Description
Delightful protein cookies blend wholesome ingredients with irresistible flavor, creating a guilt-free treat for health-conscious snackers. Packed with nutrients and satisfying sweetness, these cookies deliver a perfect balance of indulgence and nutrition you’ll crave after workouts or midday energy slumps.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein Ingredients:
- 1 large egg
- 1 scoop (about ¼ cup) protein powder (vanilla or chocolate)
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter (or almond butter)
Binding and Sweet Ingredients:
- ¼ cup honey or maple syrup (adjust for sweetness)
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce (or mashed banana)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats (blended into oat flour or left whole)
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Optional Add-ins:
- ¼ cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
- ¼ cup chopped nuts or seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350F (175C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat to prevent sticking.
- Create a dry ingredient blend by thoroughly whisking oats, protein powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium mixing bowl to ensure even distribution.
- Develop a smooth wet ingredient base by vigorously combining peanut butter, honey, applesauce, egg, and vanilla extract in a separate large bowl until fully integrated.
- Transform the mixture into dough by gradually incorporating dry ingredients into wet ingredients, stirring until a cohesive texture forms. Gently fold in chocolate chips or chopped nuts for additional flavor and texture.
- Craft uniform cookies by portioning dough into 1 1/2-inch spheres, then delicately flattening each with fingertips or spoon back. Arrange cookies on prepared baking sheet with sufficient spacing to allow even heat circulation.
- Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, watching for delicate golden edges. The cookies will appear slightly underdone but will solidify during cooling process.
- Allow cookies to rest on baking sheet for 5 minutes to stabilize structure, then transfer to wire rack for complete cooling. Preserve freshness by storing in airtight container for up to 5 days.
Notes
- Swap protein powder types carefully, as different brands and flavors can dramatically alter texture and taste, potentially making cookies too dry or too moist.
- Adjust honey or applesauce quantity if using plant-based protein powder to maintain optimal moisture and prevent crumbly results.
- Using a kitchen scale ensures precise ingredient measurements, guaranteeing consistent cookie texture and preventing potential baking mishaps.
- Experiment with mix-ins like chia seeds, dried fruit, or different nut butters to customize protein cookies and keep them interesting for various dietary preferences.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Breakfast, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 100 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg