Protein Cookie Dough
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My protein cookie dough recipe needs just 3 main ingredients to make, and it tastes like actual cookie dough! Ready in minutes, each serving packs in over 20 grams of protein.
If you need to change up your post-workout snack or after-dinner dessert, I’ve got you covered with my edible protein cookie dough!
It looks and tastes like real cookie dough, but skips the sugar, butter, and added fat. Instead, I use a handful of wholesome ingredients and pack it with protein so you can feel good about enjoying it and skip the sugar crash afterward.
The trick to making it taste like real cookie dough is using the right protein powder. I tested four mainstream blends (whey, casein, brown rice, pea, and soy) and found that, aside from whey, all of them create a soft, pliable cookie dough texture that’s perfect for scooping and eating straight from the bowl.
Table of Contents
Why I love this recipe
- 20 grams of protein. And that is just in one serving! Eat the whole batch, and it’s over 120 grams!
- Diet-friendly. My recipe is naturally gluten-free, and can easily be made vegan and dairy-free, too.
- Ready in minutes. I’ve often made this cookie dough straight after a workout, and it’s almost as fast as my chocolate protein shake!
- Easy to customize. Like my protein pop tarts, you can switch up the nut butter, add different mix-ins, and change up the protein powder flavor- the possibilities are endless!
★★★★★ REVIEW
“Best protein cookie dough recipe EVER!” – Arriana
Key Ingredients
- Peanut butter. Creamy peanut butter with no added sugar. I recommend using some with a dash of salt, as it brings out the flavor of the cookie dough. If you can’t tolerate peanuts or don’t want a subtle peanut butter flavor throughout, you can use almond butter, cashew butter, sunflower seed butter, or tahini.
- Maple syrup OR honey. Adds sweetness without adding any refined sugar. You can cut the sugar completely and use sugar free maple syrup.
- Protein powder. Vanilla protein powder is my preference, as it adds extra sweetness and a lovely vanilla flavor to the cookie dough. See below for my tried-and-tested recommendations.
- Water OR milk. Optional, but if you prefer a smoother cookie dough, you can thin it out with some water or milk (unsweetened almond milk). Start with one tablespoon at a time until the desired texture is achieved.
- Chocolate chips. What good is cookie dough without some chocolate chips? I stick with dark chocolate chips or sugar free chocolate chips (to keep the calories and sugar low!) but use whichever kind you like!
Best protein powder for cookie dough
I’ve tested every blend and brand of protein powder available (there isn’t as much as you think!) and these are my recommendations:
- Casein protein powder. Yields a thicker cookie dough and has a richer flavor (thanks to the addition of milk).
- Vegan protein powder. Either pea protein powder or brown rice protein powder.
- Soy protein powder. It may seem a little chalky at first, but soy protein mixes really well and has a pleasant taste.
I don’t recommend whey protein powder as it tends to become quite thin and watery when mixed with maple syrup and peanut butter.
How to make protein cookie dough
I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Step 1- Make the dough. In a mixing bowl, add the peanut butter, protein powder, and maple syrup, and mix until a thick dough remains. If needed, add some water or milk. Fold through the chocolate chips.
Step 2- Set. Either enjoy the cookie dough immediately or refrigerate it for 30 minutes to thicken.
Is the texture too thin or too sticky?
Depending on the protein powder you use, your cookie dough could either be too thin or too sticky.
If it’s too thin or sticky, I recommend adding more protein powder, one tablespoon at a time, until it’s thick. If your cookie dough feels crumbly, add water, one tablespoon at a time.
Arman’s recipe tips
- Like the taste of your protein powder. This is my #1 tip when making protein powder recipes. If you don’t like the taste of your protein powder, you won’t like the final dish!
- For a thicker cookie dough, refrigerate it. You can enjoy this cookie dough as soon as it is made. However, if you prefer a thicker cookie dough, you can refrigerate it for 30 minutes first.
- Add flour for crumbly cookie dough. I know some of you prefer the crumblier texture of cookie dough, so add a tablespoon or two of oat flour or blanched almond flour. Avoid standard all-purpose flour, as it needs to be heat-treated first.
- Add sweetness, if desired. Vanilla-flavored protein powder is generally sweetened, but if you use an unflavored protein powder, the maple syrup might not be enough to compensate. If that is the case, add a little more or some other sweeteners, like stevia, monk fruit, or your preferred sweetener.
