Chocolate Protein Cookie Dough

Chocolate protein cookie dough is a sweet guilt-free treat when you need to curb that sugar craving! It's rich and chocolatey, but high in protein and healthy fats. Dairy-free, egg-free, and refined-sugar-free!

Cookie dough is my weakness. There's only a 50 percent chance cookie dough will make it into the oven in my kitchen. I just can't help myself! That's why I threw together this protein cookie dough.

It's quick, easy, and guilt-free! I don't crash after I eat it, in fact just the opposite. I feel satiated and energized, and when you have three adorable monkeys (plus a four-legged) chasing you around, energy is mandatory!

This protein powder cookie dough is made with wholesome ingredients like peanut butter, maple syrup, plant-based protein powder, and almond flour. I like to roll it into balls so I can grab one out of the fridge, no problem.

Ingredients

• Peanut butter - Nothing goes better with chocolate than peanut butter! It's also high in protein and healthy fats. If you're allergic to peanuts, swap with another nut butter like almond butter or cashew butter.
• Maple syrup - For sweetness! Not much is needed since protein powder is also sweet.
• Almond milk - To add moisture to the high protein cookie dough. I like almond milk for its neutral flavor but any plant-based milk works great. If you're not dairy-free, regular milk can be used.
• Protein powder - This is a chocolate cookie dough so I used a plant-based chocolate protein powder made of pea protein. If you're not avoiding dairy, a whey protein powder works great. Just pick a brand you know you like. Not all protein powders taste great.
• Almond flour - Almond flour is high in protein and low in carbs! And it has a delightfully nutty taste to it. Avoid almond meal since it's coarse and mealy.
• Cocoa powder - Dark cocoa powder imparts a rich, intense chocolatey flavor!
• Chocolate chips - Optional, but highly recommended! I recommend mini chocolate chips or finely chopped chocolate. Smaller pieces incorporate into the cookie dough easier.

How to Make Protein Cookie Dough

In a large bowl, mix the peanut butter and maple syrup until smooth.

Add the almond milk and stir until smooth.

Add the cocoa powder, chocolate protein powder, and almond flour to the bowl. Stir until completely incorporated.

Stir in the chocolate chips!

You can enjoy this cookie dough protein by the spoonful or roll it into pre-portioned cookie dough balls. I like to roll it into balls so I don't overindulge.

Recipe Tips

• Use a protein powder brand you know you like. Not all of them are good! If you don't like a protein powder in a protein shake, then you won't like it in cookie dough either.
• Use a bigger bowl than you think you need. A small bowl makes a mess! A bigger bowl gives you plenty of room to mix without protein powder flying everywhere.

Variations

• Protein powder - Protein powder comes in a million different flavors! I have only tried this recipe with chocolate but my gut says it'd be great with vanilla, caramel, or cake batter flavored protein too!
• Nut butter - Swap the peanut butter with another nut butter like cashew butter, almond butter, or tahini. For an extra-sweet cookie dough, swap with nutella.
• Milk - Any milk works great! Try cashew, almond, soy, or coconut milk.
• Sweetener - Try honey, sugar, or for a keto option, use a 1:1 sugar substitute.
• Gluten-Free - This recipe is gluten-free! Just be sure to use a gluten-free brand of protein powder.

Storage Tips

• Store the cookie dough in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days. You can roll the protein cookie dough into balls first so they're already in one serving portions.
• For a longer shelf life, freeze the cookie dough balls in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. For best results, use within 3 months.

High-Protein Recipes

• Chocolate Protein Rice Crispy Treats
• Protein Powder Overnight Oats
• 10 Best Gluten-Free Protein Bars