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Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Protein Balls

January 16, 2020      Sarah Van Wagenen

Protein Balls

Our family loves to eat and we love good food. These quick and easy protein cookie dough balls are an absolute favorite in our home. I try to make these on a regular basis. They’re healthy, filling, easy for on-the-go snacking, and they taste so good! Over the years, I’ve tried several different versions of the basic protein ball. I finally landed on a combination of ingredients that’s perfect!

My biggest secret is to ground up the oats into a coarse oat flour. Almost all protein ball recipes call for oats, and once all I had was some oat flour. The texture of that batch was just like cookie dough, so smooth and yummy. Needless to say, we’ve made them the same way since that discovery.

Check out the simple recipe below for details.

Protein Balls

Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Protein Balls

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 10 minutes mins
Servings: 24
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 c oats (I like to put the oats in the blender for coarse oat flour)
  • 1 c peanut butter
  • 2/3 c honey
  • 1 c coconut flakes
  • 1/2 c ground flaxseed
  • 1 c chocolate chips
  • 2 tsp vanilla
  • 1 scoop chocolate protein powder (optional; I like to use the Orgain, Organic Protein Powder)

Method
 

  1. Start by measuring the oats into the blender and blending them into oat flour. You don't have to blend the oats, I like doing this to make the texture more like cookie dough. We like the taste a little bit better and they're easier to form into balls with the oats ground, as well.
  2. Then add all the other ingredients into a large bowl and mix them together.
  3. Form the mixture into small, cookie dough shaped balls. If you have a cookie dough scoop, I recommend using it to make this step even easier.
  4. Then store in an air tight container or bag in the fridge or freezer.

Most of the time I don’t make them with protein powder; however, if you’re looking to add even more protein-density into this snack I highly recommend the Orgain Chocolate Protein Powder. Also, make sure to substitute 100% maple syrup (something similar) for the honey if you’re feeding these to a baby less than 1 year old.

These make for a great snack or for a little dessert after meals. I’m going to experiment with new mix-ins, so I’ll let you know if I find any other great combinations. If you have a favorite recipe for protein balls, send it my way, I would love to mix it up! I’m sure there are some incredible recipes we haven’t tried yet.

For other ideas of healthy snacks we enjoy check out some of my other posts. There’s a list of snack ideas on this post Road Tripping with Kids and this one, 10 Healthy Snacks we love for family trips.

If you end up making these cookie dough style protein balls, you’ll have to let me know what you think. And most importantly, you’ll have to let me know what your family thinks.

Sincerely,

Sarah

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Hi, I’m Sarah!

Hi, I’m Sarah!

My husband, Kurt, and I live in Birmingham, AL with our three little ones {4}, {2}, & {1}. My husband is currently completing a medical residency. Prior to living here we lived in Texas and Utah for schooling.

This is where I'll be sharing recent reads, favorite recipes and products, everyday style, details about our travels, etc. I'll also be sharing freebies I've designed, so don't miss out! I'm so happy to have you here!

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Save this stop for your Yellowstone trip! You cannot leave Yellowstone without walking the short (paved) 0.2 miles round trip for this stunning view. 

They called it Artist Point for a reason. 🎨

One look at this view and you’ll understand why artists have been inspired by the “Grand Canyon of Yellowstone” for generations.

This famous, scenic overlook offers a classic, postcard view of the Yellowstone River, towering canyon walls, and Lower Falls. The stunning landscape comes together to create one of the most breathtaking views in the park.

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One of my favorite parts of Yellowstone is seeing wildlife up close in their natural habitat. There’s something so incredible about watching these amazing animals! 

In case I get major hate, just remember: admire them from a safe distance—no matter how pettable they look! 😂

Have you ever wanted to pet a Yellowstone bison? 👇Asking for a friend 😅😉

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These are two of the best places in Yellowstone to spot wildlife and they’re completely different experiences!

🦬 Hayden Valley
Located in the heart of Yellowstone, Hayden Valley is famous for bison, elk, bears, coyotes, and sometimes wolves. The wide-open landscape makes it easier to scan the hillsides and riverbanks for animals. It’s also a beautiful drive with plenty of places to pull over and take in the views.

We drove through this area in the evening on our way out of Yellowstone and saw bison, a grizzly bear, deer, and elk. We even got to see a baby bison nursing. So special!!

