball magic.

What You Need To Make These High-Protein Vegan Cookie Energy Balls

To make these high-protein vegan cookie energy balls, you only need a few pantry staples and a mixing bowl. Because the recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free oats, it fits a lot of different lifestyles too.

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Creamy natural peanut butter – this gives our high-protein vegan cookie energy balls their classic cookie flavour and rich texture.
  • Flax meal – it acts as a binder, adds healthy fats, and boosts fibre.
  • Chocolate vegan protein powder – this is where a big chunk of the protein comes from, and it adds a chocolate-cookie vibe.
  • Sprouted oats – they keep the balls chewy, satisfying, and better on digestion for many people compared to regular oats.
  • Maple syrup – for natural sweetness and a bit of stickiness to help everything hold together.
  • Almond milk – just enough to help the dough come together into scoopable cookie energy balls.
  • Pinch of salt – it seems small, but it makes the flavours pop and balances the sweetness.

Ingredient Substitutions 

Because everyone’s pantry looks a little different, here are some easy swaps for your high-protein vegan cookie energy balls:

  • Nut butter: Instead of peanut butter, you can use almond butter or cashew butter for a milder flavour. For a nut-free version, you could try sunflower seed butter; just know the flavour will be a bit earthier.
  • Protein powder: Any vegan chocolate or vanilla protein will work here. If yours is very sweet, you can slightly reduce the maple syrup. If you skip the protein powder, you may want to add 2–3 extra tablespoons (15–20 g) of oats to keep the texture thick.
  • Oats: If you don’t have sprouted oats, regular rolled oats are totally fine. 
  • Sweetener: Maple syrup can be swapped for agave or date syrup. However, try to stick to a liquid sweetener so your high-protein vegan cookie energy balls still roll easily.
  • Liquid: Any unsweetened plant milk (oat, soy, cashew) will work in place of almond milk. Just add it slowly so you don’t make the dough too wet.

Other High-Protein Vegan Recipes to Try After These Cookie Energy Balls

Once you’re hooked on these high-protein vegan cookie energy balls, you might want more protein-packed treats ready in the fridge. Here are a few recipes from evannryan.com that pair perfectly:

  • No-Bake Peanut Blossom Cookies (with Protein!) – soft, peanutty, and topped with chocolate, these no-bake cookies are like your favourite holiday cookie but higher in protein and totally plant-based. Evann Ryan
  • High-Protein Vegan Christmas Brownie Bite Protein Balls – chocolatey, fudgy brownie-style protein balls that feel like dessert but hit your protein goals too. Evann Ryan
  • Apple Pie Overnight Oats Loaded with Protein – if you love sprouted oats in your cookie energy balls, you’ll love them in this apple-cinnamon, high-protein breakfast prep. Evann Ryan

High-Protein Vegan Cookie Energy Balls Recipe Card

Recipe: High-Protein Vegan Cookie Energy Balls
Yield: 12 cookie energy balls
Prep time: 10 minutes
Chill time: 20 minutes
Total time: ~30 minutes

Approximate macros per 1 cookie energy ball (1 of 12):

  • Calories: ~123 kcal
  • Protein: ~6 g
  • Carbohydrates: ~10 g
  • Fat: ~7 g

(Macros are estimated based on standard nutrition data for the ingredients listed.)

High-Protein Vegan Cookie Energy Balls Ingredients List

For one batch of high-protein vegan cookie energy balls you’ll need:

  • Peanut butter: ½ cup (128 g) natural creamy peanut butter
  • Flax meal: ÂĽ cup (28 g) ground flaxseed (discount code: EVANNRYAN)
  • Chocolate vegan protein powder: 1 scoop (~30 g) (discount code: EVANNRYAN saves you 15% on Vedge!)
  • Sprouted oats: 1 cup (90 g) sprouted rolled oats, ground into flour
  • Maple syrup: 2 tbsp (40 g) pure maple syrup
  • Almond milk: 2–3 tbsp (about 30–45 ml / ~37 g total used; start with 2 tbsp)
  • Salt: Pinch fine sea salt (~0.3 g)

Optional mix-ins for your cookie energy balls:

  • 2–3 tbsp (20–30 g) mini dark chocolate chips
  • 1–2 tbsp (10–15 g) crushed peanuts or cacao nibs

High-Protein Vegan Cookie Energy Balls Instructions

  1. Add your oats to a blender and blend into a flour.
  2. Pour oat flour into a bowl and add remaining ingredients. 
  3. Mix well.
  4. If the dough is too dry add 1-2 tbsp dairy free milk until softened and easy to roll.
  5. If the dough is too wet, add 1-2 tbsp protein powder until the dough is easy to roll. 
  6. Roll into 12 balls. 
  7. Set in a glass meal prep container and keep in the fridge for 5-7 days, or freeze for up to a month!

Share Your Thoughts on These High-Protein Vegan Cookie Energy Balls

If you make these high-protein vegan cookie energy balls, I’d truly love to hear how they turned out for you. Did you stick with classic peanut butter, or did you try almond butter or a different protein powder flavour? If you’re sharing on social, you can mention any tweaks you made so others can get inspired too. And if you’re using them as a pre-workout or school snack, it’s always helpful to note how they fit into your routine.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About High-Protein Vegan Cookie Energy Balls

1. Can I make these high-protein vegan cookie energy balls without protein powder?
Yes, you can. However, the protein content will drop. To keep the texture right, replace the 1 scoop (~30 g) protein powder with about 3 tbsp (20–25 g) extra oats. 

2. Are these high-protein vegan cookie energy balls gluten-free?
They can be. Simply use certified gluten-free sprouted oats or regular certified gluten-free rolled oats. 

3. How long do high-protein vegan cookie energy balls last in the fridge?
These cookie energy balls keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5–7 days. Because they’re no-bake, chilling helps them stay firm and fresh.

4. Can I freeze these high-protein vegan cookie energy balls?
Absolutely. Place the rolled cookie energy balls on a tray to firm up first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Just let them thaw for 10–15 minutes at room temperature before eating, or enjoy slightly frozen for a chewier texture.

5. Can I make these high-protein vegan cookie energy balls nut-free?
You can, although the flavour will change slightly. Swap the peanut butter for sunflower seed butter and use a nut-free plant milk. 

6. When is the best time to eat these high-protein vegan cookie energy balls?
They’re great pre-workout, post-workout, or anytime you need a quick snack!

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