Protein-Packed Italian Christmas Balls (Printer View)

Soft Italian cookie balls enriched with protein, glazed lightly and topped with festive sprinkles.

# What you'll need:

→ Dry Ingredients

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

→ Wet Ingredients

06 - 1/4 cup melted coconut oil or unsalted butter
07 - 1/3 cup maple syrup or honey
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 (optional)

→ Glaze

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

# Method:

01 - Set the oven temperature to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Combine almond flour, oat flour, vanilla protein powder, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl, whisking thoroughly.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk melted coconut oil or butter, maple syrup or honey, egg, vanilla extract, almond extract, and lemon zest until smooth.
04 - Add the wet mixture to the 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, placing them onto the prepared baking sheet.
07 - Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the balls are lightly golden. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
08 - Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Dip the cooled cookie balls into the glaze, then decorate with sprinkles. Let the glaze set before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • High in protein thanks to the added vanilla protein powder for a nourishing holiday snack.
  • Soft and flavorful texture enhanced by almond and oat flours.
  • Lightly glazed and decorated with festive sprinkles, making them perfect for gifting.
  • Easy to prepare with simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
  • Vegetarian-friendly and adaptable to taste preferences.
02 -
  • Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
  • Roll dough balls evenly for consistent baking and appearance.
  • Allow glaze to fully set to avoid smudging while storing or serving.
  • Check protein powder ingredients if avoiding soy allergens.
  • Customize glaze thickness by adjusting milk quantity for easier dipping.
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