There is nothing better than the peanut butter-chocolate-butterscotch combo of a classic scotcharoo! However, like many of you I could easily eat the entire pan in one sitting. These healthier versions are a perfect way to enjoy your cravings while adding a bit of protein to keep you full.
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These aren’t your average protein balls. When I tell you these taste like a dessert, I am not kidding. I have to stop myself from eating them all in one day. Even though they are much healthier than the corn syrup and sugar-filled version…I would probably feel pretty sick if I ate them all. However, they do have 2.5 grams of protein per ball which does help me feel better about giving them to my picky toddler as dessert.
These can last up to 1 week in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer. They are a perfect addition to a take-in meal for anyone, but especially for a new mom.
Why You’ll Love These Scotcharoo Protein Balls
- They taste like dessert with the classic peanut butter, chocolate and butterscotch combo.
- No baking required and ready in about 20 minutes.
- 2.5 grams of protein per ball to help keep you full.
- Great for meal prep since they keep in the fridge or freezer.
Ingredient Notes
- Protein powder: I use vanilla whey protein powder.
- Peanut butter: Creamy peanut butter is a must for that classic scotcharoo flavor.
- Powdered peanut butter (like PB Fit): Totally optional. If you don’t have it, just leave it out.
- Crisp rice cereal: This gives you that classic scotcharoo crunch.
The peanut butter and protein powder are key to the flavor of these, so I don’t recommend swapping them out.
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Tips for Perfect Protein Balls
- Mixture too sticky? Add extra oats or powdered peanut butter.
- Mixture too dry? Add a little more peanut butter or honey.
- Use a small cookie scoop so all of your balls are the same size. I use the small scoop from this cookie scoop set.
- Line your baking sheet with parchment. It keeps the balls and drizzle from sticking. I always keep a parchment paper roll on hand.
Love these? Try my S’mores Protein Balls next!
Need a savory meal prep recipe too? Try my Cowboy Caviar for easy, veggie-packed lunches!

Scotcharoo Protein Balls
Equipment
- Large Bowl
- Spatula
- Number 50 Cookie Scoop
- Cookie Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Microwave safe bowl
- Piping Bag
Ingredients
Protein Ball Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup honey
- 2 servings vanilla protein powder
- ¼ cup powdered peanut butter, like PB Fit If you don't have this, just leave it out.
- 1 cup old fashioned oats
- 1½ cups crisp rice cereal, like Rice Krispies
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon vanilla
Drizzle Ingredients
- ¼ cup chocolate chips milk or semi-sweet
- ¼ cup butterscotch chips
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix all of the ingredients together except for the chocolate and butterscotch chips.
- Using a small cookie scoop, scoop out balls onto a parchment lined baking sheet. Set aside.
- In a microwave safe bowl, add the chocolate and butterscotch chips together and microwave in 30 second intervals until smooth and melted.
- Pour melted chips into a piping bag (or plastic baggie) and cut a small hole at the tip. Drizzle the mixture onto each protein ball. Alternatively you can dip each protein ball in the melted chocolate and butterscotch mixture.
- Let drizzle set in the fridge for 10 minutes. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for a week or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
