These gingerbread truffles put a healthy spin on traditional treats, making them a delicious way to celebrate the flavors of the season, while getting 5 grams of high-quality protein per serving. Keep a batch on hand over the holidays, or wrap them up to give as a gift for the holidays.

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, friends! Is anyone else feeling a bit overwhelmed?

Every year, I tell myself I’m going to be more prepared than the last. I picture the family sitting around watching Christmas movies surrounded by decorations and holiday spirt. Somehow, it never seems to go as planned.

Don’t get me wrong, I love it!  Christmas is my favorite holiday, and my favorit time of the year. I did get my decorations up early – that was a big win this year. I just wish I had more time to sit back and enjoy it.

My parents are coming to town this year and will be spending an entire week with us. That makes it extra special and exciting.  I love having a big Christmas Eve celebration, complete with a home-cooked meal and freshly baked cookies. It’s not often we get to celebrate with extended family, so this year, I am preparing my menu early. That menu will definitely include the seasonal taste of gingerbread.

I considered baking gingerbread cookies, but I’m not much of a baker. I like the idea of baking homemade cookies, but I honestly don’t have an entire day to devote to it. Plus, the kids have a tradition of baking cookies with my mom, so I thought I’d save that for when she arrives.

How To Make Gingerbread Protein Truffles

This year, I decided to try something new. That’s where the idea of these gingerbread protein truffles came to life. They’re different, simple to make, and I thought they would make great gifts.

Most of my recipes have a healthier twist to them, and these are no different. I added a cup of vanilla whey protein to the batter, and combined it with molasses and all of the seasonal spices that result in a spicy gingerbread flavor. I added almond milk, almond butter and some almond flour, mixed in in my food processor, and ended up with a batter that is the perfect flavor and consistency.

Sounds easy enough, right? Well, let me tell you – I didn’t land this perfect texture on the first try. Or the second. In fact, it took me quite a few tries. Luckily, even if the consistency of the batter doesn’t turn out, the flavor is still delicious. Just ask my son. I’ve been adding the batter to his oatmeal, so he’s been eating it for over a week. I froze some, too. Substituting protein powder for other ingredients isn’t always easy. I add protein powder to recipes a lot, so I’m accustomed to finding alternative was to eat up my mistakes. It’s usually my son, who eats anything I make. He’s my hero!

Using Protein Powder In Recipes

Here’s the thing about adding protein powder – the type you use matters. I usually use whey protein, but there are even differences between brands. If you try this recipe and find your batter is too dry, you can adjust the liquid accordingly. The dough should be thick, so if your dough is crumbly, add an additional tsp. of almond milk until you get a smooth but thick, cookie dough consistency.

After you roll the dough into balls, transfer it to the refrigerator for a while.  It’s much easier to add the coating to chilled dough.

Speaking of coating, what goes better with gingerbread than white chocolate? Nothing!

I dipped each ball into melted white chocolate, then immediately (before the chocolate hardened) sprinkled it with a few crystals of dusting sugar and a sprinkle of nutmeg. That’ it. A super simple, better-for-you truffle that screams Christmas time.

So, are you ready for the easiest gingerbread treat recipe, ever? Print the recipe below, get your food processor, and whip up a batch of these gingerbread protein truffles! Keep a batch on hand for a seasonal treat, or wrap them up as a gift for friends, family or other special person in your life.

Print Recipe

5 from 2 votes

Gingerbread Protein Truffles

These gingerbread truffles put a healthy spin on traditional treats, making them a delicious way to celebrate the flavors of the season, while getting 5 grams of high-quality protein per serving. Keep a batch on hand over the holidays, or wrap them up to give as a gift for the holidays.

Course: Dessert

Servings: 18 Truffles

Calories: 100kcal

Author: Heather Mangieri, RDN

Ingredients

• 1 cup vanilla whey protein powder
• 1/4 cup almond flour
• 1/3 cup almond butter
• 1/4 cup almond milk
• 1 tbsp dark molasses
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp all-spice
• 1/12 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup white cohocolate chips (coating)
• 1 tsp coconut oil (coating)
• 1/2 tsp golden sanding sugar (decoration)

Instructions

• Combine the almond butter, protein powder, almond flour, molasses, almond milk, vanilla extract, salt and spices in a food processor and process until a thick dough is formed. If the mixture is too dry, add additional milk, 1 tbsp at a time until you get a smooth but thick, cookie dough consistency
• Roll into 18 round truffles. Place in refrigerator to set. 
• While that dough sets, prepare the coating. Combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil together in a bowl and melt in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until melted.
• Roll the truffles in the melted chocolate, then place on Parchment paper. Sprinkle with gold sanding sugar then let harden at room temperature. 
• Store in an air-tight container until ready to eat.

Notes

• {NOTE}: The type of protein powder that you matters. I use whey protein powder, but there are even differences in the way the protein will react in the recipe even within brands. Adjust the liquid accordingly. The dough should be thick, so if your dough is crumbly, add an additional tbsp of almond milk until you get a smooth but thick, cookie dough consistency.

 

• Nutrition Facts: 100 Calories, 7 g carbohydrates, 1 g fiber, 5 g protein, 6 g fat, 2.5 g saturated fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 40 mg sodium, 4% DV for calcium, 2% DV for potassium

 

• Meal Planning Serving Size: 0.5 CHO; 0.75 PRO; 1 FAT

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?  Tag @heathermangieri  on Instagram and hashtag it #HeatherMangieriNutrition to all recipes. Or, Pin it on Pinterest for later!

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