A festive vegan holiday treat made in only 5 minutes! These no bake chocolate peppermint balls even have a trick to keeping them whole food and healthy.
I think I can say that chocolate and mint are one of my top flavor combos. Something about that cooling factor mixed with rich chocolatey goodness gets me every dang time.
So it's a good thing I have found a way to shovel this combo down healthy style. But don't worry, there is a candy cane option too for those days you all want to live a little 😉
But how is chocolate peppermint dessert healthy?
So basically, these contain all whole food ingredients. Untilllll you get to the crunchy candy cane filler. But wait, don't leave! I have a healthy option!
The main awesomeness of the candy cane is because of the crunch it gives. So to get that same crunch without the added sugar, I added an option to use cacao nibs! All you need to do is up the peppermint extract to account for the loss of flavor from the missing candy canes and you have a similar feel and taste without the sugar.
When I'm feening for that chocolate mint raw brownie goodness and don't want the sugar, I'm all in for the cacao nibs. But for now, I will be making these candy cane style for the holidays, because they are just festive and fun.
Chocolate peppermint balls in 5 minutes flat
Since these are no bake, they require very little thinking. It's really a dump and stir situation. Follow these easy steps and you'll be playing chubby bunny with a chocolate filled mouth in no time! (Okay, who remembers that game?)
- Dump the ingredients in a bowl.
- Stir and add fillers.
- Roll into balls.
- Devour.
You can even leave these out for good old St. Nick! We all know he needs some quality protein to get those gifts delivered.
If you're looking for other chocolatey treats this holiday season, or anytime really, here are a few faves:
Or check out these other delicious desserts!
- Vegan Caramel Apple Nachos
- Easy Vegan Chocolate Mocha Cannoli
- Healthy Vegan Cranberry Crumble Oatmeal Bars
- Vegan Apple Cinnamon Roses
No Bake Chocolate Peppermint Protein Balls
Ingredients
- 10 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 6 tablespoons maple syrup
- ¼ cup almond butter , use sunbutter for nut free (see note)
- ¼ cup unflavored pea protein powder , I use NOW Sports brand (see note)
- ¼ - ½ teaspoon peppermint extract , use more if not using the candy cane option
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- 2-4 tablespoons crushed candy canes , or cacao nibs for a healthy crunchy option (plus more to top for presentation if wanted)
- 2-4 tablespoons dairy free chocolate chips , omit for even healthier option
- 2-4 tablespoons water optional (see note)
Instructions
- Put everything except the candy cane or cacao nibs, chocolate chips and water into a bowl and mix well.
- Slowly add water if needed. You may not need any water if your almond butter is runny. Start with a teaspoon and slowly add until you get a well mixed batter. If you add too much then the batter will be too soft to roll.
- Add the candy canes/cacao nibs and chocolate chips and mix again.
- Allow to chill in the fridge while you clean up, then roll into balls.
- You can then top with more crushed candy canes for presentation if you want. I just rolled them in or sprinkled them on top.
Notes
- These make 10 balls about 2 inches in size
- To make this nut free use sunbutter, this will change the flavor slightly but will allow it to be completely allergy friendly.
- You can sub another kind of protein powder, just make sure it is unsweetened and unflavored.
- If you do not have, or do not want to use, a protein powder you can sub oat flour. Use the same amount.
- If your almond butter is runny you may not need any water, add slowly to get the consistency you prefer. You could also use milk if you want a little extra richness.
- For the healthiest option, use cacao nibs instead of the candy canes and omit the chocolate chips.
- I crushed my candy canes in a plastic bag using the end of a wooden spoon.
- Nutrition facts include 2 tablespoons of chocolate chips and crushed candy canes.
Recipe by Veggies Don’t Bite, visit our site for more great plant-based recipes.
Nutrition
Nutrition and metric information should be considered an estimate.
Melissa
Thank you for this wonderful looking recipe! ☺️ Can I use peanut butter instead of almond butter?
Sophia DeSantis
Hi Melissa! You can use any nut butter you want but be advised that peanut butter will lend a large peanut flavor that may not go as well with the peppermint. Almond butter, or even cashew butter, is more mild in flavor which is why I use it.
Melissa
Ok, thank you that's helpful! 🙂
Alicia
I didn’t like them. Way too much cocoa and sugar compared to the healthy component of the recipe. Very little protein and almond butter. The only part I tasted was cocoa and peppermint. I decided to add half the amount of cocoa and doubled up on the almond butter and protein powder to give it more of a almond butter flavor rather than straight cocoa.
veggiesdontbite
Hi Alicia, the point of this recipe is for the cocoa and peppermint to be center stage so I am happy to know that's what you tasted most. I absolutely love the combination of cocoa and peppermint especially this time of year but it's not for everyone. If those are not the flavors you are looking for, I suggest trying a protein ball without them. I have others that do not use cocoa or peppermint as flavors. Glad you recreated something that you preferred.
Chris Ferguson
5+ Stars!!!! Brought these to the Ladies O’ the Hill (neighborhood) holiday party last night and am getting texts begging me to share your recipe!!! Rave review from the hubby too, he loves chocolate. Thanks so much for sharing.
veggiesdontbite
Thank you so much Chris! I so appreciate the great review and I am so so happy you liked them!
The Vegan 8
Girl, you are speaking my language, chocolate and peppermint are one of my all-time favorite combos! I don't think it gets much better. These are beautiful and so festive. I made some chocolate peppermint brownies last christmas at my holiday party and have been meaning to post them and you just inspired me to get off my butt and do it, because I totally forgot about them, lol!
veggiesdontbite
We have always communicated so well! HAHA! I have peppermint brownies I posted last year too. You can never ever have enough!! Post them girl!
Cassie Autumn Tran
I need more protein snack ideas! It's a bit repetitive to constantly rely on protein shakes, bars, or even just half a block of tofu or tempeh, LOL! Anyhow, I love how festive and delicious these protein balls look. Can't think of a better accompaniment for peppermint than chocolate! To me, peppermint really complements chocolate in one of the coziest and festive ways. I would love to try this recipe out with peanut butter since I'm not allergic to peanuts or any nuts, but I bet sunflower seed butter, almond butter, or really any other nut/seed butter would work (maybe not tahini since it's usually more runny?)!
veggiesdontbite
Thanks Cassie! I love this combo so much. They actually use almond butter, not peanut and yes you can definitely try sunbutter!! Tahini may work as long as it's a good quality one that isn't too bitter.
JD
These are the best easy festive snack!