Chocolate Hazelnut Protein Energy Balls
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup rolled oats (certified gluten-free if necessary)
- 1/2 cup chocolate protein powder (whey or plant-based)
- 1/2 cup natural hazelnut butter
- 1/3 cup honey or pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup roasted hazelnuts, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1–2 tablespoons water or almond milk (optional, if the mixture is too dry)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, chocolate protein powder, cocoa powder, and sea salt. Ensure there are no large clumps of protein powder so the flavor is evenly distributed.
- Add the hazelnut butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Use a sturdy spatula or a wooden spoon to stir everything together. The mixture should be thick and slightly sticky.
- Gently fold in the chopped roasted hazelnuts. If the dough feels too crumbly and won’t hold its shape when pressed together, add water or almond milk one tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
- Scoop about one tablespoon of the mixture at a time and roll it between your palms to form a smooth ball. You should end up with approximately 12 evenly sized energy balls.
- Place the finished balls on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Put them in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up before eating. This helps the oats hydrate and improves the overall texture.