🐺 Lamar Valley
Often called the “Serengeti of North America,” Lamar Valley is one of the best places in the park to look for wolves, bison, pronghorn, bears, and other wildlife. Get there early, bring binoculars, and watch the hillsides carefully—you never know what you might spot!

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Staying west of Yellowstone and entering through the West Entrance? Make the Fountain Paint Pot Trail one of your first stops! 🌋 It’s an easy 0.6-mile loop featuring bubbling mud pots, colorful hot springs, and steaming geothermal features—a great introduction to Yellowstone’s unique landscape! #travelwithkids #YellowstoneNationalPark #YellowstoneTravel
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🦬 Fountain Paint Pot – An easy boardwalk loop with bubbling mud pots, steaming vents, and colorful pools.

🌈 Grand Prismatic Spring Boardwalk – Get up close to one of the most famous hot springs in the world.

🌊 Lower Falls Viewpoints – Multiple short walks to breathtaking views of Yellowstone’s largest waterfall.

🌼 Artist Paint Pots – A fun trail with colorful hot springs and bubbling mud pots that kids loved.

💦 Porcelain Basin – A beautiful boardwalk where geothermal features extend across a beautiful landscape 

🐉 Mud Volcano Area – Steaming vents, bubbling mud, and the famous Dragon’s Mouth Spring make this stop unforgettable. Even better, the kids hardly had to walk more than a few feet from the parking lot to see it all.

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📌 Save this post for your Yellowstone trip and send it to someone planning a family adventure!

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Save this stop for your Yellowstone trip! You cannot leave Yellowstone without walking the short (paved) 0.2 miles round trip for this stunning view. 

They called it Artist Point for a reason. 🎨

One look at this view and you’ll understand why artists have been inspired by the “Grand Canyon of Yellowstone” for generations.

This famous, scenic overlook offers a classic, postcard view of the Yellowstone River, towering canyon walls, and Lower Falls. The stunning landscape comes together to create one of the most breathtaking views in the park.

And yes… it’s even more beautiful in person. I didn’t want to ever leave! 

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My brain: DO NOT PET THE BISON. 😂🦬 My heart: BUT L My brain: DO NOT PET THE BISON. 😂🦬
My heart: BUT LOOK HOW CUTE HE IS. 🥹

One of my favorite parts of Yellowstone is seeing wildlife up close in their natural habitat. There’s something so incredible about watching these amazing animals! 

In case I get major hate, just remember: admire them from a safe distance—no matter how pettable they look! 😂

Have you ever wanted to pet a Yellowstone bison? 👇Asking for a friend 😅😉

#familytravel #yellowstonenationalpark #yellowstonewithkids #traveltheworld #outdooradventures
If seeing Yellowstone’s wildlife is on your bucket If seeing Yellowstone’s wildlife is on your bucket list, don’t skip these two places!

📍 Hayden Valley + Lamar Valley, Yellowstone National Park

These are two of the best places in Yellowstone to spot wildlife and they’re completely different experiences!

🦬 Hayden Valley
Located in the heart of Yellowstone, Hayden Valley is famous for bison, elk, bears, coyotes, and sometimes wolves. The wide-open landscape makes it easier to scan the hillsides and riverbanks for animals. It’s also a beautiful drive with plenty of places to pull over and take in the views.

We drove through this area in the evening on our way out of Yellowstone and saw bison, a grizzly bear, deer, and elk. We even got to see a baby bison nursing. So special!!

🐺 Lamar Valley
Often called the “Serengeti of North America,” Lamar Valley is one of the best places in the park to look for wolves, bison, pronghorn, bears, and other wildlife. Get there early, bring binoculars, and watch the hillsides carefully—you never know what you might spot!

👀 Our biggest tips: Wildlife is wild, so sightings are never guaranteed. Look for groups of people stopped along the road (while following all park rules). Bring binoculars or a camera with a zoom lens, and animals are most active before 9 AM or after 4 PM. 

📌 Save this for your Yellowstone trip!

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Staying west of Yellowstone and entering through the West Entrance? Make the Fountain Paint Pot Trail one of your first stops! 🌋 It’s an easy 0.6-mile loop featuring bubbling mud pots, colorful hot springs, and steaming geothermal features—a great introduction to Yellowstone’s unique landscape! #travelwithkids #YellowstoneNationalPark #YellowstoneTravel
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Visiting Yellowstone with little kids? You don’t h Visiting Yellowstone with little kids? You don’t have to hike miles to see the best of the park.

