A healthy cookie dough treat that you can make quickly with 6 ingredients to have ready when cravings hit! This cookie dough protein is for you if you love a low carb, clean eating sweet snack!
Before you read on I need you to know something. I DESPISE recipes that contain protein powder pretending to taste good, or remotely close to whatever recipe they are trying to be like.
So when I tell you that a) this does resemble the taste of cookie dough and b) it is actually really good, you need to just trust.
It can be hard to do, I know. There are way too many recipes out there that are supposed to help with cravings but really do nothing but make you disappointed. This isn't one of those recipes.
This healthy cookie dough is:
- the perfect cookie dough texture
- lightly sweetened with no added sugar, just dates
- actually does curb the sweet cravings because it tastes like a treat not a fake protein treat
- full of chocolate chips
- easy to make and only uses 6 ingredients
- can be made made for vegan and paleo diets with simple swaps of the protein powder
Jump to:
Ingredient notes and substitutions
- Protein powder- The protein powder is the key here. If you have gross protein, or one that you are not a fan of, then obviously this won't taste good to you. My favorite is actually Tone It Up protein powder. It is vegan, and doesn't have a weird taste or gritty texture.
- Almond flour- Be sure to use almond flour and not almond meal as the texture is different. If you use almond meal it will be gritty.
- Nut butter- I used peanut butter, and it was phenomenal. There isn't a lot of peanut butter so you don't get a super over powering taste of it, but feel free to sub in your favorite nut butter. A runny consistency works best for this recipe.
- Non dairy milk- I used unsweetened plain coconut milk (the kind from a carton, not can). You can use any milk you like!
- Dates- These are fresh medjool dates, and you can find them at your local grocery store. They are usually in the produce section in a container. Be sure to take the pit out if you don't have pitted dates. These are just for added sweetness, and can be left out for a less sweet cookie dough. If you do not have dates or a food processor you can leave it out or sub in 2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup.
- Chocolate chips- Feel free to use any mini chocolate chips that fit your dietary needs. I used an allergy friendly chocolate chip like Enjoy Life brand.
Expert tips
- Food processor- Using a food processor will be the easiest for this recipe because of the dates. If you don't have one, swap the dates out for maple syrup and just use a bowl and spoon to combine everything. It's gonna take some work to get it all together, so use some muscle.
- Storage- This makes about 10 servings if you were eating 1 big rounded tablespoon at a time. Be sure to store in an airtight container in the fridge.
FAQ's
Is this cookie dough vegan?
This recipe is vegan if you are using a vegan protein powder like suggested. It can also be paleo if you use a compliant protein powder.
Why is this healthy?
This recipe is healthy because it uses real whole food ingredients. It is naturally sweetened by fruit (dates) and is loaded with protein thanks to the protein powder, almond flour, and nut butter.
This healthy high protein sweet treat is also full of good for you fats. Which are essential for body processes and feeling full!
Step-by-step photo guide
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Protein Cookie Dough
- Total Time: 10
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A healthy cookie dough treat that you can make quickly with 6 ingredients to have ready when cravings hit! This cookie dough protein is for you if you love a low carb, clean eating sweet snack!
Ingredients
- 2 scoops of vanilla protein (see notes)
- 1 cup of finely ground almond flour
- ¼ cup of runny nut butter (I like peanut butter)
- 2 pitted, medjool dates -softened
- ⅓ cup of allergy friendly mini chocolate chips
- 4 tablespoons of unsweetened plain non dairy milk divided (I used coconut milk)
Instructions
- Place dates in a small bowl and add really hot water. Soak until softened. Drain water and set aside.
- Attach the S blade to your food processor bowl. Add protein powder, almond flour, nut butter, softened dates, 2 tablespoons of milk to the food processor and use puree button until the dough comes together. If the dough remains crumbly add remaining milk 1 tablespoon at a time until a soft dough is formed. It will begin to stick together in large pieces/crumbs. And when pressed together with hands it will be very smooth and cookie dough consistency.
- Remove dough and place in a medium bowl, add chocolate chips and use your hands to fold in the chocolate chips and form a smooth dough.
- Eat by the spoonful or shape into balls for a grab and go snack. Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
Notes
- If you do not have a food processor you can swap the dates for 2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup and then mix by hand.
- Use any chocolate chips that work for your dietary needs
- Be sure to use a protein powder you like the taste of!
- This makes about 10 rounded tablespoons of cookie dough
- Prep Time: 10
- Category: Snack
- Method: Food Processor
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cookie dough protein, protein cookie dough, high protein snacks, protein balls
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