Protein Cookies

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5 from 2163 votes
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These protein cookies are soft, chewy, and made with just 4 ingredients! No flour and no sugar needed, each cookie packs in over 20 grams of clean protein!

protein cookies

When it comes to protein powder recipes, I have a handful of favorites on hand. If I’m not making protein brownies, protein muffins, or a protein mug cake, you’ll know I’m making some high protein cookies!

This protein cookie recipe was inspired by Quest protein cookies I saw at the grocery store. They were made with whey protein and had no sugar, barely any carbs, and claimed to taste like dessert. With a heft price tag, I had high hopes.

While they DID initially taste pretty good, several hours later I had the most intense stomach pains. Upon further inspection of the ingredient list, I was astounded to see a slew of hard-to-pronounce ingredients and SEVERAL kinds of artificial sweeteners!

Luckily, I’ve created a delicious and EASY version that will be quite the game-changer for all you protein dessert fans out there. Here is why you’ll LOVE these cookies-

  • They are made with just 4 ingredients and you will know every single one of them. There are no artificial sweeteners, no flour, and no fillers or additives whatsoever- Just wholesome and healthy ingredients.
  • All you need is one bowl and a mixing spoon to prepare.
  • You get protein from THREE different sources- the peanut butter, the egg, and the protein powder!

These protein powder cookies are sweet enough for dessert or perfect as a post-workout snack! Each cookie yields over 20 grams of protein and ZERO grams of added sugar. They are thick, soft, chewy, and loaded with chocolate chips.

What I love about these cookies is that they actually TASTE like normal cookies- No dense or powdery cookies here!

How do you make protein cookies?

The Ingredients

  • Peanut butter– Smooth and drippy peanut butter, with no added sugar. Avoid using crunchy peanut butter, as you’ll find the mixture harder to mix together.
  • Brown sugar substitute– A zero calorie and zero carb sweetener. You can also use erythritol, monk fruit sweetener, or coconut sugar.
  • Protein powder– The not-so-secret ingredient that gives the cookies a punch of protein. Stick to unflavored or vanilla flavored protein powders, as they don’t impact the overall flavor.
  • Egg– Room temperature eggs.

The Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, add all the ingredients and mix well, until a thick dough remains. Next, form 12 balls of dough and place them on a lined baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just done. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool completely.

high protein cookies

Which protein powder is best for baking?

Not every protein powder is created the same. Some are thicker than others, some are finer than others and some have different additives in them. As a general rule of thumb, all protein powders can work, but they will leave different textures. Here are the more mainstream protein powders and what texture and flavor profiles they have.

  • Brown Rice Protein Powder– Earthy in flavor and texture, this vegan protein powder keeps the cookies soft and chewy. Be sure to use a vanilla flavored one, otherwise, the cookies will be very bland. 
  • Casein Protein Powder– My favorite protein powder for baking. This blend of powder never dries out baked goods, and has the most delicious flavor.
  • Whey Protein Powder– My least favorite protein powder to use, whey is the most natural protein powder, and also the lowest in carbs. However, they are most prone to dry out baked goods, so be sure to keep an eye on it.

Tips to make the best protein cookie recipe

  • Do not overbake the cookies, as they continue to cook as they cool down. While the cookies may look a little underbaked, they will firm up beautifully while cooling down. 
  • For thicker and chewier cookies, refrigerate the dough for an hour before baking.
  • Be sure you like the taste of your protein powder, as the flavor will definitely come through (if you use an unflavored kind).

Dietary and flavor variations

  • Make them vegan! Swap out the egg for either a flax egg or a chia egg.
  • Add chocolate chips– Make chocolate chip protein cookies (as pictured) by folding through 1/2 cup of chocolate chips.
  • Oatmeal protein cookies– Fold through 1/2 cup of rolled oats and sprinkle a tablespoon of oats on top of each cookie.
  • Chocolate protein cookies– Add 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder and use chocolate protein powder.
  • Birthday cake cookies– Fold through 1/2 cup of sprinkles!

Storing and freezing tips

  • To store: Leftover cookies can be stored at room temperature, in an airtight container, for up to 14 days. If you’d like them to keep longer, store them in the refrigerator. 
  • To freeze: Place leftovers in a ziplock bag and store them in the freezer for up to 6 months.
protein powder cookies

Frequently Asked Questions

Are protein cookies good for you?

While protein cookies are a better option than candy bars or potato chips, store bought protein cookies are not actually healthy. They often have an extensive ingredient list and use several kinds of artificial sweeteners. Furthermore, they also contain just as many calories as a candy bar or potato chips.

