Snickerdoodle Protein Balls

Satisfy your sweet tooth with snickerdoodle protein balls - A no-bake, healthy treat that will keep you full!

#1 favorite protein ball recipe that the girls at the gym absolutely love! And rightfully so because who doesn’t love the flavor combinations of cinnamon and sugar?!

Cinnamon and sugar are what makes a snickerdoodle, but that doesn’t mean we have to stick to the traditional unhealthy, sugar filled dessert.

Because these snickerdoodle protein balls are good for you! Not only are they made with natural sweeteners like pure maple syrup and coated with coconut sugar but they are also gluten-free, dairy free and filled with lofts of healthy fats, flavor and protein.

HOW TO MAKE SNICKERDOODLE PROTEIN BALLS

Let me give you the easy answer. Add all of the ingredients to the food processor and blend until the mixture is thick and creamy. Roll into balls and that’s it!

Main reason why I love these protein balls so much is because it doesn’t require baking, using only one kitchen equipment and takes less than 10 minutes to prepare.

WHEN TO EAT

• Pre | Post workout - Need a quick bite before or after a workout to tie you over? Well, these protein balls are perfect in a pinch. Packed with protein and complex carbs to drive better performance at the gym!

• Afternoon delight - If I am needing a snack or feel sluggish around 3PM, 1-2 of these protein balls will push me through with energy before dinner time.

• Dessert alternative - Sometimes I will have a sweet tooth after dinner and these balls come in clutch!

If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo to #fromtherootsblog on Instagram. We love seeing what you come up with!

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Satisfy your sweet tooth with snickerdoodle protein balls - A no-bake, healthy treat that will keep you full!

Servings: 40 balls | Prep: 5 MIN | Cook time: NA

Ingredients

• 3 cups oats (or oat flour)

• 1 cup vanilla protein powder

• ½ cup pure maple syrup

• 1 ½ cup nut butter

• ½ cup coconut oil

• 2 Tbsp ground cinnamon

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• ½ tsp sea salt

• Cinnamon sugar coating (optional)

• ¼ cup coconut sugar

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

1. To a food processor, (if not using oat flour), add oats to the processor and blend on high until oats have turned into oat flour. Add all of the ingredients, except cinnamon sugar coating, and blend on high until completely incorporated.

2. If its too dry, add more honey or water and if it’s too wet, add 1 tbsp increments of oat flour.

3. Using a tablespoon or cookie scooper, form into balls and place on a plate.

4. If making the cinnamon sugar coating, add both ingredients in a small bowl and toss until incorporated. Add 3-4 balls in the cinnamon sugar mix and roll each ball around until fully coated.

5. Store in an airtight container for up to one week or in the freezer for up to a month.

Notes

• My favorite protein powder is Equip Foods! Use code ROOTS for 15% off your first order at this link. 

No-Bake Paleo Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

No-Bake Paleo Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars - Perfect as a seasonal treat or to make for the holidays. 

I created this recipe using Further Food vanilla collagen peptides. The recipe is on their website or you can get straight from here! 

If you do not have collagen peptide powder or wish to not use it, you can simply sub the powder out with ½ tsp vanilla extract. 

If you would like to try Further Food, use code FROMTHEROOTSBLOG10 for 10% off your first purchase!

If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo to #fromtherootsblog on Instagram. We love seeing what you come up with! 

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No-Bake Paleo Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars - Perfect as a seasonal treat or to make for the holidays. 

Ingredients:

Filling

• 1 cup raw cashews (soaked for at least 30 minutes)

• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (canned)

• 3-4 Tbsp pure maple syrup

• 1/2 cup full fat coconut milk

• 1/2 scoop vanilla collagen powder (further food) or 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 tsp pumpkin spice

• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Crust

• 1 cup medjool dates (soaked for at least 30 min)

• 1/2 cup pecans

• 1/2 cup walnuts

• 1/4 cup coconut flakes

• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

• dash of pink himalayan salt

Almond Butter Salted Caramel

• 1/4 cup almond butter

• 2 Tbsp pure maple syrup 

• 1 Tbsp coconut oil

• pinch of sea salt

Directions

1. To make the crust: Add the pecans, walnuts, and coconut flakes to a food processor and process until broken down and crumbly. Add in the dates, cinnamon, and salt and process until well mixed and the mixture begins to form a ball. 

2. Transfer to a parchment paper-lined 8x8 pan and press out evenly. Place in the freezer.

3. To a food processor or high powered blender, combine all filling ingredients and blend until texture is smooth. At this point, taste to see if you need to add more maple syrup for sweetness or spices for that pumpkin spice flavor. 

4. Take the crust out of the freezer and pour the filling mixture over the crust. Spread evenly. 

5. Place cheesecake in the freezer for up to two hours to set. 

6. 15 minutes before serving, prepare the caramel sauce by combining all ingredients into a small bowl and heating in the microwave for 30-sec increments until fully combined or in a small saucepan on medium heat. 

7. Drizzle caramel sauce over the bars and sprinkle with coarse salt for a salted caramel flavor. (highly recommended!)

8. Serve immediately, makes 16 small bars. 

9. For storage, place in the fridge for up to a week or in the freezer and thaw naturally for 30 minutes or 15 seconds in the microwave. 

Notes

• If you are following the further food recipe, nutrition information is for 10 bars, not 16. 

Raspberry Almond Thumbprint Cookies

A healthy take on the classic holiday cookies that are gluten-free and dairy-free, with a soft and chewy texture!

