When it comes to protein powder recipes, I have a handful of favorites on hand. If I’m not making protein brownies, protein muffins, or a protein mug cake, you’ll know I’m making some high protein cookies! This protein cookie recipe was inspired by Quest protein cookies I saw at the grocery store. They were made with whey protein and had no sugar, barely any carbs, and claimed to taste like dessert. With a heft price tag, I had high hopes. While they DID initially taste pretty good, several hours later I had the most intense stomach pains. Upon further inspection of the ingredient list, I was astounded to see a slew of hard-to-pronounce ingredients and SEVERAL kinds of artificial sweeteners! Luckily, I’ve created a delicious and EASY version that will be quite the game-changer for all you protein dessert fans out there. Here is why you’ll LOVE these cookies-
They are made with just 4 ingredients and you will know every single one of them. There are no artificial sweeteners, no flour, and no fillers or additives whatsoever- Just wholesome and healthy ingredients. All you need is one bowl and a mixing spoon to prepare. You get protein from THREE different sources- the peanut butter, the egg, and the protein powder!
These protein powder cookies are sweet enough for dessert or perfect as a post-workout snack! Each cookie yields over 20 grams of protein and ZERO grams of added sugar. They are thick, soft, chewy, and loaded with chocolate chips. What I love about these cookies is that they actually TASTE like normal cookies- No dense or powdery cookies here!
How do you make protein cookies?
The Ingredients
Peanut butter– Smooth and drippy peanut butter, with no added sugar. Avoid using crunchy peanut butter, as you’ll find the mixture harder to mix together. Brown sugar substitute– A zero calorie and zero carb sweetener. You can also use erythritol, monk fruit sweetener, or coconut sugar. Protein powder– The not-so-secret ingredient that gives the cookies a punch of protein. Stick to unflavored or vanilla flavored protein powders, as they don’t impact the overall flavor. Egg– Room temperature eggs.
The Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, add all the ingredients and mix well, until a thick dough remains. Next, form 12 balls of dough and place them on a lined baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just done. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool completely.
Which protein powder is best for baking?
Not every protein powder is created the same. Some are thicker than others, some are finer than others and some have different additives in them. As a general rule of thumb, all protein powders can work, but they will leave different textures. Here are the more mainstream protein powders and what texture and flavor profiles they have.
Brown Rice Protein Powder– Earthy in flavor and texture, this vegan protein powder keeps the cookies soft and chewy. Be sure to use a vanilla flavored one, otherwise, the cookies will be very bland. Casein Protein Powder– My favorite protein powder for baking. This blend of powder never dries out baked goods, and has the most delicious flavor. Whey Protein Powder– My least favorite protein powder to use, whey is the most natural protein powder, and also the lowest in carbs. However, they are most prone to dry out baked goods, so be sure to keep an eye on it.
Tips to make the best protein cookie recipe
Do not overbake the cookies, as they continue to cook as they cool down. While the cookies may look a little underbaked, they will firm up beautifully while cooling down. For thicker and chewier cookies, refrigerate the dough for an hour before baking. Be sure you like the taste of your protein powder, as the flavor will definitely come through (if you use an unflavored kind).
Dietary and flavor variations
Make them vegan! Swap out the egg for either a flax egg or a chia egg. Add chocolate chips– Make chocolate chip protein cookies (as pictured) by folding through 1/2 cup of chocolate chips. Oatmeal protein cookies– Fold through 1/2 cup of rolled oats and sprinkle a tablespoon of oats on top of each cookie. Chocolate protein cookies– Add 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder and use chocolate protein powder. Birthday cake cookies– Fold through 1/2 cup of sprinkles!
Storing and freezing tips
To store: Leftover cookies can be stored at room temperature, in an airtight container, for up to 14 days. If you’d like them to keep longer, store them in the refrigerator. To freeze: Place leftovers in a ziplock bag and store them in the freezer for up to 6 months.
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