I do not know about you, but I am a huge snacker. I will be in the middle of eating one thing and mentally will be planning what I will eat next. Sometimes, all you need is a little treat to hold you down in between meals, or something sweet at the end of the day. Recently, I was experimenting with making a healthy alternative to raw cookie dough, and before I knew it, these peanut butter protein bliss balls were born.

These peanut butter protein bliss balls are easy to make, only require 5-ingredients, are naturally sweetened, gluten-free, protein-filled, and are absolutely delicious! What more could one ask for? I love to make batches of these to keep in my freezer for when I am in need of a healthy indulgence.

INGREDIENTS (Yields about 12 bliss balls)

• 1 Cup Medjool dates
• 1 1/2 Scoops vegan vanilla protein powder, I use Vanilla Sun Warrior Blend
• 2.5 Tbsp. creamy, unsweetened peanut butter
• 1 Tsp. vanilla extract
• 1/4-1/3 Cup mini vegan chocolate chips. I use Enjoy Life brand

*Optional: 1 Tbsp. powdered peanut butter

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Pit the Medjool dates and process in a food processor until a smooth paste is formed.
2. Scrape the paste into a bowl and add in the protein powder, peanut butter, vanilla extract, and if using, the powdered peanut butter. 
3. Mix the ingredients together until thoroughly combined. To do this, I like to use my hands and knead the mixture until a cookie-dough-like texture is formed. If the dough appears slightly too crumbly, add in a little water and mix again until it becomes a cookie-dough consistency. 
4. Once the dough is formed, add in the mini chocolate chips and mix again. 
5. Using your hands, take about one tablespoon worth of dough and roll into the form of a ball until all of the dough is used. 
6. Store the bliss balls in an air-tight container and keep in the freezer for up to two weeks. They are best when served frozen!