Cottage Cheese Brownie Protein Balls (No-Bake) Recipe
These Cottage Cheese Brownie Protein Balls are a nutritious and delicious no-bake snack perfect for a quick energy boost. Combining creamy cottage cheese with rich cocoa and a touch of sweetness, they deliver a protein-packed treat that’s easy to make and ideal for on-the-go snacking, post-workout refueling, or a healthy dessert option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 12-14 balls 1x
- Category: Snack, Dessert, Protein snack
- Method: No-Bake, Mixing, Refrigeration
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese (low-fat or full-fat)
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (or stevia for low-carb)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 scoop chocolate or vanilla protein powder (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped nuts or seeds
- 2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare the base mixture: In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of cottage cheese with 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Stir thoroughly until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency.
- Add dry ingredients: Mix in ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder and 1 scoop of protein powder if using. Blend well to form a chocolaty batter with a thick texture.
- Incorporate mix-ins: Fold in 2 tablespoons chopped nuts or seeds and 2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture for added texture and flavor.
- Form the balls: Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, shape the mixture into approximately 12-14 small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Chill for setting: Place the formed balls on a lined tray or container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up before serving.
- Serve and store: Enjoy the protein balls straight from the fridge as a nutritious snack. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Notes
- Use full-fat cottage cheese for creamier texture and richer flavor, or low-fat for fewer calories.
- Substitute honey with maple syrup or stevia to adjust sweetness and keep the recipe low-carb.
- Protein powder is optional but increases protein content; choose your favorite flavor and type.
- Chopped nuts can be almonds, walnuts, or seeds like chia or flax for added nutrition and crunch.
- Mini chocolate chips add sweetness and texture, but can be omitted or replaced with dried fruit for a different twist.
- Keep the balls refrigerated as they are perishable due to the cottage cheese content.
- For vegan adaptation, replace cottage cheese with a plant-based yogurt, though texture and flavor may vary.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball (approx. 20g)
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 2.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: cottage cheese, brownie, protein balls, no-bake snack, healthy dessert, protein snack
