Cookie Dough Protein Balls

I have an obsession that has me watching endless cookie recipe video's on YouTube.

​Did you know there's quite a science to create the perfect cookie? 
Like refrigerating the dough for two days!

(Stay tuned, my perfect vegan cookie recipe will be coming soon.)

This recipe for 'Cookie Dough Protein Balls' is absolutely delightful!
These babies are obviously inspired by cookie dough, with the texture and taste resembling Betty Crocker's
(the one in the aluminium tube #childhood).

What sets this recipe apart are the ingredients, which create a protein rich snack ideal for pre/ post workout.
  This is achieved with vanilla protein powder, peanut butter, almond meal and the unlikely candidate cooked chickpeas.
Yep chickpeas, don't be alarmed you can't taste them and they're actually a wonderful binder to create that mouth watering cookie dough texture.

Enjoy!
​
​Love Alex, Ballerina Bites. xx

PS: Be sure to tag me @ballerina_bites on Instagram so I can see your recreations!

Ingredients
1 can chickpeas, drained, rinsed & patted dry
3 tbsp peanut, cashew or almond butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup almond meal
1/4 cup coconut sugar
3 tbsp vanilla protein powder (I use Vega)
A generous pinch of salt
 1/3 cup dairy free dark chocolate chips 

​Method
In a food processor combine all ingredients (except the chocolate chips) and blend until a smooth dough forms. 
​It should come together into a large ball.

Transfer the dough into a large bowl, and evenly mix in the chocolate chips with a spoon.

Take 1 heaped tbsp of the dough, and roll into a ball.

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, if they last that long!

Makes 12
​
- Recipe updated 10th August, 2019 -