Nourished by Nic

  • Recipes
    • Breakfast
    • Snacks
    • Dinner
    • Appetizers + Sides
    • Dessert
  • Lifestyle
  • Work with me
  • About
    • Privacy Policy
  • Shop
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Lifestyle
  • Shop
  • About
  • Contact
    • Email
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Substack
    • TikTok
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Lifestyle
    • Shop
    • About
    • Contact
    • Email
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Substack
    • TikTok
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Snacks

    Chickpea No Bake Cookie Dough Bites

    Published: Jan 24, 2022 · Modified: Jan 24, 2024 by Nicole Addison · This post may contain affiliate links · 26 Comments

    ↓ Jump to Recipe
    Pin the Recipe

    Introducing my no bake cookie dough bites, packed with fibre, whole grains, healthy fats and completely vegan. All thanks to the secret ingredient: chickpeas!

    Two cookie dough protein balls stacked.

    Have you ever wanted to make cookies just so you could eat the dough? Well, now you can! There's just something about raw cookie dough that's so good. Maybe it's how creamy it is? Or maybe it's the fact that you know you shouldn't be eating it that makes it so irresistible.

    One of my most vivid memories as a child is sneaking cookie dough from the bowl whenever my mom turned away. I was obsessed with cookie dough as a kid. Like sneaking under the table with an entire roll of Pillsbury cookie dough obsessed. It wasn't the healthiest addiction... but it was good. So safe to say I'm somewhat of a raw cookie dough expert.

    The problem is, raw cookie dough isn't always the safest (or healthiest) option when you're craving a snack. That's where these no bake cookie dough bites come in. That's right- no baking, 100% vegan, and completely edible raw.

    It's also made from a secret ingredient: chickpeas! Check out the Frequently Asked Questions later in the post for all the details on this nutritious addition. Trust me when I say you'll want to give it a try.

    Don't believe me? Make these cookie dough protein balls and see for yourself!

    Ingredients

    Ingredients for no bake cookie dough bites including chickpeas, protein powder and nut butter.
    • Nut butter
    • Maple syrup
    • Chickpeas
    • Oat flour
    • Protein powder
    • Mix-ins

    Instructions

    Adding ingredients to food processor.

    In a food processor or high powered blender combine chickpeas, maple syrup, nut butter, salt, vanilla, coconut oil, oat flour and protein powder.

    Blending chickpea cookie dough in a food processor.

    Blend until combined. You may need to stop and stir every now and then.

    Adding chocolate chunks and mix-ins to chickpea cookie dough.

    Scoop into a large bowl and add mix-ins of choice.

    Mixing chickpea cookie dough.

    Fold in with a spatula or spoon.

    Scooping cookie dough protein balls.

    Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon scoop out cookie dough balls.

    Rolling out no bake cookie dough bites on a tray.

    Roll into smooth balls and freeze on a tray or store in the fridge. Enjoy!

    Substitutions and Variations

    To make gluten-free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, however you may need certified gluten-free oats and chickpeas if you have Celiac disease or a gluten intolerance.

    Missing an ingredient? Try these:

    • Oat flour: I used oat flour, but almond flour will also work in an equal amount.
    • Nut butter: I like using cashew butter for the classic cookie dough taste, however almond and peanut butter both work well.
    • Maple syrup: Swap for another liquid sweetener like honey or date syrup. You can also try a sugar-free alternative like this one.
    • Chickpeas: These are the star of the show, but can be swapped with white beans in an equal amount.

    These cookie dough protein balls are super versatile, so try out your favourite cookie flavors by switching up the mix-ins! Here are some ideas to get you started:

    • Confetti cake: Add ½ teaspoon of almond extract and sprinkles.
    • White chocolate macadamia: Add white chocolate chips and chopped macadamia nuts.
    • Kitchen sink: Add your favourite chopped nuts, candy bars, whatever you have on hand!

