Save to Pinterest Embrace the holiday spirit with these Protein-Packed Italian Christmas Cookie Balls, a festive twist on a beloved classic. Soft, flavorful, and enriched with protein, these cookie balls bring a nourishing yet indulgent treat to your holiday celebrations. Coated in a light glaze and adorned with festive sprinkles, they’re perfect for sharing with loved ones or gifting to friends.
Save to Pinterest This recipe brings together wholesome ingredients like almond and oat flours combined with vanilla protein powder, to create a cookie that satisfies both your sweet tooth and your nutritional needs. The hint of lemon zest and almond extract adds a bright, fragrant touch, making these cookie balls stand out as a memorable holiday dessert.
Ingredients
- Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup (120 g) almond flour
- 1 cup (120 g) oat flour
- 1 scoop (30 g) vanilla protein powder
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Wet Ingredients
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) melted coconut oil or unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) maple syrup or honey
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp almond extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Add-Ins
- 1/3 cup (50 g) mini dark chocolate chips or chopped dried fruit (optional)
- Glaze
- 3/4 cup (90 g) powdered sugar
- 1–2 tbsp (15–30 ml) milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- Festive nonpareils or sprinkles
Instructions
- 1. Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 2. Mix dry ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together almond flour, oat flour, protein powder, baking powder, and salt.
- 3. Combine wet ingredients
- In a separate bowl, mix melted coconut oil (or butter), maple syrup (or honey), egg, vanilla extract, almond extract, and lemon zest until smooth.
- 4. Form dough
- Add wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Stir until a soft dough forms.
- 5. Add optional mix-ins
- Fold in mini chocolate chips or dried fruit, if using.
- 6. Shape cookie balls
- Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough and roll into balls. Place on prepared baking sheet.
- 7. Bake
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, until lightly golden. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- 8. Prepare glaze and decorate
- For the glaze, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Dip cooled cookie balls into glaze, then top with sprinkles. Allow glaze to set before serving.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For best results, ensure the wet and dry ingredients are well combined but avoid overmixing to keep the cookie balls soft. Using parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier. Letting the cookie balls cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack helps maintain their shape. When glazing, dip quickly to avoid melting the cookie texture.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Swap almond flour for hazelnut or cashew flour to vary the flavor profile. For a warm spice note, add 1/2 tsp of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients. Incorporate chopped dried fruit for a chewy burst or stick to mini dark chocolate chips for a classic touch. Choose plant-based milk in the glaze to keep the recipe vegan-friendly when using coconut oil.
Serviervorschläge
Serve these cookie balls alongside a rich espresso or sweet dessert wine to elevate your holiday dessert table. They also make charming edible gifts nestled in decorative boxes or jars, perfect for spreading festive cheer to friends and family.
Save to Pinterest These Protein-Packed Italian Christmas Cookie Balls offer a delightful balance of health and holiday indulgence. Easy to make and seasonally festive, they’re sure to become a cherished addition to your holiday baking repertoire year after year.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What flours are used to make these cookie balls?
Almond flour and oat flour form the base, providing a soft texture and nutty flavor.
- → Can I substitute the protein powder used here?
Yes, you can replace the vanilla protein powder with other flavors or plant-based alternatives depending on dietary needs.
- → How is the glaze prepared and applied?
The glaze is made by whisking powdered sugar with milk and vanilla extract, then the cooled cookie balls are dipped and sprinkled before setting.
- → Are there options to add extra flavor?
Adding ground cinnamon or nutmeg spices up the cookie balls; mini dark chocolate chips or dried fruit can be folded in for variety.
- → What is the best way to store these treats?
Storing them in an airtight container keeps them fresh for up to five days.
- → Are these cookie balls suitable for special diets?
They are vegetarian and can be adapted for gluten-sensitive individuals by ensuring oat flour is certified gluten-free.