These Cosmic Brownie Protein Bites are little treats packed with chocolatey goodness! With a soft texture, they have tiny colorful sprinkles that make them fun to eat.
Honestly, who doesn’t love a bite-sized sweet that also gives you a protein boost? I usually grab a couple for a quick snack—perfect for a busy day or movie night! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chocolate Protein Powder: This is the core ingredient that gives flavor and nutrition. I prefer whey protein for its smoothness, but if you’re vegan, plant-based protein works just as well. Just keep in mind that flavors can vary, so choose one you enjoy!
Almond Flour or Oat Flour: Almond flour adds a nice nutty flavor, while oat flour gives a softer texture. If nuts are a concern, you can use all-purpose flour or even coconut flour, but adjust the liquid since coconut flour absorbs more moisture.
Nut Butter: I love using creamy peanut butter; it’s a crowd-pleaser. But if you have nut allergies, sunflower seed butter is a fantastic substitute. Just be mindful of the flavor difference!
Honey or Maple Syrup: Both sweeteners bring moisture and sweetness. I usually go with maple syrup for its unique taste. Agave syrup can also work if you’re looking for a lower-glycemic index option.
Rainbow Sprinkles: The sprinkles are mainly for fun and decoration! If you want a healthier option, consider using freeze-dried fruit bits or chopped nuts instead.
How Do I Get the Coating Just Right?
Dipping the bites in chocolate can feel tricky at first. Here’s how to do it smoothly:
- Make sure your protein bites are firm—freezing them helps!
- Melt the chocolate gently to avoid burning it. The microwave is great, but do it in 20-second bursts and stir in between.
- Use a fork or toothpick to dip the bites, allowing excess chocolate to drip off. This keeps the coating smooth.
- Work quickly with the sprinkles! Sprinkle them on while the chocolate is still wet to ensure they stick well.
With these tips, you’ll have perfectly coated Cosmic Brownie Protein Bites every time! Enjoy snacking!
Cosmic Brownie Protein Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bites:
- 1 cup chocolate protein powder (whey or plant-based)
- 1/2 cup almond flour or oat flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup nut butter (peanut, almond, or cashew)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup milk (dairy or plant-based), more if needed
- 1/4 cup colorful rainbow sprinkles or mini candy confetti
For Coating:
- 1 cup dark or semisweet chocolate chips (for coating)
- Additional sprinkles for decoration
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time plus about 30 minutes for chilling the bites and allowing the coating to set. In total, you’re looking at around 45 minutes to enjoy your delicious snacks!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the chocolate protein powder, almond flour (or oat flour), and the unsweetened cocoa powder until everything is evenly combined. This will be the base of your Cosmic Brownie Bites.
2. Combine with Wet Ingredients:
Next, add in the nut butter (your choice), honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Mix everything with a spoon or spatula until the mixture becomes thick and crumbly. No worries if it seems a bit dry at first!
3. Add the Milk:
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Gradually add the milk, one tablespoon at a time, mixing continuously until the mixture becomes a thick, moldable dough. You want it to be pliable, so feel free to add a bit more milk if needed.
4. Fold in the Sprinkles:
Gently fold in the rainbow sprinkles, being careful to save a handful for topping later. This adds that fun, colorful element!
5. Shape the Bites:
Roll the mixture into small balls about 1-inch in diameter. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet; these will be your tasty bites!
6. Freeze to Firm Up:
Pop the baking sheet in the freezer for about 15-20 minutes. This helps the bites firm up so they’re easier to coat in chocolate.
7. Melt the Chocolate:
While the bites are chilling, melt the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl over simmering water (double boiler method) or in the microwave using short bursts, stirring often until smooth. Make sure the chocolate is well-mixed and melted for the best coating!
8. Coat the Bites:
Using a fork or toothpick, dip each frozen protein bite into the melted chocolate, making sure it’s completely coated. Tap off any excess chocolate gently to avoid drips.
9. Add Extra Sprinkles:
Return the coated bites to the parchment-lined sheet and quickly sprinkle them with the remaining colorful sprinkles while the chocolate is still wet. This will help the sprinkles stick!
10. Chill to Set:
Refrigerate the coated protein bites for at least 30 minutes, or until the chocolate has hardened completely. This makes them easier to handle and enhances their flavor!
11. Enjoy Your Treats!
Once set, you can serve the bites chilled or store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Perfect for quick snacks, post-workout, or a tasty dessert!
These Cosmic Brownie Protein Bites are not just fun to look at but also incredibly delicious and packed with protein! Enjoy every bite! 🌈
Can I Use a Different Sweetener Instead of Honey or Maple Syrup?
Absolutely! You can use agave syrup or even stevia for a lower-calorie option. Just remember that different sweeteners can impact the flavor and consistency, so you may need to adjust the amount slightly based on your preference.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover protein bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. If you want to keep them for a longer time, you can also freeze them—just make sure to separate them with parchment paper to prevent sticking!
What If My Dough Is Too Dry?
If your dough is too crumbly and doesn’t hold together, simply add more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the mixture becomes thick and moldable. You want it to be slightly sticky but still formable into balls!
Can I Add Other Mix-ins?
Definitely! Feel free to add nuts, seeds, or dried fruit to the dough for extra texture and flavor. Just make sure the total volume doesn’t exceed what’s in the recipe, or it might affect the binding!