The Ultimate Cottage Cheese Protein Balls

4.37 from 11 votes

Prep Time: 15

Chilling Time: 1

Servings: 24 servings

1 cup cottage cheese full fat 2-4% works best
2 Tbsp maple syrup
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 ½ cups almond flour Or heat treated all purpose flour for a smoother texture - see note below *
¼ cup vanilla protein powder
1 ½ cups chocolate chips divided
1 tsp coconut oil

In a blender or food processor, blend the cottage cheese until it is smooth.
Setting aside 1 cup of chocolate chips, stir all of the rest of the ingredients together in a medium bowl until well combined.
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the dough to firm up and become more workable.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Use a cookie scoop to create even portions and roll them into balls.
Place the cookie dough balls onto the baking sheet and put them into the freezer.
Freeze for at least 20 minutes.
Place the remaining chocolate chips into a small, microwave safe bowl and heat at 15 second intervals, stirring after each interval, until completely melted.
Dip the cookie dough balls into the melted chocolate, coating each one in chocolate, before placing it back onto a sheet of parchment paper.
Refrigerate until the chocolate hardens.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.

Almond flour has a gritty texture so if you are not avoiding gluten, use heat treated all purpose flour instead for a smoother, cookie dough texture.
To heat treat flour, place it in a microwave safe dish and heat for 1 minute, stirring half way through.
When using other flours, start with 1 cup and then add more to the mixture, one tablespoon at a time until a dough ball can be formed.
Use more or less sweetener according to taste.
For a nut-free version, substitute the almond flour with heat treated all-purpose flour, oat flour, or coconut flour.
Add any of your favorite cookie dough mix-ins. Try milk or white chocolate chips, caramel bits, chopped up candy bars, nuts, sprinkles, or mini M&Ms.
Store extra protein balls in the fridge in an airtight container.