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Looking for a flavor filled dessert recipe that also packs a protein punch? These protein cookies do not disappoint! A soft and chewy texture with 8 grams of protein in each, this cookie treat will quickly become a family favorite.
I’ve been on a protein kick lately and especially baking with protein powder. While it takes a bit of practice to get used to baking with protein powder, I thankfully have 10 years of food blogging under my belt that serves me well. Between these protein pancakes, protein waffles and peanut butter protein bars I’ve got a lot of your protein needs covered. But just one thing was missing…protein cookies!
So I challenged myself to the task of making soft and chewy cookies that were also high in protein. While it took a few tries, I’m glad to say these cookies are not only delicious but they’re actually good for you! Here’s why I think you should try them too:
Why Make These Protein Cookies:
Other than the fact that these protein cookies taste amazing and are kid-approved (ask my toddler!) these protein cookies are also:
- Great source of protein – with 8.6 grams in each
- Minimal ingredients – all you need are 5 simple ingredients that you already have on hand!
- Made in One Bowl – easy clean-up and no mess required!
- Easy customizable – I’m sharing a bunch of recipe variations below!
- Gluten-free– so long as there isn’t any gluten in your protein powder, this high protein cookie recipe is gluten-free.
Protein Cookie Ingredients:
- Vanilla Protein Powder – see discussion below regarding which type of protein powder to use.
- Almond Butter – Make sure it is drippy with the oil well mixed into the jar.
- Eggs – This helps bind the cookies together. Note that I have not tested these with vegan alternatives.
- Coconut Sugar – I like using coconut sugar because it’s a less refined sweetener and lower in the glycemic index. You could always substitute it with brown sugar if that’s all you have.
- Chocolate Chips – I prefer using mini dark chocolate chips in this recipe but feel free to use whatever kind of chocolate chips you have.
Which Protein Powder Should I Use?
Plant-Based Protein Powder – you have a couple different options here. These are my personal preference.
- Pea protein powder – my preferred choice. I find this leads to the most authentic protein cookie. I use the Ritual Protein Powder.
- Brown rice protein powder – can sometimes be a bit dry but works pretty well.
Whey Protein Powder – I find whey protein can dry out my baked goods but it works in a pinch.
Collagen Protein Powder – Not my personal preference and be sure to grab a vanilla version otherwise there won’t be much taste.
How Much Protein Is In Each Cookie?
This will depend entirely on the type of protein powder you use. In my case I use Ritual Pea Protein Powder and it came out to 8.6 grams of protein per cookie.
Note that 2/3 cup of protein powder typically is roughly 2 scoops at 30 grams each.
How to Make Protein Cookies
STEP 1: MIX ALL INGREDIENTS
In a large mixing bowl combine all cookie ingredients except chocolate chips. Fold in chocolate chips.
STEP 2: BAKE COOKIES
Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, scoop out roughly a tablespoon of cookie dough and place onto lined baking sheet. Flatten slightly with hands. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until cookies are golden brown and set around the edges. Leave cookies on baking sheet to cool for 10 minutes. Remove and allow to cool to room temperature on a wire rack.
Easy Cookie Variations + Mix-Ins
Swap the nut butter – you can use any nut butter in place of almond butter. Just make sure it is natural with the oils mixed in. Peanut butter chocolate chip protein cookies are also delicious! Cashew butter or even a seed butter like sunflower seed butter or tahini also work great.
Use nuts instead of chocolate chips – replace the chocolate chips with nuts of choice or even raisins for a take on oatmeal raisin cookies.
Use chocolate protein powder – replace the vanilla protein powder with chocolate for a double chocolate protein cookie recipe.
Make a funfetti version – sub in 1/2 cup of sprinkles for the chocolate chips for a funfetti version!
Add some spice – add 1/2-1 tsp of your favorite spices. Cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice or apple pie spice are all great additions!
Storage Instructions
Your protein cookies will keep at room temperature for up to 3 days if stored in an airtight container.
Alternatively, you can freeze your cookies. Simply store in a single layer, divided by parchment paper in an airtight container or ziplock bag in your freezer for up to 3 months. Allow to thaw for several hours on the counter.
More Cookie Recipes:
- Almond Flour Cookies
- Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Peppermint Chocolate Cookies
- 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
- Grain-Free Double Chocolate Cookies
- Almond Butter Hemp Seed Cookies
Protein Cookies
Looking for a flavor filled dessert recipe that also packs a protein punch? This Protein Cookie recipe does not disappoint! A soft and chewy texture with 8 grams of protein in each, this cookie treat will quickly become a family favorite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 cup almond butter
- 1/2 cup coconut sugar
- 2/3 cup vanilla protein powder (see note above for suggestions)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- In a large mixing bowl combine all cookie ingredients except chocolate chips. Fold in chocolate chips.
- Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, scoop out roughly a tablespoon of cookie dough and place onto lined baking sheet. Flatten slightly with hands.
- Bake for 12-14 minutes or until cookies are golden brown and set around the edges.
- Leave cookies on baking sheet to cool for 10 minutes.
- Remove and allow to cool to room temperature on a wire rack.
- See storage instructions above.
These sound great. Thank you for the recipe.
I don’t have protein powder. Could I sub the same amount with flour, do you think? I like to use a combo of half whole wheat and half white four. Do you think that would work, please? I don’t have whole wheat pastry flour.
Thanks again!