Snickerdoodle Protein Balls

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5 from 21 votes
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These snickerdoodle protein balls are the perfect no bake snack that tastes exactly like snickerdoodle cookies! With 10 grams of protein in each, they’re the best wholesome, healthy treat. 

snickerdoodle protein balls.

My family loves it when I bake my famous Snickerdoodle cookies since I usually reserve them for the holidays. But sometimes, I really just want the Snickerdoodle flavor, but without the sugar rush or lengthy baking process. That’s why I came up with these easy snickerdoodle balls. 

If you’re unfamiliar with Snickerdoodles, they’re basically sugar cookies coated in cinnamon sugar. Just like our snickerdoodle cake and cookie dough, it’s the cinnamon that really sets them apart from other dessert-inspired snacks. 

Table of Contents
  1. Why this recipe works
  2. Ingredients needed
  3. How to make snickerdoodle protein balls
  4. Recipe tips and variations
  5. Storage instructions
  6. Frequently asked questions
  7. More no-bake snacks to try
  8. Snickerdoodle Protein Balls (Recipe Card)

Why this recipe works

  • Cinnamon goodness. If you’re a lover of all things cinnamon, you’ll love these protein balls! They’re warm, sweet, and perfectly spiced.
  • Easy to make ahead. We always have protein balls in my kitchen since they’re easy to make in advance, and they last for a long time in the fridge. 
  • Ready in minutes. All you do is make the batter, shape the balls, then toss them in cinnamon sugar, and let them firm up in the fridge. It’s that easy!
  • No protein powder. Even if you’re not a big fan of protein powder, or you’re fresh out, you can still enjoy these protein-packed energy balls. 

We love having these snickerdoodle bites during the holidays since they’re way more nutritious than traditional desserts but still offer that same festive flavor, just like these pumpkin balls and eggnog bites

Ingredients needed

You’ll only need a few simple ingredients to make these delectable treats. 

  • Almond flour. I prefer using blanched almond flour for no-bake treats, but you could also use regular almond meal if you’re in a pinch. 
  • Coconut flour. I always recommend using coconut flour in no-bake desserts since it absorbs moisture best and offers fiber and protein. 
  • Cinnamon. A must for any Snickerdoodle!
  • Granulated sweetener. I used white sugar, but brown sugar or a sugar alternative will also work. 
  • Almond butter. Preferably smooth and creamy almond butter with no added sugar. While I prefer the flavor of almond butter, you could use any nut or seed butter. 
  • Maple syrup. To complement the cinnamon and bind the ingredients together. 
  • Milk. I used unsweetened almond milk, but any milk will work. 
  • More cinnamon and sweetener. For coating the protein balls. 

Find the printable recipe with measurements below.

How to make snickerdoodle protein balls

Step 1- Combine the dry ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, mix together the flours, sweetener, and cinnamon. 

Step 2- Add wet ingredients. In a microwave-safe bowl or stovetop, melt the almond butter with maple syrup. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix well to combine. If the batter is crumbly, add 1 tablespoon of milk at a time until a thick, shapeable batter is formed.

Step 3- Shape into balls. Use your hands to shape the dough into equal-sized balls and set them aside. 

Step 4- Coat in cinnamon sugar. In a small bowl, combine the cinnamon and sweetener. Gently roll each ball in the cinnamon mixture and refrigerate for 10 minutes or until firm. 

snickerdoodle balls.

Recipe tips and variations

  • Lightly wet your hands. So the balls are easier to roll out.
  • Make them nut-free. If you have a nut allergy, swap out the almond flour for oat flour and the almond butter for tahini or sunflower seed butter. 
  • Swap out the maple syrup. I tested honey and agave, and they both work great. You could even use keto-friendly honey.
  • Use a cookie scoop. To get even-sized balls with half the effort.  
  • Taste as you go. This no-bake recipe is 100% safe to eat straight out of the bowl, so taste the batter before you shape the balls and add more sweetener or cinnamon if needed. 

Storage instructions

To store: Leftover snickerdoodle energy balls are best kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 weeks. 

To freeze: Place the energy bites in a freezer-safe bag and freeze them for up to 6 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, let them thaw overnight in the fridge. 

snickerdoodle protein bites.

Frequently asked questions

Why aren’t my protein balls sticking together?

If the batter is too crumbly and you’re not able to shape the balls, add a little milk (or water) until the batter softens and you can roll out the balls. 

