Say hello to October’s Fit Foodie Cooking Club recipe — our five-star Monster Cookie Protein Balls. These easy, crowd-pleasing protein bites pair classic monster cookie ingredients with vanilla protein powder for a tasty, higher-protein snack that’s great for lunchboxes, after-workout fuel, or an on-the-go treat.
What is Fit Foodie Cooking Club?
The Fit Foodie Cooking Club is a monthly cooking challenge designed to bring our community together in the kitchen. Each month, we choose a single recipe for everyone to prepare, share, and celebrate real, homemade food—encouraging cooking from scratch and creative variations you can make to suit your preferences.
October 2024 – The Details
Please review the entry details below so your submission counts. If anything is unclear, leave a question in the comments of the post and we’ll respond.
Recipe of the Month: Monster Cookie Protein Balls
We love both protein balls and monster cookies, so combining their best elements felt inevitable. These Monster Cookie Protein Balls mix creamy peanut butter, rolled oats, mini chocolate chips, mini M&Ms, chia seeds, honey, vanilla, and vanilla protein powder into a soft dough that rolls easily into bite-sized balls.
They’re customizable: make them gluten-free by using certified gluten-free oats, or plant-based by swapping honey for a vegan binder such as brown rice syrup or maple syrup and choosing a plant-based protein powder. For a festive twist, press candy eyes onto each ball for a playful Halloween look—kids especially enjoy decorating them.
All About Monster Cookie Protein Balls
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Peanut butter: Use all-natural peanut butter for the closest monster cookie flavor, though other nut or seed butters will work if you prefer.
- Vanilla protein powder: A good-tasting vanilla protein powder adds flavor, sweetness, and protein—choose one you enjoy since it influences the final taste.
- Rolled oats: Oats give the bites structure and whole-grain texture that is characteristic of monster cookies.
- Chia seeds: Optional but recommended for extra fiber and omega-3s; they also help bind the dough.
- Honey: Natural sweetness and stickiness to hold the mixture together; for a vegan version, use maple syrup or brown rice syrup.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla enhances the peanut butter and protein flavors.
- Mini chocolate chips and mini M&Ms: Essential for that classic monster cookie look and flavor—don’t skip them if you want the full experience.
How to Make Monster Cookie Protein Balls
- Combine: Place all ingredients into a large mixing bowl.
- Mix: Stir until ingredients form a uniform dough. If it seems too dry, add water a teaspoon at a time until you reach a cookie-dough consistency that holds together.
- Portion & roll: Use a 1-tablespoon scoop or a spoon to portion dough, then roll each portion between your palms into a smooth ball.
- Store: Keep the protein balls refrigerated for up to two weeks, or freeze for up to three months—defrost in the fridge before serving.
How to Enter
Once you’ve prepared your Monster Cookie Protein Balls, submit your entry so it’s eligible for the giveaway.
- Visit the Monster Cookie Protein Balls recipe post on the Fit Foodie Cooking Club page.
- Make the recipe and take a clear photo of your finished protein balls.
- Leave a comment on the recipe post with your photo, a short note about how it went, and optionally a star rating. Include your name and email in the comment form so we can contact winners—this is how winners will be notified.
Important Dates
- Tuesday, October 1, 2024 – First day entries are accepted.
- Tuesday, October 29, 2024 – Final day to submit your photo and comment.
- Wednesday, October 30, 2024 – Winners will be selected randomly and announced on the blog and social media.
The Prize
Two participants will each win a $100 gift card. Winners are chosen at random from qualifying comments submitted between October 1 and October 29. Winners will be announced on the blog and via social media shortly after selection.
Charity of the Month
The Washburn Center for Children
Each month we support a different charity. October 2024’s partner is the Washburn Center for Children, an organization focused on providing children’s mental health care and supporting families across Minnesota. They help reduce barriers to care and offer services that meet families where they are. In addition to the giveaway, we’ll be donating $400 to support their efforts.
If you’re able and would like to support the cause, we encourage you to donate directly to the Washburn Center for Children.
We can’t wait to see your Monster Cookie Protein Balls! Share your photos and feedback on the recipe post so others can join in, learn from your tweaks, and celebrate homemade food together.