No-Bake Cottage Cheese Brownie Batter Protein Balls Recipe
These No-Bake Cottage Cheese Brownie Batter Protein Balls are a delicious, high-protein snack that tastes like brownie batter without any baking required. Made with creamy cottage cheese, peanut butter, cocoa powder, and chocolate protein powder, they offer a smooth, fudgy texture packed with flavors and nutrients. Perfect for pre- or post-workout fuel, a quick snack, or a healthy dessert alternative, these protein balls are easy to make and can be stored in the fridge or freezer for convenience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 12 protein balls 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
The Base:
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese (2% or 4% fat works best)
- 1/2 cup Justin’s Classic Peanut Butter (or almond butter)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 scoop Orgain chocolate protein powder (about 30g)
- 1/4 cup Anthony’s almond flour
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Optional Chocolate Coating:
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
Instructions
- Blend Your Base: Add cottage cheese, peanut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract to your food processor. Blend for 30 seconds until completely smooth with no lumps to ensure a creamy texture.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Incorporate protein powder, cocoa powder, almond flour, and a pinch of salt. Pulse the mixture until it forms a thick dough that sticks together when pressed but isn’t wet. Adjust consistency by adding a teaspoon of water if too dry or more almond flour if too wet.
- Roll Into Balls: Using a small cookie scoop, portion 1 to 1.5 tablespoons of dough per ball. Roll each portion between your palms until smooth and place on a parchment-lined plate. This recipe yields exactly 12 balls.
- Chill: Freeze the balls for 15 minutes or refrigerate them for 30 minutes to firm up and significantly improve texture. This step is essential and should not be skipped.
- Optional Chocolate Coating: Melt dark chocolate chips and coconut oil in 30-second microwave bursts. Dip each chilled ball in the melted chocolate, allow excess to drip off, then return to parchment. Refrigerate for 5 more minutes to set the coating.
Notes
- Use room temperature cottage cheese for smoother blending.
- Do not over-process the dough to avoid a dense texture.
- Wet your hands slightly when rolling the balls to prevent sticking.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days; flavor improves after 2 days.
- Freeze for up to 3 months; frozen balls resemble fudgy truffles.
- Good at room temperature for 2-3 hours, ideal for lunchboxes or gym bags.
- Variations include using PB2 powder for a peanut butter cup flavor, mint extract for mint chocolate, and vanilla protein powder with sprinkles for birthday cake flavor.
- Can increase protein content by adding an extra half scoop of protein powder and 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt.
Keywords: no bake protein balls, cottage cheese protein balls, brownie batter protein balls, healthy snack, high protein snack, no bake dessert, peanut butter protein balls