More no-bake snacks to try

  • Cookie dough bites– No-bake cookie dough that’s safe and delicious to eat raw. 
  • Peanut butter protein balls– Made with only 4 ingredients and zero added sugar. 
  • Apricot delight– Full of vibrant apricot flavor, these are the perfect midday snack you can enjoy year-round.
  • Larabars– Everyone’s favorite healthy snack, made with wholesome ingredients and 10 flavor options. 
  • Banana protein bars– Healthy, delicious protein bars that taste just like banana bread. 
snickerdoodle protein balls recipe.

Snickerdoodle Protein Balls

5 from 21 votes
These snickerdoodle protein balls are the perfect no bake snack that tastes exactly like snickerdoodle cookies! With 10 grams of protein in each, they’re the best wholesome, healthy treat. 
Servings: 18 servings
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 1 minute
Total: 6 minutes

Ingredients  

Instructions 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the flours, sweetener, cinnamon, and mix very well.
  • In a microwave safe bowl or stovetop, melt your almond butter with your sticky sweetener until combined. Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture and mix very well. If the batter is crumbly, add milk one tablespoon at a time until a thick, formable batter is present. Using your hands, form into small balls and set aside.
  • In a small bowl, combine the cinnamon and sweetener and mix well. Gently roll each ball in it and refrigerate for 10 minutes, or until firm.

Notes

TO STORE. Leftover snickerdoodle energy balls are best kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 weeks. 
TO FREEZE. Place the energy bites in a freezer-safe bag and freeze them for up to 6 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, let them thaw overnight in the fridge

Nutrition

Serving: 1BallCalories: 108kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 3gFat: 7gSodium: 5mgPotassium: 38mgFiber: 2gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 2IUVitamin C: 0.02mgCalcium: 43mgIron: 1mgNET CARBS: 8g
Course: Snack
Cuisine: American
Author: Arman Liew
Tried this recipe?Give us a shout at @thebigmansworld or tag #thebigmansworld!

Recipe originally published December 2018 but updated to include new information for your benefit.

Arman Liew

I’m a two time cookbook author, photographer, and writer, and passionate about creating easy and healthier recipes. I believe you don’t need to be experienced in the kitchen to make good food using simple ingredients that most importantly, taste delicious.

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Comments

  1. Hi there, just wondering if the fibre has been deducted from the carbs? Just want to confirm if these are 3grams carbs net or total? Thank you 🙂

  2. Someone should do that make a nice caramel ball base out of dates, protein powder n stuff put some chopped roasted peanuts mixed in and then just roll in chocolate powder, yum. Kinda surprised noone has ! Any chance I might see that soon ?

  3. Any chance I can just throw all the ingredients into a Vitamix and voila? Anyone tried that? That is my kind of no bake…

  4. Love love love this recipe! I was just looking for something simple and healthyish, and instead I found myself effectively eating cookie dough. Thank you!!

  5. I’ll be honest. I was skeptical of how these would turn out, texture-wise. Your photos make them look amazing, buuuut… could I achieve that? (spoiler: yes) I’ve been meaning to make these for weeks and finally got around to it on Monday. I was worried for a while there, as I added tablespoon upon tablespoon of almond milk (ended up adding 4, as I used the protein powder). But then magic happened. And I had these amazing cookie balls. Now I’ve made balls several times before, and they generally last about a week. These didn’t stand a chance. lol They were gone in half a week. I did overdo the coating, as I hoped rolling them twice would use up the cinnamon sugar mix, but I ended up just having to give up and throw the remains in a jar for the next time I need such a concoction. 😀 Man, you make some ridiculously delicious stuff. I look forward to making more. Thank you so much for doing what you do! 🙂

    1. Jessica! 🙂 This is such a kind comment- Glad it worked out well!

      That’s the thing with the protein powder/coconut flour brands out there- they all produce such a different texture!

  6. Dear Arman, these almost look like donut holes! Your snickerdoodle bites sound fantastic…also love an easy snack and your no-bake bites are the best. I think we have all been there as far as seeing our recipes copied. I guess as food bloggers it comes with the territory. A while back there was a site that was taking recipes from a whole bunch of bloggers, and you have no idea the hassle it was to try and get them taken down. So many complain reports needed to be filed, and I’m not even sure to this day if was ever taken down. Not a fun thing and certainly not acceptable. It’s a sensitive subject, but good thing you made these snickerdoodles to calm us all down afterwards. Take care my friend, Catherine