These collagen protein chocolate chip balls started as an experiment and have now become basically a staple in my life. I’m not sure I can live without them. I’ve literally made this recipe 10+ times and it’s time to share it.

I found the original recipe for these on Healy Eats Real and I felt compelled to try them, mostly because they looked delicious and I had the ingredients in the cupboard. Also, I love things that taste and look like a delicious treat but are packed full of healthy, body-supporting nutrients.

I like these protein bites for just this very reason. They make use of collagen, an animal-based protein that is immensely supportive of gut health, skin health, joint health, as well as general digestive health. It may also be beneficial for wound-healing and injury recovery, as well as for promoting quality sleep. Do your research and try to find a collagen that is sourced from grass-fed animals, so that you can feel confident you’ve made a conscious and informed choice.

The cookie dough protein balls are also grain-free, which can be a nice break for your digestive system and works for those who follow a paleo diet. I’ve tried them with peanut butter, almond butter, almond & hazelnut butter, and cashew butter and I’m not stopping yet. The collagen protein gives them a taffy-like chewiness (which makes sense, since collagen is derived from the collagen-rich parts of animals, like bones and cartilage) and the nut butter gives a nice richness.

I’ve been eating them everyday and I find them immensely useful as a quick snack, especially for those times (aka coming home from work) when I’m hungry, want to quickly feed the cats and then go out on my walk, and need something that feels balanced and filling. Having them in the fridge makes me so happy.

You might need to play around with the recipe just a bit, depending on the liquidy nature of your nut butter. You know how the top half of the jar is always really pourable and then the bottom half is like nut cement? Bear that in mind. No harm though – if the texture isn’t coming together, add a bit more applesauce (just a bit). If it’s too soft, try another tablespoon or so of almond or coconut flour.

Oh, and bonus? For Christmas, try making these and then dipping them in melted dark chocolate. They’d be totally like those buckeye things people make around the festive season, but way healthier.

One Bowl, No-Bake Chocolate Chip Cookie Protein Bites with Collagen

• Author: Original recipe concept from Healy Eats Real; tweaks and edits by Emily Joldersma, R.H.N.
• Recipe notes: gluten-free, grain-free, egg-free, dairy-free; paleo; contains nuts, animal products
• Yield: about 10-12 balls

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup of your favourite grass-fed, organic etc, collagen protein (collagen peptides)
• 2 tablespoons coconut flour
• 2 tablespoons almond flour
• 1/2 cup nut butter (cashew butter, almond butter or peanut butter work best)
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon unsweetened applesauce
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup chocolate chips
• 1/8-/14 teaspoon finely ground himalayan pink salt or sea salt (to your taste preference)
• Optional: 1 tablespoon of your favourite MCT oil for an extra brain and energy boost!

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together collagen, coconut flour, almond flour, and salt.
2. Add nut butter, maple syrup, applesauce, and vanilla, and stir until mixed well.
3. Stir in chocolate chips and finish mixing. The dough should look like cookie dough but with a more sticky/chewy/candy-like texture. It should roll nicely into a ball.
4. Roll into balls (1 inch or a bit smaller) and store in the fridge!

Enjoy!

© Emily Joldersma, R.H.N., Eat Well, Live Vibrantly