- Make protein cookie dough bites. If I’m doing some meal prep, I love to make a double batch of cookie dough and roll it into balls for a little post-dinner sweet treat or when the cookie cravings strike.
Storage instructions
To store: Cookie dough can be stored in the fridge, covered, for up to 1 week. Let the cookie dough sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before enjoying, or add a few tablespoons of water/milk to loosen it up.
To freeze: Place portions of the cookie dough in an airtight container and store it in the freezer for up to 6 months.
Frequently asked questions
You can bake this cookie dough into a giant cookie, but you’ll need to remove it from the oven once it begins to look ‘cooked’. Alternatively, you can make my protein cookies instead.
Depending on the recipe, protein powder can replace flour. However, you cannot simply swap out flour with protein powder, as it will affect the overall recipe.
While some protein powders have no added sugar, Many types of protein powders do contain it. Be sure to check the nutritional label carefully to ensure there are no hidden sugars.
Protein Cookie Dough
Video
Ingredients
- 1 cup vanilla protein powder 100g
- 1/2 cup peanut butter 125g, or any nut or seed butter
- 1/4 cup maple syrup 60ml, or honey/sugar free maple syrup
- 1-4 tablespoons water * See notes
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips 40g, optional
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter and maple syrup until combined. Slowly add in the protein powder until a thick and crumbly texture remains.
- Using a tablespoon, add enough water until a thick consistency remains. The dough should look thick, soft, and scoopable, like classic cookie dough. Fold through the chocolate chips or mix-ins of choice. When properly mixed, the dough should hold together easily when pressed with a spoon.
- Enjoy immediately or chill for 30 minutes for a more firm edible cookie dough.
Notes
Nutrition
More high protein desserts
If you enjoy this protein cookie dough, I have some other high protein dessert recipes to try next:
- Protein brownies– Rich, fudgy, and naturally flourless. I love how they need just four wholesome ingredients.
- Protein mug cake– One of my favorite post-dinner treats that tastes indulgent and satisfies the sweet tooth.
- Protein muffins– Quick and easy muffins that are great for meal prepping.
- Protein banana bread– I think I prefer this to traditional banana bread. It’s super moist and freezes well, too.
Originally published October 2021
Can you use almond powder instead of protein powder?
Hi Marti- yes, you can! Or oat flour. Let me know how you go!
Want to try these recipes.
Please do, Devan- they are easy to make and most importantly, delicious!
Just tried this recipe- and just like all the others I have tried, it did not disappoint!! Love all your recipes!! Thank you!!
Aw, thanks so much for the lovely review and rating, Becca. I’m so glad you enjoyed this cookie dough! 🙂
I’m confused. Sorry, I’m new! But is this whole thing 6 servings or 1? I really want to try this recipe but it would be helpful if this question was cleared 🙂
Hi Emma- it’s 6 servings in the recipe 🙂 You can adjust the serving size to make as much or as little as you like in the recipe card 🙂
I absolutely LOVE this recipe. What a great way to add protein because it’s hard to get all I need in for a day sometimes. I add it to my oats and it makes them so easy to eat lol But I would like to know what “1 serving” is equal to? Tablespoon? More?
Thanks so much for your lovely comment and star rating. I’ll make a note in the recipe card, but one serving is 1/3 of a cup 🙂
I keep a batch of this in my fridge and just have spoonfuls between meals. SO good and love sneaking in protein.
How funny, Benn- I just filmed a Youtube video of this, and with the cookie dough leftovers, I’ve been doing just that!!!
wow – what a waste of money that was! Not sure how there are so many 5 stars on this one. I could barely choke down one nibble.
Hi KL- I’m sorry to hear that. I’m wondering if its the protein powder you used, because it makes all the difference in the flavor. If you let me know, I can troubleshoot for you!
Mine came out like glue…not sure how to fix it? Also are we able to bake into actual cookies?
Hi Matalie! I’ve had several readers have this issue and it’s usually because whey protein was used. Whey is notorious for making the cookie dough gummy and not an ideal cookie dough texture. I don’t recommend baking the cookie dough, but I do have a dedicated protein cookies recipe you may enjoy 🙂
I used chocolate protein powder, collagen, almond butter, and agave syrup. OMG! Tastes like fudge!! I will definitely make this again!
LOVE that you used chocolate protein powder 🙂
Only had chocolate protein powder, crunchy almond butter and Manuco honey. Made it with those ingredients. Absolutely delightful. Thank you for this eatable cookie dough. Keep the recipes coming
Colleen
Aw, thank you so much, Colleen- I’m so glad you enjoyed the protein cookie dough!! I love those variations you used- this is such an adaptable recipe. If you love this one, try my cookie dough protein bars next- very similar but portable and great between meals!
