Cookies and protein—a combo that seems almost too good to be true. But here we are, diving into the world of easy protein cookie recipes. Imagine munching on a cookie that not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also gives you that extra boost, kind of like those viral TikTok trends where everyone seems to be juggling kettlebells while baking. Whether you’re sneaking them into your work-from-home routine or sharing them with friends during a Netflix binge, these cookies are your new secret weapon for guilt-free indulgence.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 180C/350F and prepare a baking tray by lining it with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine smooth peanut butter, a brown sugar substitute, your choice of protein powder, and an egg. Stir until a thick dough forms.
- Divide the mixture into 12 equal portions and shape each portion into a ball. Arrange these on the prepared baking tray.
- Gently press each dough ball to flatten it into a cookie shape. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges start to brown.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheet before serving or storing.
Ingredients
- Smooth drippy peanut butter, without added sugar
- Brown sugar substitute (or erythritol, monk fruit sweetener, or coconut sugar)
- Unflavored or vanilla flavored protein powder
- 1 room temperature egg
- 1/2 cup of chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup of rolled oats
- 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup of sprinkles
- 3 tablespoons of ground chia seed
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1800kcal | Carbohydrates: 60g | Protein: 252g | Fat: 96g | Sodium: 1392mg | Potassium: 1968mg | Fiber: 12g | Vitamin A: 276IU | Calcium: 420mg | Iron: 12mg | NET CARBS: 48g
FAQ
- Are protein cookies healthy?
- Homemade protein cookies can be a healthy addition to your diet as they are made from wholesome ingredients and provide a good amount of protein. However, store-bought versions often contain artificial sweeteners and as many calories as candy bars, making them less healthy.
- Can I use a substitute for peanut butter in the recipe?
- Yes, you can substitute peanut butter with almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter. Ensure that the alternative is smooth and drippy to achieve the right cookie dough consistency.
- Are Quest protein cookies suitable for a keto diet?
- Most Quest protein cookies are not keto-friendly due to their high net carb content, except for the chocolate chip flavor, which contains 5 grams of net carbs.
- What type of protein powder is best for baking cookies?
- Brown Rice Protein Powder keeps cookies soft and chewy, Casein Protein Powder is excellent for flavor and moisture, and Whey Protein Powder is natural but may dry out baked goods, so monitor baking closely.
- Can I make these protein cookies vegan?
- Yes, you can make these cookies vegan by replacing the egg with a flax egg or a chia egg.
Tips
- Avoid Overbaking: Ensure you do not overbake the cookies, as they will continue to cook while cooling. They may appear slightly underbaked initially but will firm up perfectly as they cool.
- Refrigerate for Better Texture: For thicker and chewier cookies, consider refrigerating the dough for about an hour before baking. This extra step can enhance the texture significantly.
- Choose Your Protein Powder Wisely: The flavor of the protein powder will come through in the final product, especially if you use an unflavored kind. Make sure you enjoy the taste of your chosen protein powder to ensure you love the cookies.
- Experiment with Variations: Try adding chocolate chips, rolled oats, or even unsweetened cocoa powder to create different variations like chocolate chip, oatmeal, or chocolate protein cookies.
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl – A large mixing bowl is needed to combine the ingredients.
- Baking Sheet/Cookie Sheet – For placing the cookie dough balls during baking.
- Parchment Paper – To line the baking sheet, preventing cookies from sticking.
- Measuring Spoons/Cups – For accurately measuring ingredients.
- Oven Thermometer – To ensure the oven is at the correct temperature.
- Cooling Rack – To allow the cookies to cool completely after baking.
