Easy No-Bake Chickpea Cookie Dough Protein Balls

These chickpea energy balls taste like cookie dough without any of the added sugar or flour. They are made with healthy plant-based ingredients, like chickpeas, flax meal, oats, peanut butter, maple syrup, dates and dark chocolate chips. 

This healthy snack contains plenty of protein to keep you full between meals and help tired muscles recover after a workout. These cookie dough-inspired energy balls are so tasty that you’ll be excited to add more plant-based protein into your recovery routine. 

Whip up a batch to have on hand for when hunger strikes or when you need protein after exercise. 

Ingredients

To make these simple energy bites, you need a few plant-based ingredients, including:

• Chickpeas: these protein-packed pulses have plenty of fiber, so they are filling and good for the muscles and digestive system.
• Oats: this breakfast staple contains a special fiber called beta-glucan, which has been shown to help reduce cholesterol levels. 
• Peanut butter: a classic pantry staple, peanut butter is rich in healthy fats. It’s also the glue that holds these protein balls together. 
• Dates: they are naturally sweet and chewy and help mold these bites. 
• Flax meal: made from ground flax seeds, flax meal is rich in fiber and healthy fats with a nutty flavor. 
• Maple syrup: just a hint of maple syrup adds a touch of sweetness to these protein balls. 
• Dark chocolate chips: dark chocolate contains antioxidants and has less sugar than milk chocolate. I opt for a 70% dark chocolate chip but feel free to use whatever you have. 

How to make No-Bake Vegan Cookie Dough Energy Balls

These no-bake protein balls are so easy to make. All you need is a food processor, a bowl and a fridge. 

First, add the chickpeas, oats, peanut butter, dates, flax meal and maple syrup to a food processor and process until it becomes a paste. You may have to stop and scrape down the sides of the food processor a few times to incorporate all the ingredients.  

Once the mixture is the consistency of a paste, transfer it to a bowl and add the chocolate chips. Mix it well. 

Using your hands, roll the mixture into golf ball-sized bites and place them on a parchment-lined cutting board or plate. Place the bites in the fridge for at least one hour and enjoy. 

How do you store energy balls?

After the one-hour setting time, store the bites in a sealed container, like a Tupperware or mason jar. The bites can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days. 

Can energy balls be frozen?

Energy balls can be frozen for up to 3 months. To defrost them, take them out of the freezer and store them in the fridge for a day. Or, to quickly defrost, pop them in the microwave for 30 second intervals until they are soft. 

Are chickpeas a good source of protein?

Chickpeas are a good source of plant-based protein. A cup of chickpeas has 12 grams of protein. 

Is it okay to eat chickpeas every day?

Chickpeas are part of a healthy plant-based diet. They are loaded with nutrients, like protein, fiber, folate and Vitamin C. Eat them every day to get more of these beneficial nutrients. 

Are chickpeas a complete protein?

It was once believed that most plant-based foods are incomplete proteins, meaning they don’t contain all nine of the essential amino acids (the ones the body cannot make). But, believe it or not, all plant-based foods have all of the essential amino acids are are considered complete proteins.

That said, plant-based proteins are limited and only contain small amounts of some essential amino acids. Eating a variety of plant-based foods, like beans, legumes, whole grains, nuts and seeds, ensures that you’ll get plenty of essential amino acids in the diet. 

Are canned chickpeas good for you?

Canned chickpeas are a healthy part of the diet. They are an incredibly easy plant-based protein to use in a variety of recipes, such as salads, soups, energy bites and more. 

Canned chickpeas are packed in a salty liquid, so rinse them in cold water before eating to remove some of the sodium.