Hello,
Can I use almond milk instead of water or does that make it weird?
Hi Chuck- not at all! Almond milk is perfectly fine and what I would use if I have it on hand. I opt for water as my prime recommendation because its the most accessible. 🙂
I really liked this recipe! I could eat the whole bowl. For your macro breakdown your provided- how much is 1 serving?
Haha, Brandi- story of my life! I’ve added it to the recipe card- one serving is 1/3 of a cup 🙂
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe!
Excellent! I used chocolate protein powder and added shredded coconut and mini bittersweet chocolate chips. Will do next batch with chocolate protein powder, almond extract and almond butter.
Sounds delicious Holly, glad you liked this one!
Could I just use plain protein powder and add vanilla extract?
Hi Aaron- you can! The cookie dough has syrup in it, so the sweetened protein powder enhances it, but doesn’t rely on it for sweetness. 🙂
Great recipe!
Love it!, it came out the perfect texture and the flavors are perfect!
DO NOT USE WHEY PROTEIN use soy, casein, or vegan. Whey makes it thin and watery
I was skeptical! But this turned out great. I love how versatile it is with the protein powder.
This turned out much better than i thought!
Have you worked with a non-dairy protein powder? My guys can’t do whey, and I’m hesitant to try the casein knowing it’s dairy based. Any suggestions?
Hi Amy- I don’t recommend whey so that works out 🙂 Under my key ingredients section, I’ve included my tried-and-true protein powders, including several dairy free options 🙂 Let me know if you need a hand choosing one and I can see what’s available near you and what the best one is 🙂
This looks awesome! Do you think I could use reconstituted Naked PB instead of peanut butter?
Hi M! I did test this with powdered peanut butter, and it does work, but you actually need to add quite a bit of extra liquid to get it to form into a cookie dough. I start by mixing the protein powder with PB2 (the powdered peanut butter I used) and then add the syrup along with 1/3 cup of water. Once you mix it, keep adding more water as needed to make it thick and scoopable.
what is the serving size for this recipe? its so yummy but not knowing the serving size makes it difficult.
I’m sorry for the oversight, Kiley! It was within the post but I’ve updated it now to also be in the recipe card. One serving is 1/3 cup 🙂
I’m hyperfixated on this. I use PEScience’s
Frosted Sugar Cookie cookie dough and SKIPPY Natural Creamy Peanut Butter then Organic Maple Syrup and pool in water until my fav consistency… it’s incredible 😭
I use peanut butter powder as my protein powder. I love peanut butter so it turned out delicious!!😋
YUM!! Peanut butter flavored protein powder is so good.
How much of the chocolate chips?? The recipe here and on Instagram doesn’t specify.
Hi Nora- apologies for that oversight. It’s 1/4 cup 🙂 I’ve updated the recipe card to reflect it.
Can this be made with pb2 powder instead of peanut butter?
I tried this because of the positive reviews and really wanted to like it. Unfortunately, it was the consistency of peanut butter glue. I suppose it could taste like cookie dough if you’ve never had real cookie dough before.
Hi Audrey- I’m sorry to hear you didn’t enjoy it. If it had the consistency of glue, it comes down to the protein powder used. I make it a point to include the options that work best and my tested ones. I don’t recommend whey, which is known to make this turn gluggy/glue like and wouldn’t have the texture of real cookie dough. I hope you try it again using casein, brown rice, or soy, which all yield a fantastic texture that many readers rave about 🙂
Delicious! I read the notes before I mixed the water in and only added a few splashes until it mixed nicely. Such an easy recipe, I’m recommending to friends.
How many tablespoons is 1 serving? How much can this recipe make?
Hi Jess! One serving is 1/3 cup, which is 6 tablespoons 🙂 The entire recipe makes approximately two cups of protein cookie dough.
I really wasn’t expecting it to taste very good based on other recipies I had tried, but this one really does taste like cookie dough and has a great texture too. I used cologen peptide instead of any of the other protein powders and just added a bit of vanilla extract
Is it really supposed to be one full cup of protein powder or is that a typo and just supposed to be one scoop?
Hi Ayrie! No, not a typo 🙂 That’s the appropriate amount of protein powder for this recipe, especially when mixed with nut butter and maple syrup to yield a cookie dough consistency 🙂 For reference, one cup protein powder is about 3 to 4 scoops!