I immediately think of thumbprint cookies when it comes to the holiday season. Thumbprint cookies alway seem to make an appearance around Christmas, and with good reason! The fruit jam on top of a soft, pillowy cookie is all I need to get my gears going for the holidays!  Baking thumbprint cookies can also be a great family activity. The little ones can roll the dough into small balls and press their little thumbs into the dough creating a small well for the fruit preserves or jam.

My favorite organic fruit preserve is raspberry but you can choose any flavor. This recipe in particular is reminiscent of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches thanks to the almond flour, so pairing raspberry, grape, strawberry, blackberry, or blueberry preserve works great. I like using these fruit filling brands: Tiptree and Crofter’s

In addition to the almond flour, I also use gluten-free whole grain out flour. I use this brand but you could also ground your own oat flour by pouring oats into a processor or vitamix and blend until the oats turn into the consistency of flour.

If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo to #fromtherootsblog on Instagram. We love seeing what you come up with!

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Ingredients

• 1 cup almond flour

• ½ cup GF whole grain oat flour

• ½ cup coconut sugar

• ¼ cup creamy almond butter

• ¼ cup melted coconut oil (room temp)

• 1 egg

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• ¼ tsp baking soda

Filling

Fruit preserve or jam of choice such as raspberry, orange, strawberry, blackberry, grape, etc.

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. In a medium bowl, mix coconut sugar, almond butter, coconut oil, egg, and vanilla extract until combined.

3. Add both flours and baking soda until combined.

4. Place cookie dough in the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes.

5. Scoop about 1 Tbsp of dough and roll into balls. Place on a lined baking sheet about 2 inches apart.

6. Push your thumb in the center of each dough ball and dollop with raspberry preserve. Use enough to fill the well.

7. Place in the oven and cook for 12-15 minutes until cookies are lightly brown.

8. Let the cookies cool for 10 minutes on the baking sheet and then transfer to a rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for longer storage.

Notes

1. Makes 12 cookies (1 Tbsp serving)

The Ultimate Fitness Junkie Gift Guide

From stocking stuffers to fun splurges, we have it all! 

1. Adidas Ultraboost Shoes - Currently on my Christmas wishlist! This shoe is great if you are a neutral runner.

2. Athleta Cozy Karma Asymmetrical Pullover - Because, who doesn't like a good cozy pullover!

3. Skylar perfumes - Currently my favorite clean, hypoallergenic, and cruelty-free perfume. I know I'm weird, but I have to smell good before a workout. It just makes me think that I won't smell like nasty sweat afterward! Lol, my favorite scent is coral!

4. Further Food Turmeric Tonic - This powder is great to make instant golden lattes! Bonus, it's made with natural anti-inflammatory & immune boosting ingredients. A win for those really heavy workouts! Here is a discount code for 10% off your first purchase, FROMTHEROOTSBLOG10.

5. Hair Ties - Great as a stocking stuffer!

6. Gaiam Yoga Mat - Great for the yogi and they have many patterns!

7. Mario Badescu Facial Mist - I love these inexpensive mists for post-workouts. Feels refreshing and smells heavenly!

8. Vooray Workout Bag - The cutest yet functional and affordable workout bag I have seen. Currently on my Christmas wish list!

9. Elite Surge Jump Rope - If you are a Crossfitter and/or do DU's (double unders), then you will love this jump rope! Personally, I wouldn't get this style if you are just jumping rope as a warm up because the string is very thin=rope burns!

10. RX Bars - Great to throw in your workout bag for a pre or post workout snack!

11. Natural Vitality - Anti-stress powder that is great in restoring healthy magnesium levels, supporting a healthy immune system, and keeping bones strong. Magnesium is an essential mineral that supports blood sugar levels, promotes normal blood pressure, and is required for producing and storing energy. I love taking this supplement after a long run, when I'm stressed, or if I'm having trouble sleeping.

12. Mountain Ocean Skin Trip Moisturizer - This is the only lotion I use! Hands down, the best moisturizer I have ever owned. It also has a very subtle coconutty beach water smell.

13. Knockout Leggins by VS - Best workout leggings ever and bonus, they have pockets!

14. Qalo Wedding band - Whether you are engaged or married, these inexpensive rings are great to wear at the gym especially if you do weightlifting, gymnastics, or CrossFit type workouts.

15. Sports Research Collagen Peptides - Collagen is an important nutrient needed to ensure the health of your skin, hair, cartilage, joints, and bones. I like to add a scoop of collagen with MCT oil in my coffee every morning.

16. Foam Roller - Because, who doesn't love a good foam roller!

17. Hydro Flask water bottle - Little pricey but worth every penny! Has a BPA free straw lid and double-walled, insulated which means water stays cold for up to 24 hours, what!?

18. IABMFG shorts - If you can’t seem to find squat proof workout shorts then look no further. I love this particular style because of the fabric and length but they also have many fun patterns and different inseam lengths. One pair is expensive but this website is always giving out really good discounts!

19. Nutrition Stripped Good Food Good Vibes t-shirt - Great to workout in because it is lightweight, breathable, and sends positive vibes!

20. Beats PowerBeats 3 Bluetooth Wireless Headphones - By far, the best pair of headphones. I have gone through many, let me tell you, but these bad boys will stay in your ears through long runs, heavy HIIT and cardio sessions and just casually walking the dog.

Most of these products will be on sale for Black Friday so check them out soon!

Leave us a comment if you love this gift guide! We would love the feedback!