These were our family’s favorite easy hikes and stops that kept everyone excited (and didn’t require endless carrying!):

🦬 Fountain Paint Pot – An easy boardwalk loop with bubbling mud pots, steaming vents, and colorful pools.

🌈 Grand Prismatic Spring Boardwalk – Get up close to one of the most famous hot springs in the world.

🌊 Lower Falls Viewpoints – Multiple short walks to breathtaking views of Yellowstone’s largest waterfall.

🌼 Artist Paint Pots – A fun trail with colorful hot springs and bubbling mud pots that kids loved.

💦 Porcelain Basin – A beautiful boardwalk where geothermal features extend across a beautiful landscape 

🐉 Mud Volcano Area – Steaming vents, bubbling mud, and the famous Dragon’s Mouth Spring make this stop unforgettable. Even better, the kids hardly had to walk more than a few feet from the parking lot to see it all.

⛲ Old Faithful – A Yellowstone classic that’s absolutely worth seeing with kids.

🏞️💛Artist Point- Iconic views of Lower Falls plunging into Yellowstone’s colorful Grand Canyon. An easy, family-friendly stop with an unforgettable view! 

🦌 Hayden Valley – An amazing wildlife viewing area, especially early in the morning or near sunset.

Yellowstone is one of the most kid-friendly national parks we’ve visited. Many of the most spectacular sights are just a short walk from the parking lot, making it perfect for families with toddlers and young kids.

📌 Save this post for your Yellowstone trip and send it to someone planning a family adventure!

What’s your favorite stop in Yellowstone?

#YellowstoneNationalPark #YellowstoneWithKids #FamilyTravel #TravelWithKids #nationalparks
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Whether you’re reading by the pool, at the beach, on your porch, or sneaking in a few pages after the kids are asleep, these books are worth adding to your TBR:

💕The Summer of Broken Rules
💕 Better Than the Movies
💕 Nothing Like the Movies (sequel)
💕 Pictures of You 
💕 Happy Place 
💕 The Summer of Yes

There’s nothing better than finding a book you can’t stop thinking about long after you’ve finished the last page.

Now I need your recommendations! 👇

What’s the BEST book you’ve read this summer? Share it in the comments so we can all add a few more great books to our reading lists!

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If you’re dreaming of a relaxing beach trip without the packed shores, Orange Beach deserves a spot on your list.

✨ Here’s why our family loves it:
🏖️ Beautiful sugar-white sand perfect for building sandcastles and long beach walks.
🌊 Warm, calm Gulf water that makes it easy for kids to splash, swim, and play for hours.
☀️ Less crowded beaches, so there’s plenty of room to spread out and actually relax.

Have you been to Orange Beach? Or is it on your family’s travel bucket list? Tell me in the comments! ⬇️

Save this post for your next beach vacation and share it with someone who’s planning a family getaway!

#FamilyTravel #TravelWithKids #AlabamaTravel #beachvacation #KidFriendlyTravel
Skip the crowded beaches—here’s where to go instea Skip the crowded beaches—here’s where to go instead. Orange Beach might just be Alabama’s best-kept beach secret. 🌊☀️

With sugar-white sand, calm turquoise water, family-friendly beaches, incredible seafood, and unforgettable sunsets, Orange Beach has a way of feeling both adventurous and peaceful at the same time.

One of our favorite places to stay is The Caribe. It’s a resort-style stay without the resort cost. Onsite there’s a lazy river, mini golf, multiple pools with giant slides, indoor pools, a sauna, tennis courts, basketball courts, pickleball courts, an incredible restaurant, and so much more! 

If you’re looking for a Gulf Coast getaway without the crowds of some bigger beach destinations, this is your sign to add Orange Beach to your travel list.

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🦄 A rock formation that really does look like a unicorn.
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💜 Natural amethyst crystals hidden throughout the cave.
🔒 The Gem Room — a hidden section that’s off-limits to visitors. It’s only accessible to scientists through a 40-foot wormhole crawl! You can see where the entrance is, learn about it in the museum, and trust me… our kids spent the entire walk back trying to figure out how they could become the ones to explore it someday.
🎬 Fun fact: Disney’s Tom and Huck (starring Jonathan Taylor Thomas) was filmed here!

This cave surprised us at every turn. Which feature would you be most excited to see?

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