Amazing texture and so delicious!!!
This I tried to make. But it was too much liquid. Maybe next time I need to change something but dont know what
Love it!, it came out the perfect texture and the flavors are perfect!
I am shocked at how close this tastes to real cookie dough. I think the protein powder makes the difference here (the vanilla casein linked in article).
I really must start making cookie dough. I never made it by myself.
Extremely sticky! I had to add some flour but it did taste nice!
This was great, turned out to have the texture of caramel and reminded me of a filling you’d get in a candy bar. I used half real maple syrup, half zero calorie one to lower the calories and sugar a bit more. I’m excited to experiment, I’d like to see if baking powder would fluff it up without ruining the taste or texture and if adding oat flour would give it more of a dough texture.
Love love love your protein cookie dough- It tastes just like cookie dough!!!!
Absolutely delicious. Thank you!
If I make more of this, I mean more amount, Can I put the rest in freezer?
yes, it says you can
I really need to make this. I never made cookie dough before and it should be so tasty.
What protein powder and peanut butter do you use to get 30 grams of protein per serving? A 1/2 cup of peanut butter is around 30 grams of protein and 1 cup of protein powder is around 60 grams. That is only 90 grams total. With 6 servings that puts the protein per serving around 15 grams.
It tastes great! But the nutrition facts just dont seem to add up?
Hi Jill! I’ve recently retested the recipe and improved the flavor and texture, while also providing metric measurements. Because of the new formula, each serving works out to be 21 grams. 1 cup of protein powder is isn’t 60 grams of protein though, it’s closer to 100grams of protein (around 3-4 scoops in 1 cup).
Hope this helps 🙂
one cup of protein powder or one scoop?
I’ve made this with one cup before, and just adjusted the liquid to compensate
I never made cookie dough before. I really have wish to try!
I made into 36 tiny edible balls, did 1 tbs only of honey and am freezing now to try as an add in to my ninja creami chocolate pb protein ice cream
When refrigeration it turns kinda like spongy and weird but once you mix it it’s alright I followed all instructions and this is what it turned out like not the best but will do
Hi Chris! That is super odd that it turned spongy once mixed… It sounds like its the protein powder you are using. If you want to shoot me an email of the brand you used, I can troubleshoot for you and see what may have happened! 🙂
for me the mixture was liquidy and sticky even after i added more protein powder. it was too sweet, so maybe use less maple syrup.
Hi JH! It sounds like its the protein powder that is making it too liquid and sticky, especially when you add more protein powder. If you use whey protein, it’s notorious for that happening. Adding more will of course increase the sweetness too. I recommend sticking to casein, vegan, or soy protein powder.
Looks very tasty
Very good!!!
I like to make them into cookie dough balls
Such a good post workout snack!
Thank you, Sandraline- I like the way you’re thinking. 🙂
best protein cookie dough recipe EVER!
Awesome thought it was gonna taste good, but actually does
Awesome
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of water?Also if I use Greek yougurt is whey protein okay?
Not sure, feel free to experiment and see.
Love this protein cookie dough- It’s such a good high protein dessert fix.
Great to hear that, Amy!
I don’t normally leave reviews, but for these, I had to! They turned out absolutely incredible. They sorta taste like FITCRUNCH protein bars. I did use WHEY protein powder and it worked well.
Wifey had “snickerdoodle” protein powder on hand.
It’s freakin’ delicious! No choco chips. Just the protein powder (which gives it an awesome cinammon twist), natural PB, Organic Maple syrup and whole milk.
How many servings is this whole batch supposed to last please?
Very yummy
I prepared the cookie dough and it was delicious. I used Soya milk and I’m very happy with the results. Thanks a lot. Love all your recipes. 🤗
Why can you not use whey protein?
Hi Noelle! It becomes super sticky really quickly. You need a slow releasing protein powder or a blend for it to have the appropriate thickness.
Thank you!
Can you use a protein shake instead of protein powder?
Thank you , been using low carb diet and I made cookie dough made with choclate protein powder and almond butter ,mixed in a little coconut milk tastes like an almond joy chocolate bar ..without the sugar and extra calories 😋 thank you
Awesome, super fast fast fix for a healthier alternative to chocolate chip cookie dough. Really good!
