Fudgy Peppermint Brownie Balls
These peppermint brownie balls prove that healthy desserts can still taste seriously good. Made with wholesome, whole-food ingredients, and no baking required, they’re rich, fudgy, and packed with chocolatey flavor with a refreshing hint of peppermint. This recipe was designed to give you all the fudgy, chocolatey satisfaction of a classic peppermint brownie bite without the heaviness or extra sugar. The result is a snack that’s surprisingly decadent, makes you feel good and energized, and is honestly hard to believe it’s both healthy and vegan. I even brought them to a Christmas party, and they were a total hit (nobody even realized they were vegan!). Ideal for the holidays, gifting, or keeping on hand as a satisfying pick-me-up, these little bites might just become your new favorite treat, as they’ve certainly become mine!
Chocolate Dipping Like a Pro
Making brownie balls can feel intimidating, but here’s a cheat code. Freeze them completely before dipping and the chocolate sets in a flash with no melty disasters (we’ve all been there). Not feeling like coating the whole thing? Just dunk the bottoms and let them chill on parchment paper. Once the chocolate is fully set, it should peel right off the paper, leaving you with perfect, fudgy little bites that are as fun to eat as they are to make!
If you find working with dates a bit tricky or sticky, or even just don’t have them on hand, don’t worry, you are not out of options. If you don’t have a nut allergy, you can swap in any nut butter you like to help bind the mixture. You can also use applesauce instead, this is what we do in our apple cinnamon balls, and it works beautifully. For more healthy ball flavors and ideas, be sure to check out our other recipes, where we have cookie dough, pumpkin, espresso, cinnamon roll, and even more ball recipes all made healthy!
Why I Measure in Grams (and You Might Want To, Too)
If youโve ever made the same recipe twice and gotten two totally different results, the measuring method is often the reason.
Professional bakeries almost always measure by weight, not volume. Measuring cups leave room for inconsistencyโespecially with ingredients that pack differently depending on how you scoop or pour them. A scale removes all of that guesswork.
โต Affordable Amazon Kitchen Scale (only $6!)
One of the biggest offenders is sugar. Different sugars (and even the same sugar measured by different people) can vary wildly in volume, but 100 grams is always 100 grams. Measuring by weight gives you repeatable, bakery-consistent results and cuts down on extra dishes at the same time.
A food scale is one of the best (and most affordable) investments you can make for your kitchen if you love baking and want your recipes to turn out exactly the same every time.
5 More Healthy Balls Recipes
Try Healthy Cookie Dough Balls!
Try Healthy Brookie Balls!
Try Healthy Cinnamon Roll Balls!
Try Healthy Oreo Balls!
Try Healthy Pumpkin Bread Balls!
Ingredients To Prepare
Before baking, take a few minutes to gather the ingredients below and to ensure that they are rich, fudgy, and perfectly chocolatey!
Once you have all of the ingredients ready to go, you’re officially set up for peppermint brownie ball success. I always recommend measuring everything out ahead of time.
20% My GO-TO Protein Powder
I started using this protein powder when it first launched, and it’s become one of those things I rebuy every month without a second thought. The vanilla genuinely tastes like vanilla ice cream, and the chocolate just like your favorite soft serve. It doesn’t have that chalky texture or heavy protein taste, which I am so grateful for.
Most mornings, I stir this into my coffee or matcha, toss it into smoothies, or even add it to no-bake balls like these! I’ve even baked with it, and it works so well. The ingredients list is so simple, and the one bag will last me about a month if I am using it daily–which is a really practical and healthy swap for some of my coffee shop runs!
Fudgy Peppermint Brownie Balls
Ingredients
- 5 medjool dates
- 1/3 cup warm water
- 5 tbsp honey
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- 1/2 cup protein powder
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 5 tbsp cocoa powder
- pinch of salt
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 crushed candy canes
- 1 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate
Method
- Add the pitted dates, honey, and warm water to a blender. Let the dates soak in the water for about 5 minutes to soften, then blend until a smooth, caramel-like consistency forms.
- Transfer the date caramel to a medium-sized bowl. Mix in the vanilla extract and peppermint extract until fully combined.
- Blend the old-fashioned oats in a blender or food processor until they turn into a fine oat flour.
- Add the blended oats, protein powder, cocoa powder, and salt to the bowl. Mix until a thick, dry dough forms.
- Slowly mix in the milk, a little at a time, until the dough becomes soft and workable.
- If using, gently fold in crushed candy canes for extra peppermint crunch.
- Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop, portion the dough and roll into smooth balls. Place on a tray and freeze for 30โ45 minutes, until firm.
- Melt the semi-sweet chocolate until smooth.
- Dip each frozen cookie ball into the chocolate, sprinkle with candy cane pieces before the chocolate sets, and return to the fridge for about 15 minutes to firm up.
- Enjoy fresh, or store in a chilled environment for up to 14 days.
