Protein Cookie Dough (Easy Healthy Recipe)

Published Categorized as Journal, Baking Tagged

The recipe we have for today is fantastic for days when you want the taste of cookie dough and don’t feel like firing up your oven. Plus, this protein cookie dough is packed with 20 grams of protein per serving. Can’t beat that!

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Healthy Protein Cookie Dough Recipe

Table of Contents

If you’re like me, you’re likely also looking to add more protein into your diet, without constantly just downing protein shakes or munching on protein bars. There’s also only so much one can take of the chalky aftertaste that store-bought protein-based desserts tend to have.

I was inspired to take matters into my own hands.

So, this dessert is for you if you’re looking to:

  • build more muscle
  • support muscle recovery
  • increase your protein intake
  • eat more gluten-free
  • lessen carb/sugar intake

This protein cookie dough is a high-protein alternative to regular cookie dough. I used protein powder and there’s the option for nut butter. These are good sources of protein. This recipe has about 20g of protein per serving.

Eating protein cookie dough can be a convenient and tasty way to increase your protein intake, especially if you enjoy sweets but want to avoid the high sugar and calorie content of traditional cookies. If it helps you reach your protein targets while satisfying your cravings for sweet things, this protein cookie dough could be a beneficial addition to your diet.

In other words, protein cookie dough can be an effective source of protein when chosen wisely and consumed in moderation.

Protein Cookie DoughRegular Cookie Dough
– higher protein content– ingredients are not significant sources of protein
– might have a lower sugar content and fewer carbohydrates– high in carbohydrates and sugars
– healthier alternative to satisfy sweet cravings while still getting a protein boost– meant for indulgence, no specific nutritional goals in mind
– helps increase protein intake, support muscle recovery, and control sugar intake– not considered very healthy due to high sugar, unhealthy fats, and lower nutritional value
– more health-conscious alternative– classic delicious dessert
– good for gluten free or keto diets– contains gluten (not good for gluten free eating) and carbs (not for keto)
Protein Cookie Dough (easy Healthy Recipe)

You’ll only need a few ingredients when making this protein cookie dough. I know, right?

Note that I used sugar free options in my recipe in order to maximize the health benefits of this dessert.

The main ingredients you need for this protein cookie dough include:

  • protein powder (I used vanilla, but you can also use chocolate or any flavor of your choice)
  • peanut butter (or nut butter for more protein)
  • milk (use low-fat or fat-free milk, if you want to make this a lighter version)
  • chocolate chips (I used unsweetened chocolate chips, but you can use use stevia-sweetened chocolate chips instead, if you don’t want to compromise the sweet taste)

Speaking of less sugar dessert options, I’ve got a low sugar cookie dough recipe you’ll love!

But if you’re not worrying about your sugar or carb intake, you can add some molasses and honey into the mix.

Just like the ingredients, making this protein cookie dough recipe is simple.

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine your peanut butter, chocolate chips, and milk. (Add in honey and molasses as well, if using them.)
  2. Whisk the mixture until it becomes well-incorporated and the consistency is even.
  3. From there, sift in your vanilla protein powder.
  4. Mix and fold until a dough forms and there are no lumps.
  5. Chill the dough for about 15-30 minutes or until firm.
  6. Enjoy!
Protein Cookie Dough (healthy Recipe)
  • Perfect Consistency: If the mixture is too soupy, add a bit more protein powder. Alternatively, if the mixture is too thick, add just enough milk to make it the right consistency.
  • Protein Powder Amount: Know that there may be some variation in how much protein powder you’ll need to use depending on your brand of protein powder. Experiment with the liquid to powder ratio until you discover the consistency you like most.
  • Try Other Protein Powders: Can you use chocolate, unflavored or other flavor protein powders when making protein cookie dough? Of course! You can technically use any flavor, but vanilla or flavorless protein powders are by far the safest options in most cases. 
  • Make it Vegan: To make this protein cookie dough recipe vegan, simply use a vegan protein powder (such as pea protein) and plant-based milk (such as cashew, which is quite creamy!). Omit honey and use a sweetener instead.
  • Use Soft “Butter”: The mixing may be difficult, especially if you’re using almond butter. Be sure to choose a “drippy” almond butter to make mixing a bit easier.
  • Have a Cookie Scoop Ready: Use an ice cream scoop or a tablespoon to scoop this cookie dough and place on parchment paper easily. Alternatively, you can scoop this dough into a bowl and enjoy it in a similar way that you would ice cream (toppings and all)!

