Protein-Packed Italian Christmas Balls (Printable)

Soft Italian cookie balls with protein, glazed and topped with festive sprinkles for a nourishing holiday treat.

# What you'll need:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 1 cup almond flour (120 g)
02 - 1 cup oat flour (120 g)
03 - 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (30 g)
04 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
05 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Wet Ingredients

06 - 1/4 cup melted coconut oil or unsalted butter (60 ml)
07 - 1/3 cup maple syrup or honey (80 ml)
08 - 1 large egg
09 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
10 - 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
11 - Zest of 1 lemon

→ Add-Ins

12 - 1/3 cup mini dark chocolate chips or chopped dried fruit (50 g, optional)

→ Glaze

13 - 3/4 cup powdered sugar (90 g)
14 - 1 to 2 tablespoons milk, dairy or plant-based (15–30 ml)
15 - 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
16 - Festive nonpareils or sprinkles

# How to make it:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Whisk together almond flour, oat flour, vanilla protein powder, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.
03 - In a separate bowl, blend melted coconut oil or unsalted butter, maple syrup or honey, egg, vanilla extract, almond extract, and lemon zest until smooth.
04 - Add wet mixture to dry ingredients and stir until a soft dough forms.
05 - Gently fold in mini chocolate chips or dried fruit if using.
06 - Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough and roll into balls; place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
07 - Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until lightly golden. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
08 - Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Dip cooled cookie balls in the glaze, then top with sprinkles. Let glaze set before serving.

# Expert suggestions:

01 -
  • A wholesome holiday treat enriched with protein for added nourishment.
  • Soft and flavorful cookie balls with a light glaze that adds festive charm.
  • Easy to prepare with simple ingredients and minimal hands-on time.
  • Versatile recipe allowing for chocolate chips or dried fruit additions.
  • Perfect for gifting or sharing at holiday gatherings.
02 -
  • Use certified gluten-free oat flour if you need a gluten-free option.
  • Chill the dough briefly if it feels too sticky to handle.
  • Experiment with extracts like orange or peppermint for a festive twist.
  • Store cookie balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
  • If using protein powder with soy, double-check allergen info before serving to guests.
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