    Equipment

    • Food processor
    • Spatula or spoon
    • Mixing bowl

    Storage

    These no bake cookie dough bites can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to a week. You can also keep them in the freezer in a freezer-safe bag. If storing in the freezer, microwave for 15 seconds to help soften or let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes.

    Top Tip

    The dough may be thick. For best results (and to get the creamiest dough) I recommend processing your chickpeas with the wet ingredients first and then mixing in the flour and dry ingredients after!

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I make my own oat flour?

    Yes, you absolutely can! Blending your own oats into a flour-like consistency is a great way to use what you have and save money. I just recommend using an additional ¼ cup of oats in order to obtain the same amount.

    Why are there chickpeas in this recipe?

    If you've tried my chickpea blondies, then you know! The chickpea is a nutritional powerhouse, full of protein, fibre, folic acid and manganese. They are truly the perfect addition to any balanced meal or snack! Plus, they help give these cookie dough protein balls the BEST chewy texture.

    Can you taste the chickpeas?

    I promise you will not be able to taste the chickpeas (unless you really hate chickpeas). They really just act as a neutral base to hold everything together, add nutrients and absorb the flavour of the vanilla, peanut butter and maple syrup.

    Are these a balanced snack?

    Yes! One of the things I love the most about these little bites (other than their amazing taste) is that thanks to the fibre from the oat flour and chickpeas, the healthy fats from the nut butter, and the protein from the protein powder, these make a great filling and satisfying sweet snack!

    Can I bake these?

    I haven’t tried to bake these in the oven BUT I have tried to air fry them! I placed a few on an air fryer liner, gently press them down and baked at 330F for about 8 minutes. They were a little crumbly, but the chocolate melted and they tasted great! If you try baking these, leave me a comment and let me know how it went.

    Do you have a favourite protein powder?

    YES! My personal favourite plant-based protein powder is Nuzest creamy vanilla flavour (NOURISHEDBYNIC for 15% off). An unflavoured alternative is the Organika collagen powder (NOURISHEDBYNIC30 for 30% off)!

    More Sweet Snack Recipes

    If you liked this recipe, you'll love these other no bake sweet snacks on the blog!

    • 5-Minute Vegan Snickers Protein Balls
    • 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Oatmeal Balls
    • Easy Birthday Cake Protein Balls
    • No Bake Easy Oatmeal Cookie Energy Balls

    I love seeing you make my recipes! If you make these no bake cookie dough bites, don't forget to tag me on Instagram- @nourishedbynic or leave a comment on this recipe below letting me know how it turned out!

    📖 Recipe

    No bake cookie dough bites on a plate.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    5 from 12 votes

    Chickpea No Bake Cookie Dough Bites

    Introducing my no bake cookie dough bites, packed with fibre, whole grains, healthy fats and completely vegan. All thanks to the secret ingredient: chickpeas!
    Prep Time10 minutes mins
    Total Time10 minutes mins
    Course: Dessert, Snack
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: energy balls, high protein
    Servings: 24 cookie dough balls

    Ingredients 

    • ½ cup nut butter cashew, peanut or almond
    • ⅓ cup maple syrup
    • 1 can (540ml) chickpeas rinsed and drained
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • 2 teaspoon vanilla
    • 1 + ¼ cup oat flour
    • 2 scoops protein powder (about ¼ cup) unflavoured or vanilla
    • 1 tablespoon coconut oil melted

    Mix-Ins

    • ⅓ cup dried, unsweetened coconut flakes
    • ⅓ cup chocolate chips

    Instructions

    • In a food processor or high powered blender combine chickpeas, maple syrup, nut butter, salt, vanilla, coconut oil, oat flour and protein and blend until combined (you may need to stop and stir every now and then)
    • Scoop into a large bowl and mix in chocolate chips and coconut (or whatever you want to add!)
    • Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon scoop out cookie dough balls (or eat straight from the bowl)

