1-First Step: Melt the base: Add the 2/3 cup peanut butter and 2 tablespoons butter or oil to a microwave-safe bowl. Warm it in short bursts until the mixture is melted and easy to stir. You want it smooth, not boiling hot. This step helps everything blend into a soft dough later.

2-Second Step: Mix in the dry ingredients: Add the 3/4 cup protein powder, 1/3 cup sweetener, 1/4 cup almond flour, 2 tablespoons hemp seeds if using, 1/8 teaspoon salt if needed, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Stir well until the mixture starts forming a thick dough. If you are using vanilla protein powder, use a little less vanilla extract so the flavor does not get too strong.

3-Third Step: Check the dough texture: At this stage, the dough should feel thick, soft, and easy to shape. If it seems too stiff or dry, add a small splash of oil and mix again. If it feels too goopy or sticky, sprinkle in a bit more almond flour. This balance matters, because the right texture makes rolling much easier.

4-Fourth Step: Add the chocolate chips if you want them: If you like a sweeter, more dessert-style snack, stir in 1/4 cup chocolate chips. They add a nice pop of flavor and make these protein balls feel a little more like a treat. If you prefer a cleaner, lower carb version, leave them out and the recipe still works well.

5-Fifth Step: Roll into balls: Scoop the dough and roll it into 1-inch balls with your hands. A small cookie scoop can help keep the sizes even, which is useful if you want the nutrition to stay close from ball to ball. You should get a batch that is easy to portion and quick to grab later.

6-Final Step: Chill until firm: Place the rolled balls on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Refrigerate them until firm. This usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes, depending on how warm the dough was when you rolled it. Once chilled, the balls hold together well and are ready to eat.