These Gingerbread Energy Balls are a healthy, vegan, gluten-free protein ball recipe that’s going to satisfy your sweets cravings this holiday season!

a pile of gingerbread energy balls on a silver platter with white parchment paper, cinnamon sticks, twinkle lights, and a bowl of almond butter

I throw around a lot of foodie hype words.

Best. Delicious. Amazing. BUT. These energy balls deserve a new level of description.

I love most protein balls (energy balls? Is this like the soda/pop debate?). Goodies like nut butters, dates, and more get processed together into one easy to eat bite.

In this case we’re making energy balls that taste just like gingerbread cookie dough. Warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg make these feel just like Christmas!

gingerbread energy balls on a blue plate

What I’m loving about ginger spiced treats right now is that they don’t have to be super sweet to taste like dessert. We’re sweetening our healthy protein balls with a bit of maple syrup and just a few dates, which keep them soft and vegan!

I also love that this recipe is gluten-free because we’re using almond flour and gluten-free oat flour. I like to add an extra dusting of almond flour to the finished balls for texture and to keep them from sticking to each other.

I like using raw cashews for protein balls and granola bars because roasted salted cashews are too salty. If you can’t find them at your local grocery store, grab some here (<— affiliate link).

gingerbread energy balls on white parchment paper with a bowl of almond butter

I also insist you use natural nut butter and pure maple syrup in this recipe. Any highly processed swaps will yield an unpredictable (and probably undesirable) result.

These are seriously so satisfying, sweet, and just a bit spicy. I ate a couple for breakfast one day, one as a late night snack, and definitely enjoyed them as dessert on several occasions. These are going to be a staple in my house every holiday season from now on!

a pile of gingerbread energy balls on white parchment paper on a silver platter

How do you make energy balls?

Process the cashews until they are fine crumbs

Add the dates and process until crumbly

Add the remaining ingredients and process until everything is incorporated

Use your hands to roll the dough into balls

Sprinkle with additional almond flour if desired

How long can you keep energy balls?

Store your gingerbread energy balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Can I freeze energy bites?

Yes. You can freeze the energy balls on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to an airtight container in the freezer for up to three months. Let sit at room temperature for a few minutes before eating.

Are energy bites good for you?

Energy balls are a healthy snack to keep on hand. They’re full of protein from the almond flour, almond butter, and cashews. They’re also naturally sweetened with dates and maple syrup, no processed sugar here!

gingerbread energy balls with one that has a bite taken out of it

Tips for customizing your gingerbread energy balls:

Swap the maple syrup for honey (not vegan)

If you’re not gluten-free, feel free to use regular oat flour

Make your own almond flour or oat flour by running almond or oats through your food processor until finely ground and powdery

Use the finished dough in place of the raw cookie dough in my chocolate chip cookie dough thumbprint cookies

Dip the rolled balls in melted chocolate for more of a gingerbread cookie dough truffle
Swap a few spices to make cardamom rose energy balls

If you’re craving some real deal ginger sweet treats, you need to try my giant ginger cookies and my gingerbread cookie dough ice cream!

If you make this recipe, be sure to rate it, leave a comment, or tag #theliveinkitchen on Instagram!