    Notes

     
    • protein powder can easily be substituted with additional oat flour or whole oats!
    *I have included an estimation of the nutrition information for this recipe below. However, always remember a recipe is so much more than just nutritional content and these numbers do not need to dictate your food choices. Please don't forget that both your body and soul need nourishment! The owner of this website is not liable for this estimation.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1cookie dough ball | Calories: 128kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 4mg | Sodium: 78mg | Potassium: 125mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 10IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 28mg | Iron: 1mg
    Did you know....rating and sharing recipes is one of the best ways you can support your favourite food bloggers? If you make this recipe, I would love if you clicked the stars below to leave a rating and/or sharing a photo on social media by tagging @nourishedbynic or using the hashtag #nourishedbynic!

    More Healthy-ish Snack Recipes

    • peanut butter energy balls feature photo
      Crunchy Peanut Butter Energy Balls
    • A chocolate and zucchini muffin cut in half.
      Chocolate and Zucchini Brownie Muffins
    • Bowl of savory snack mix.
      Savoury Snack Mix
    • Close up of a strawberry fruit popsicle swirled with greek yogurt.
      Strawberry Fruit Popsicles with Greek Yogurt

    Share this recipe!

    • Facebook

    Comments

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




    1. Lisa says

      May 26, 2025 at 3:46 am

      5 stars
      Super good.

      Reply
    2. ashlee says

      May 22, 2025 at 4:43 pm

      I'm allergic to nuts - do you have an alternative without nuts?

      Reply
      • Nicole Addison says

        May 22, 2025 at 6:01 pm

        Hi Ashlee, you can try using a seed butter or tahini!

        Reply
    3. Kristal says

      April 30, 2025 at 11:39 pm

      Can you substitute collagen for the protein powder?

      Reply
      • Nicole Addison says

        May 03, 2025 at 4:58 pm

        Hi kristal- yes of course!

        Reply
    4. Rebecca Mulholland says

      March 26, 2025 at 4:49 pm

      5 stars
      I have honestly dreamed about these after the first time I made them. Super easy protein packed recipe that I literally crave!

      Reply
    5. Juli says

      February 20, 2025 at 12:49 pm

      Hi Nicole! I am looking forward to making these as a healthy snack for my sweet tooth! Is there any sub for the oat flour? My husband is celiac but also reacts to the oat protein too. Thank you for all of your recipes!!

      Reply
      • Nicole Addison says

        February 20, 2025 at 3:43 pm

        Hi Juli- almond flour would be a great celiac friendly substiution!

        Reply
        • Juli says

          February 21, 2025 at 3:10 am

          Thank you so much!! Can’t wait to make these!!

          Reply
    « Older Comments
    Nicole Addison, RD

    Hi I'm Nicole!

    I’m a Registered Dietitian, recipe developer and content creator on a mission to help individuals rediscover the joys of cooking with easy, accessible, healthy recipes.

    On my page you'll find yummy recipes, wellness tips, and even some of my favourite travel and lifestyle recommendations!

    More about me →

    Popular

    • Glass of homemade watermelon electrolyte drink.
      Homemade Electrolyte Drink Recipe
    • baked chicken orzo
      One Pan Zucchini and Lemon Baked Chicken Orzo
    • protein overnight oats
      High Protein Overnight Oats
    • Birds eye of pepperoni pizza with greek yogurt dough.
      Greek Yogurt Pizza Dough

    Sweet Treats We're Loving

    • Chocolate peanut butter frozen yogurt bites stacked.
      Double Chocolate Frozen Yogurt Bites
    • Close up of a strawberry cheesecake cup with whipped cream.
      Strawberry Cheesecake Cups with Cottage Cheese
    • A banana oatmeal chocolate chip cookie split in half and stacked.
      Banana and Chocolate Chip Cookies
    • Scooping a spoonful of cottage cheese chocolate mousse.
      Cottage Cheese Chocolate Mousse

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Services

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2025 Nourished by Nic

    600 shares