Amazing just what I needed when the sweet cravings hit
I absolutely love all the recipes I’ve tried you are truly talented and I appreciate you. I’m a Bariatric patient and your recipes have been very instrumental in my journey. Thank you. God bless you
Made this for a AM snack as I was following the instructions I was confused. Was I suppose to eat right out of the bowl? Was I suppose to use my cookie scooper? They were delicious tho I just used my cookie scooper and stored in fridge.
Loved it! Used a salted caramel protein powder instead and mixed in dates. Savoured it till the end!
Very tasty treat to have in the fridge!
So good
So I know you recommend a good vanilla casein protein powder, but there are many vanilla casein protein powders that taste horrible (I’ve been reading numerous reviews online for which taste the best but no luck finding many for casein ones that I trust). Which brand name do you personally use for this recipe? It’s not like you are endorsing it but just what you personally like. You don’t have to send me a link if there are business rules prohibiting it in your situation. I can search it myself once I know the name brand. I think your recipes have shown your taste judgement is very spot on so I trust your judgement on flavors. Thanks for your help.
You said to use a good quality vanilla protein powder. I accidentally got one that looked like good quality on paper but tasted horrible. Could you please tell me what vanilla protein powder you use?
Love vanilla casein
First time making – it’s incredible! Fighting the family I’ve it 🙂
This was just the quick and easy protein cookie dough recipe I needed!! I was concerned the protein powder flavor would be overwhelming but I could barely taste it, it just tasted like peanut butter cookie dough! I think this will become my new healthier dessert recipe when I want something sweet after dinner 🙂
I was expecting this to taste a lot worse than it did. I surprisingly loved the taste and the texture, I was expecting to have to add sugar for flavour but I didn’t need it at all. Definetely something I will make again.
This is so so so good! I have started doubling the batch and just keeping in refrigerator at all times! Do you think there’s anyway I could turn it into actual cookies to help from eating if all too quickly? Lol
Can you make a healthy protein cookie recipe for me to use pleeease? Lol
Can you use chocolate protein powder?
I don’t see why not
This is soooo good! It’s so easy to make, and tastes amazing. However, I was wondering if I could make this recipe with powder peanut butter instead of regular peanut butter?
I haven’t tried but feel free to experiment and see
I actually did use powdered peanut butter for this recipe. I used 1/2 cups of PB2 and mixed it with water until it was at a peanut-butter consistency. Then instead of adding 3 scoops of protein powder I added only 2, and didn’t add any water besides when I was mixing the PB2. It came out perfectly. Hope this helps!
This is sooo good!! I used chocolate protein powder and almond milk! It tastes like a Reese’s cookie dough!! This will definitely help with my sweet tooth!
Made today! So good! What’s the serving size? I see 6 servings but didn’t see that anywhere
Looks good, does it have a heavy peanut butter flavor though, or will using vanilla protein powder make it more neutral, and actually remind you of regular chocolate chip cookie dough?
Hi Jimmy- The flavor does come through so you can use cashew butter or almond butter instead 🙂
This is my kind of recipe! Thank you for the recommendation on the protein powders in this post. I have made three of your recipes now using a certain protein powder but always seems to retain an under-taste that can only be described as ulchshgh. Will have to start using your recommendations!
No worries at all- The brand of protein powder is really important in my recipes, hence I always need to include the tested recommendations!
Argh I would actually love one of these right about now. I’m in a homestay and it’s all carbs. I never thought I would actually get sick of bread and crave chicken and vegetables!
WHAT?! Gah, I hope it improves!
KABOCHA IS LIFE! 😀 I can’t wait to try this with cinnamon flavored protein!
😀 YES!!!! Kabocha queen! (It’s not available here) 🙁
Looks like what I made last week! I’m a fan 🙂
Yep! It’s the same recipe I shared last year, but tried it with 2 different protein powders this time to make sure it worked!
I love high protein snacks! Especially when they taste like dessert!
🙂 You’ll love this!
I am always looking for a good post workout snack, so I am totally putting this one on the list! Though I must admit, your Len & Larry mock up protein cookie is typically my go-to. So freaking good!
Please do, you’ll be a huge fan!
I guess I would say that I often crave ‘fatty’ foods (like peanut butter) after lots of high sugar food! However, if it is any of your protein goods, I might crave one of them instead! I kind of used your protein cookie dough recipe, diluted it with almond milk, for Rachel & Bethany’s chocolate chip cookie dough oatmeal! SO GOOD!
I LOVE their recipes and that would have been such a great topping!
Delicious and easy, nice 🙂
🙂 Exactly! Thank you!