Are you a fan of pie? How about pecan pie? These Bourbon-Salted Pecan Protein Balls are a healthier version of a boozy, chocolate-laced pecan pie!
…
Avocado Toast with Dukkah & Radishes
Dukkah makes you giggle when you say it, but you’ll be smiling as you sprinkle this Egyptian spice blend on everything. Avocado Toast with Dukkah & Radishes is a delicious breakfast or snack any time of day!
…
Paleo Zucchini Hummus
Paleo Zucchini Hummus is a delicious low-carb alternative to chickpea hummus. It has a similar texture, but with fewer calories. Enjoy as a light veggie dip or salad dressing!
…
Samoa Protein Dough Balls {Recipe}
Raise your hand if you’re a Samoa fan. This copy-cat Samoa is a healthier, protein-packed version of the Girl Scout Cookie classic. It’s a perfect snack or dessert bite!
Samoas were never my favorite Girl Scout cookie. As a child, I loved Thin Mints and Tagalongs. However, as an adult I’ve started to appreciate the Samoa.
It probably has something to do with the fact that I now love coconut. I was such a picky child – I wouldn’t go near it! I also hated cheese, tomato sauce, seafood, and any veggie that wasn’t covered in ranch dressing. My poor mother.
But enough my pickiness. Let’s talk about my balls. I’ve been on a ball kick. First was this Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ball recipe, then I decided to create a Thin Mint version. Since I was on a Girl Scout cookie roll, I asked you guys what “copycat” should be next. It was a tie between Samoas and Tagalongs (so watch for Tagalongs next!).
Like the first two, these Samoa Protein Dough Balls use same healthy hacks – super clean protein powder, applesauce, and nut butter. Unlike the first two, I added dates to sweeten them. They really helped to nail the chewy, slightly gooey texture of a true Samoa.
For the coconut, I used the thick, unsweetened coconut flakes (not shredded). The high quality, textured flakes make all the difference in the taste, IMHO.
I always used stevia-sweetened chocolate chips. The flavor is just as good, and it cuts down on the added sugars. Speaking of sugars, I was a little worried about how high the sugar count would be since I used dates to sweeten this. When I did the nutritionals, I was really happy to find that there are only 6g of sugar in them! Using Stevia-sweetened chocolate chips helps keep that down too.
To mix these Samoa Protein Dough Balls, you’re going to want to use the food processor. Dates are incredibly sticky. No one in their right mind want to hand chop them into teeny tiny pieces. How did people survive before kitchen electronics?!
Dates, protein powder, and nut butter can all vary in consistency. If your dough is too dry, just add almond milk on tablespoon at a time. Your balls should be just sticky enough to form balls.
[Tweet “Who else loves Girl Scout cookies? You need these healthier Samoa Dough Balls!”]
Samoa Protein Dough Balls
Prep Time: 15 mins
Keywords: raw dessert snack gluten-free low-sugar vegan coconut flakes coconut protein powder applesauce healthy
Ingredients (10 balls)
- 1/2 C pitted dates
- 1/2 C unsweetened coconut flakes
- 1/3 C vanilla protein powder
- 1 T nut butter
- 2 T unsweetened applesauce
- 1/8 tsp sea salt
- 1 T mini chocolate chips (I use these Stevia-sweetened)
- 3-4 oz melting chocolate (optional, for dipping)
Instructions
Line a tray with parchment or wax paper.
In a food processor, blend the dates until they begin to turn into a paste. Add in the coconut flakes, protein powder, nut butter, applesauce, and sea salt, pulsing again until combined.
Next add the mini chocolate chips. Pulse these only a couple of times, as you still want to have some larger pieces of chocolate.
If dough feels too dry to form balls, add milk one tablespoon at a time until just sticky enough to roll. Form balls and place in freezer for at least 30 minutes.
If dipping in chocolate:
Melt chocolate by microwaving for 30 seconds. Stir and repeat until chocolate is melted and smooth.
Dip the bottom of each ball into chocolate, shake off excess and place on waxed paper-lined cookie sheet.
Freeze until firm, ~30 mins. Store in freezer for best results.
***
These passed the baby sister and Vegas test. #winning
Were you a Girl Scout? I only made it through Brownies… and only for the cookies.
Do you freeze your Samoas? There’s something about a frozen Girl Scout cookie!
Thin Mint Protein Dough Balls
Do you like Thin Mints? Cookie dough? Then you’re going to need these Thin Mint Protein Dough Balls. They’re a healthy protein version you can have all year!
Every year I feel a mix of excitement and dread when I see the first Girl Scouts outside the grocery store. I love Girl Scout cookies. The only reason I was ever a Brownie was for the cookies. That said, I hate seeing them because I cannot say no. Who am I to say no to the girls? They’re just trying to meet their goal! 25 boxes later… *eye roll*
Thankfully, this only happens once a year. The rest of they year I have these balls to keep me happy. (That’s right, I went there.)
If you read my Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ball recipe, the base of these may look familiar. I used the same healthy dough hacks – almond flour, protein powder, and nut butter.
To make these more chocolate-y, I used unsweetened cocoa powder. For the mint, I added a high quality peppermint extract. I specify high-quality because it makes all the difference in the taste. If you’ve ever used cheap extract in a raw recipe, you know what I mean.
To mix these Thin Mint Protein Dough Balls, just dive in with your hands. It’s 100x easier, plus it’s like getting to play with your food.
Protein powders and nut butters will vary in consistency. If you find the batter to be too dry, just add a bit of almond milk. Your balls shouldn’t be too wet, but you need enough moisture to mold them into balls.
[Tweet “Who else loves Girl Scout cookies? You need these healthier Thin Mint Protein Dough Balls!”]
[tasty-recipe id=”18118″]
***
I just can’t help myself with the ball jokes. #sorryimnotsorry
What’s your favorite Girl Scout cookie?
Do you freeze your Thin Mints? I always do, which makes me loves eating these from the freezer even more.
Easy 3-Ingredient Mexican-Style Hummus
Elevate store bought hummus to another level of delicious with this easy 3-Ingredient Mexican-Style Hummus. Your seconds from an impressive-looking dip piled with festive toppings.
…
Eating on the Run + WIAW
Remember last week when I said I was lazy?
Famous last words.
This weekend was anything BUT lazy. We hosted an Easter brunch that lasted all day long, plus I prepped a ton of balsamic chicken for Vegas to grill (she’s the grill master). I even managed to get to the gym every morning too!
Check out our Easter spread:
…
Wild Blueberry Açaí Protein Bowl
This homemade açaí bowl is packed with nutrients from wild blueberries, açaí, and protein. Enjoy one as a cool down post-workout, or as a healthy afternoon snack!
…
- 1
- 2
- 3
- …
- 43
- Next Page »
