Healthy Mint Protein Bites – Chocolate Chip Energy Boosters
I Swear Making These Protein Bites Saved My Afternoon
Alright, let me just spill my guts here: I invented these Healthy Mint Protein Bites – Chocolate Chip Energy Boosters because one afternoon I was completely wiped out, snacks had vanished (I suspect my nephew but can’t prove it), and I was craving something that wouldn’t make me feel regretful by 4pm. So, in a flurry of inspiration (and slightly questionable measuring), I threw together these little green nuggets and, well, let’s just say they disappeared fast. I still find protein powder dust in weird places, but that’s half the fun, right?
So Why Would You Love These? Well, Here’s Why I Do
I make these when I’m staring into the fridge blankly and want something sweet that isn’t basically candy. My family goes crazy for chocolate chips (especially when they’re not expecting them), and the mint? It throws ‘em every time – but in a good way. Plus, I’m not patient when it comes to cleanup, and these don’t make a huge mess. No oven, no fancy gadgets (unless you wanna be fancy). Oh, sometimes I make a double batch for the week, though, let’s be honest, they usually barely make it through the weekend.
Here’s What You Need (Or Close Enough)
- 1 cup rolled oats (or quick oats – I’ve also blitzed Weetabix in a pinch. Grandma swore by Bob’s, I just use whatever’s on the shelf)
- 1/2 cup chocolate protein powder (whey or vegan – whatever you’ve got, or just use cocoa and sneak in extra oats if you forgot to shop)
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (regular ones work; so does chopping up a bar – I did it once out of desperation)
- 2 tablespoons almond butter (or any nut butter. Peanut is fine, or skip nuts entirely if you’re allergic and use sunflower seed butter)
- 1/4 cup honey (or maple syrup if you wanna keep it vegan – once I used golden syrup, and it survived)
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional, but they make me feel virtuous, so why not?)
- 1 teaspoon pure peppermint extract (go easy – I overdid it first time and it was like eating toothpaste)
- a small pinch of salt and, if you like, a handful of shredded coconut (again, optional; I love it, kids, not so much)
How To Make ‘Em – And Not Lose Your Mind
- Stir the dry stuff together. Oats, protein powder, chia, salt, coconut if you’re using it – dump it all in a big bowl. I use my hands (don’t judge, it just feels right) but a spoon works fine.
- Add the wet stuff. In goes your nut butter, honey, and peppermint extract. Mix until it looks like, well, sticky oat mess. This is where I usually sneak a taste (don’t worry, no eggs here – snack away!). If it’s too dry, add just a splash of plant milk. If it’s too wet… more oats to the rescue.
- Now the chocolate chips. Fold ‘em in gently. They’ll fall out all over the place if you get too wild, so take it easy (that said, I sometimes lose patience and just squish ‘em in while rolling; no one’s complained).
- Shape your bites. Scoop out about a tablespoon or so, roll into balls – or, honestly, I sometimes just squish it all down into a tray and cut chunks. If it sticks everywhere, dampen your hands just a wee bit (pro tip from my own sticky disaster).
- Chill. Pop them in the fridge for at least 20 minutes so they set up a bit. Or just eat one straight away – it’s your kitchen, after all.
Notes From My Many Attempts (Yes, I Messed This Up Once)
- More peppermint is NOT better. Unless you want your family to think you made them holiday breath mints (ask me how I know).
- The first time, my mix looked weirdly crumbly but after chilling, voila, it firmed up. So don’t panic if yours looks odd.
- Sometimes I add a hefty tablespoon of flaxseed if I’ve got it lurking in the cupboard—it sort of disappears but apparently that’s healthy?
My Oddball Variations (Some Geniune Wins and a Fail)
- Once, I swapped out the chocolate chips for dried cranberries… honestly, not my proudest batch. My sister still teases me.
- If you want extra crunch, add a handful of crushed pretzels. That one got rave reviews (surprisingly!).
- I’ve tried a squeeze of orange zest for a Minteorite ball (get it?) – actually, kind of amazing.
Tools and Workarounds – No Fancy Gadgets Required
I usually just use a big old mixing bowl and a wooden spoon, but one day my bowl was in the dishwasher (don’t ask), so I piled everything into a Dutch oven. It worked! A silicone spatula is nice, but your hands, honestly, do the best job. If you have a food processor, that can blitz the mix together quicker; but it can turn a bit paste-y, so go slow if you use one.
Where Do You Keep These (If They Last)?
I stash mine in a lidded container in the fridge—should stay good for about a week, though honestly, in my house these bites have never lasted more than a day, maybe two if I hide them behind the kale. Freeze ’em too, if you end up with leftovers (ha, good luck!).
How I Like To Serve ‘Em (Or Sneak ‘Em)
Usually, I just grab one with my second coffee (don’t judge me), but they’re pretty cute piled up on a plate if you’re having friends round. Sometimes I’ll crumble one over Greek yogurt, which is—chef’s kiss, as they say. My cousin insists on dunking hers in coffee. To each their own.
Pro Tips (Things I Learned The Hard Way)
- Don’t try to rush the chilling. I got impatient once and bit into a sticky mess that glued to my teeth for an hour. Not recommended.
- If you’re out of nut butter and thinking “meh, I’ll just use butter,” don’t. It doesn’t bind the same way and your bites will be sad little piles of oats. True story.
- Actually, I find the bites taste even better the next day—if you can wait that long.
FAQs — What My Friends (And Instagram) Ask
- Can I use vanilla protein powder instead of chocolate?
- Yep, it works—even though you’ll get a lighter color and a slightly less chocolatey bite (duh), still delish. Toss in a sprinkle of cocoa if you miss the fudgy taste.
- What if I hate peppermint? Is it essential?
- Nope. You can leave it out or swap for almond extract. Though then they’re not “mint” protein bites as such but hey, your kitchen, your rules.
- Are these actually healthy?
- Look, I’m not a nutritionist, but as far as snacks go, these have fiber and protein. Loads better than a doughnut, probably.
- Can kids help make these?
- Oh, absolutely. Just know you’ll be vacuuming oats form the floor. Mine find rolling them into balls both fun and hilarious.
- Where’d you get the protein powder you like?
- I’ve tried a bunch—here’s one I like, but honestly, buy whatever fits your taste and budget. Also, this guide to vegan protein powders is super handy if you’re plant-based.
Odd side note, while I was testing this recipe, my cat tried to steal one right off the counter. She’s never shown interest in oats before. Go figure. Anyway, hope these bites bring you just a sprinkle more energy and a fair few smiles!
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder (plant-based or whey)
- 1/3 cup natural almond butter
- 1/4 cup mini dark chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup or honey
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- Pinch of sea salt
Instructions
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1In a medium mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, protein powder, chia seeds, and sea salt.
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2Add almond butter, maple syrup (or honey), and peppermint extract. Stir until well combined and a dough forms.
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3Fold in the mini dark chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
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4Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and roll them into balls with your hands.
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5Place the bites on a parchment-lined tray. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes to set. Store in an airtight container.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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