No other flavor evokes holiday cheer more than gingerbread. Frosted gingerbread men, fresh gingerbread, and decorating gingerbread houses – it all remind me of the holidays. They also remind me of the telltale sugar rush and subsequent sugar crash just waiting to happen. Which is why I made it my mission this year to make a healthier version of my favorite holiday treat – gingerbread protein balls with collagen coconut frosting – yum.
These gingerbread protein balls make for a guilt-free dessert at your next holiday party, or a sweet and satiating travel snack that will instantly transport you from the crowded airplane to grandma’s kitchen. Unless crowded airplanes are your thing, and then you’re on an airplane eating a protein ball that tastes like gingerbread dough, still a win in my book. They travel well, are packed with good fats, fiber and protein, and are sweetened only with pure molasses. Leave some of these out for Santa this year and you’re guaranteed to make the good list.
While molasses is technically an added sugar, it has the lowest sugar content of any of the cane sugar products. It also boasts other beneficial nutrients like magnesium, potassium, calcium and iron. And, when any sugar, including molasses, is combined with the fat found in almond butter and the fiber and protein found in oats and chia seeds, the sugars will be digested by your body more slowly which helps to stabilize your blood sugar. Could you ask for anything better this Christmas?
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ¼ cup almond flour
- 2 tablespoon creamy almond butter
- 2 tablespoon molasses
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of pink himalayan sea salt
- 2 tablespoons coconut butter
- 1-2 scoops collagen powder
- Place all ingredients in a food processor and puree for 1-2 minutes, until it achieves a dough-like consistency
- Using your hands, roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on a plate
- Repeat until all remaining dough is used
- Place in freezer for 1 hour to overnight
- Top with coconut collagen frosting or eat plain
- Melt 2 tablespoons coconut butter on the stove on low
- Add 1 or 2 scoops collagen powder
- Drizzle over gingerbread balls and enjoy!