Save to Pinterest Discover a festive twist on classic Italian cookie balls with our Protein-Packed Italian Christmas Cookie Balls. These soft, flavorful treats are enriched with protein to make your holiday snacking both nourishing and delicious. Coated in a light, sweet glaze and decorated with cheerful sprinkles, they bring both warmth and joy to your holiday gatherings, perfect for sharing or gifting to loved ones.
Save to Pinterest These cookie balls embody the spirit of Italian desserts with a modern, health-conscious touch. By combining almond and oat flours with a scoop of vanilla protein powder, they satisfy your sweet tooth while keeping you energized. The subtle hints of almond extract and lemon zest add bright, aromatic layers to each bite, making them irresistible during the holidays.
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 the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 2. In a large bowl, whisk together almond flour, oat flour, protein powder, baking powder, and salt.
- 3. 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. Add wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Stir until a soft dough forms.
- 5. Fold in mini chocolate chips or dried fruit, if using.
- 6. Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough and roll into balls. Place on prepared baking sheet.
- 7. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until lightly golden. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- 8. 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
Make sure not to overbake the cookie balls so they remain soft and tender. When mixing the dough, aim for a soft consistency that holds together but isn’t too sticky to roll. Using parchment paper on the baking sheet ensures easy removal and cleanup. Allow the glaze to fully set on the cooled cookies for a polished finish.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Try swapping almond flour for hazelnut or cashew flour to introduce new nutty flavors. For a spiced version, add 1/2 tsp of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients. If you prefer, omit the add-ins or customize with your favorite dried fruit or chocolate chips to suit your taste.
Serviervorschläge
These cookie balls pair wonderfully with a warm espresso or a sweet dessert wine, enhancing their festive charm. Serve them on a beautiful platter for holiday gatherings or package in decorative tins as thoughtful homemade gifts.
Save to Pinterest Celebrate the holidays with this delightful and wholesome treat that beautifully blends tradition with modern nutrition. These Protein-Packed Italian Christmas Cookie Balls are sure to become a cherished seasonal favorite for your family and friends, offering comforting flavors and a joyful festive spirit in every bite.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What flours are used in these cookie balls?
Almond flour and oat flour form the base, lending a nutty and wholesome texture.
- → Can I substitute the protein powder?
Yes, any vanilla-flavored protein powder can be used to maintain flavor and texture.
- → How do I make the glaze for the cookie balls?
Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth, then dip cooled cookie balls before topping with sprinkles.
- → Are there optional add-ins for extra flavor?
Mini dark chocolate chips or chopped dried fruit can be folded in to enhance taste and texture.
- → What’s the best way to store these cookie balls?
Keep them in an airtight container for up to five days to maintain freshness.