Luckily, homemade protein cookies are something that can be enjoyed on a regular basis. They are a fantastic way to add protein to your diet and they use wholesome ingredients too.

Are Quest protein cookies keto?

Most quest cookies are not keto friendly, as the net carbs are still quite high. The only exception is the chocolate chip cookie flavor that has 5 grams net carbs.

Can I substitute the peanut butter?

Easily replace the peanut butter with either almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter. Be sure that it is smooth and drippy in texture, so it will form a thick cookie dough.

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protein cookie recipe

Protein Cookies (4 Ingredients!)

5 from 2163 votes
These protein cookies are thick, chewy, and made with just 4 ingredients! No flour and no sugar needed, they taste delicious and pack in over 20 grams of protein!
Servings: 12 Cookies
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 12 minutes
Total: 17 minutes

Ingredients  

Instructions 

  • Preheat the oven to 180C/350F. Line a cookie sheet or baking tray with parchment paper and set aside.
  • In a small mixing bowl, combine all your ingredients and mix until combined.
  • Using your hands, form 12 balls of cookie dough and place them on the lined sheet. Press down on each cookie to form a cookie shape. Bake the cookies for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges begin to brown.
  • Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet completely.

Notes

* Any smooth nut or seed butter will work.
** Or any granulated sweetener
*** For an eggless option, use 3 tablespoons of ground chia seed. 
TO STORE: Leftover cookies can be stored at room temperature, in an airtight container, for up to 14 days. If you’d like them to keep longer, store them in the refrigerator. 
TO FREEZE: Place leftovers in a ziplock bag and store them in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Nutrition

Serving: 1CookieCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 21gFat: 8gSodium: 116mgPotassium: 164mgFiber: 1gVitamin A: 23IUCalcium: 35mgIron: 1mgNET CARBS: 4g
Course: Snack
Cuisine: American
Author: Arman Liew
Tried this recipe?Give us a shout at @thebigmansworld or tag #thebigmansworld!

Arman Liew

I’m a two time cookbook author, photographer, and writer, and passionate about creating easy and healthier recipes. I believe you don’t need to be experienced in the kitchen to make good food using simple ingredients that most importantly, taste delicious.

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Comments

  1. 5 stars
    I made these (the oatmeal cookie version, and i added dried cranberries) because I wanted a cookie and I happened to have vanilla protein powder on hand rather than vanilla extract. They’re so good! Would definitely make again.

  2. 5 stars
    These are the best protein cookies I’ve ever made, and I’ve made lots of protein cookie recipes for a few years now.

  3. thank you for all these recipes. would be possible to add a button to switch from imperial to metric measure? most of the recipe i did try converting from cup to grams will not hit the macros. thank you!

  4. My husband isn’t a fan of peanut butter, so I used almond butter. Almond butter is way thicker than natural peanut butter, so I added a few tablespoons of softened butter and a bit of almond milk, which helped. I wanted a bit of extra sweetness, so added a few tablespoons of more sweetener. I thought they were really good. My husband enjoyed them too but thought they were cakey ( I didn’t think so). I liked the protein in them, my husband remarked he couldn’t at the time eat more than a few bites, which is a win for palatable cookies.

  5. 5 stars
    Dude, you’ve gotta try these protein cookies—they’re like a flavor party in your mouth, all chewy and packed with protein, making snack time a legit celebration!

  6. 5 stars
    this is an amazing recepi.
    i made it the other day and it turned out yum and it is so healthy. one must try it.

  7. These protein cookies are a taste sensation, delivering a chewy, delicious treat that doubles as a guilt-free protein boost—total snack game-changer!

  8. 5 stars
    vou testar sua receita, a maioria dos cookies proteicos ficam secos e com textura estranha, muito obrigada por enquanto.

  9. Okay, can we talk about these protein cookies for a sec? They’re basically a taste party in your mouth! Super chewy, insanely yummy, and the fact that they’re packed with protein just makes them the MVP of my snack game.

  10. 5 stars
    While this recipe is a great idea for me to use to replace my occasional Lenny & Larry cookie…what I am really wanting to do is create a copy cat for their “complete crunchy cookie which is so crispy and addictive! I’m wondering if you have any ideas about how to create the texture of those? I note that they use protein powder and vital wheat gluten for starters. Just hoping with your expertise you might have some suggestions?
    Love following your insta and trying many of your recipes!
    Thanks,
    Susan