Cookie dough balls will keep at best quality in the freezer for up to 3 months. This is a great way to stash cookie dough to be enjoyed later when late-night hunger strikes (happens to everyone!).

If you’re looking for a frozen sweet treat, try this high protein ice cream that I’m sure you’ll love!

Healthy Protein Cookie Dough Recipe

This protein cookie dough recipe contains no gluten (no flour), so if you’re on a GF diet, try this!

Remember to check labels, in case there are any ingredients you use that might contain gluten.

I used sugar free options for this recipe, and there are no significant carbs in the ingredients used.

To increase the fat in this recipe to aid in ketosis, substitute the milk with heavy cream or melted butter.

Making protein cookie dough couldn’t be easier. I hope this recipe satisfies your needs!

Add a little more protein in your snack with this iced coffee protein shake.

Thanks for stopping by! Here are more healthy cookie dough or protein recipes:

FAQs

Can I bake protein cookie dough?

For this recipe, no. The nut butter will make this very goopy if you apply too much heat. There may be other recipes out there that you can bake!

Are protein cookies healthy?

They can be, but it will depend on the ingredients used. Some recipes contain large amounts of sugar and other unhealthful ingredients, while others do not. It will be up to you to look over the ingredients and determine what is right for your diet. Every recipe is different!

What does protein powder do in cookies?

Protein powder adds not only protein but also flavor and, at times, can even be a substitute for flour.

How much protein is in a no bake cookie?

Like with most recipes, it will depend on the ingredients. If made with nut butter, you can expect a natural boost in protein. With protein powder added, you can expect the cookie to pack even more of a protein punch. Exact numbers, however, will vary.

How much protein is enough per day?

The average adult should consume between 40-60 grams of protein per day (give or take) based on their body weight.

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Healthy Protein Cookie Dough Recipe

Protein Cookie Dough Recipe


  • Author: Anna
  • Total Time: 40 mins
  • Yield: approx. 1 cup

Description

With just a few ingredients (5, to be exact!), you can be that much closer to having delicious, healthy, and protein-rich cookie dough to fuel your day and leave you feeling strong.


Ingredients

Scale
  • ¾ cup vanilla protein powder
  • ½ cup unsweetened peanut butter or nut butter
  • ¼ cup milk (low fat or fat-free)
  • ¼ cup unsweetened chocolate chips

Optional

  • ¼ cup honey 
  • a splash of molasses (for softness)

Instructions

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine your peanut butter, chocolate chips, and milk (honey and molasses, too, if using).
  2. Whisk the mixture until it becomes uniform and smooth.
  3. From there, sift in your vanilla protein powder. 
  4. Mix and fold together until a good consistency forms.
  5. Chill the dough for about 15-30 minutes or until firm.
  6. Enjoy!

Notes

  • If the mixture is too soupy, add a bit more protein powder. Alternatively, if the mixture is too thick, add just enough milk to make it the right consistency.
  • Know that there may be some variation in how much protein powder you’ll need to use depending on your brand of protein powder. Experiment with the liquid to powder ratio until you discover the consistency you like most.
  • To make this protein cookie dough recipe vegan, simply use a vegan protein powder (such as pea protein) and plant-based milk (such as cashew, which is quite creamy!). Omit honey and use a sweetener instead.
  • The mixing may be difficult, especially if you’re using almond butter. Be sure to choose a “drippy” almond butter to make mixing a bit easier.
  • Use an ice cream scoop or a tablespoon to scoop this cookie dough and place on parchment paper easily. Alternatively, you can scoop this dough into a bowl and enjoy it in a similar way that you would ice cream (toppings and all)!
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: dessert

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 100 g
  • Calories: 373 calories
  • Sugar: 15 g
  • Sodium: 222 mg
  • Fat: 21 g
  • Carbohydrates: 37 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 21 g
  • Cholesterol: 1.4 mg

Keywords: protein cookie dough

By Anna

Hey, I’m Anna; writer, editor and amateur cook extraordinaire! Food has been my life and my passion for the most of my life – it’s crazy to think I didn’t pursue a career in cooking. I’m obsessed! However, keeping cooking as an obsessive hobby has worked for me – my passion grows as the years pass by – maybe I wouldn’t say the same if it was also my day job! I hope you find cooking inspiration, entertainment and “stop and think interesting tid-bits” throughout my writing – and I’d love to hear from you if you’ve got anything you want to share. Food feeds the soul – so get eating! Author Pinterest Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube Tumblr Reddit Quora

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