Description
These easy no-bake protein cookies are a nutritious and delicious snack perfect for a quick energy boost. Made with peanut butter, protein powder, oats, and natural sweeteners, they offer a healthy balance of protein and fiber without any baking required. Customize them with chocolate chips or opt for vegan and nut-free variations to suit your dietary preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (or almond butter for a nut-free option)
- 1/2 cup protein powder (vanilla or chocolate flavor)
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats (or oat flour for a smoother texture)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 1 large egg (or 1 flax egg for a vegan option)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, honey or maple syrup, egg or flax egg, and vanilla extract if using. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Add the Dry Ingredients: Add the protein powder and oats to the wet mixture. Stir until a thick dough forms. If desired, fold in the mini chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough.
- Shape the Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and roll each into a ball. Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet or a plate. Flatten each ball slightly with your hand or the back of a spoon to create cookie shapes.
- Chill the Cookies: Refrigerate the cookies for at least 30 minutes to allow them to set and hold their shape. This chilling step is critical since the cookies are not baked.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once chilled, the protein cookies are ready to be enjoyed. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week to maintain freshness.
Notes
- For a nut-free option, substitute peanut butter with almond butter or sunflower seed butter.
- Use a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tbsp water) for a vegan alternative to eggs.
- Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of honey or maple syrup according to taste preference.
- For a smoother cookie texture, you can replace old-fashioned oats with oat flour.
- If you prefer your cookies softer, shorten chilling time; for firmer cookies, chill longer.
- Store cookies in an airtight container in the fridge to keep them fresh and prevent them from drying out.
