Cookies and Cream Protein Bars
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My cookie and cream protein bars are one of my favorite high-protein snacks, packing 14 grams of protein each. They are soft, chewy, and have real sandwich cookie pieces in every bite.
Not to brag, but, well… I’m going to. I’m quite an expert on homemade protein bars, having tested so many recipes and built quite a collection. During college, I had a full-fledged love affair with Quest Cookies and Cream protein bars, so of course, I’ve decided to try making them from scratch. These thick and chewy bars have the same base as many of my other bar recipes- coconut flour, protein powder, and maple syrup. The difference here is that I add finely crushed sandwich cookies. I know they’re not the healthiest (okay, not even remotely), but I’m only using two for the entire recipe, so it barely counts.
Table of Contents
Arman’s recipe highlights
The shortlist of ingredients. No corn syrup, hidden sugars, or “natural flavor.” What you see is what you get. Don’t even get me started on what was in those Quest ones…
Stable at room temperature. I developed the ideal combination of ingredients to make sure the bars travel well and do not need refrigeration. Saying that, I do keep them in the fridge for long-term storage.
Actually high protein. Many recipes labeled ‘high protein’ have just 4 or 5 grams per serving. These pack in at least 14 grams each, and I’ll also include a trick to increase them even further.
Key Ingredients and Tips
- Oat flour. If I have rolled oats at home, I’ll usually make my own oat flour, but you can buy them from the store instead. Use gluten-free oat flour if needed.
- Coconut flour. Works with the oat flour to keep the bars extra chewy. If you don’t want to use this, extra oat flour works just fine.
- Protein powder. I typically use vanilla casein, as it yields the best texture and adds sweetness. Vanilla brown rice or pea protein is also great. I don’t recommend whey, as it can be quite wet and difficult to shape into bars.
- Almond butter. Smooth and drippy with no added sugar or salt. Any nut or seed butter will work as long as it is smooth (my partner loves these with cashew butter).
- Maple syrup. Gives the protein bars sweetness and holds them together. Honey or brown rice syrup is a great alternative.
- Chocolate cookies. Oreos or other Sandwich cookies work well. They do need to be crushed, so throw them into a ziploc bag and use a rolling pin (or your hands, I don’t judge) to crush them up.
- Milk. Depending on the protein powder you use, the ‘dough’ may be a little crumbly. If that happens, add milk (or water), one tablespoon at a time, until it’s workable.
Find the printable recipe with measurements below.
How to make
Step 1- Prep. Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
Step 2- Combine dry ingredients. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, protein powder, and sweetener.
Step 3- Add the wet ingredients. Stir in the almond butter and syrup until a crumbly batter remains.
Step 4- Finish the batter. Using a spoon, add milk one tablespoon at a time until a thick batter forms. Fold in the crumbled cookies.
Step 5- Refrigerate. Transfer the batter to the pan and press it into place. Refrigerate for 30 minutes or until firm.
Expert tips
- Pick the right protein powder. Aka use a protein powder you like the taste of. You’ll be able to taste subtle notes of it throughout.
- My #1 tip when slicing no-bake bars is to use a warm, sharp knife. I like to run hot water over the knife, carefully dry it, then slice. You might have to repeat this in between each slice, but it’ll help guarantee smooth, even cuts.
- Adjust the mixture as needed. If you notice your bar mixture is crumbly/thick, slowly add milk or water to loosen it and make it workable. If it’s too wet, add a little extra oat flour or protein powder.
- Add even more protein. If I have some extra time, I like to whisk 1/4 cup of vanilla protein powder with some milk and one tablespoon of powdered sugar. It makes a mock ‘icing’ that I drizzle over the bars, and chill until they set.
Storage notes
I like to keep leftover bars in the fridge, covered. They will keep well for about 2 weeks (although good luck having them last that long). You can also freeze them in a Ziploc bag for up to 6 months.
I mentioned them being room temperature stable– just keep them covered in parchment paper or in a grease-proof bag.
More homemade protein bar recipes
Cookies and Cream Protein Bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup oat flour
- ½ cup coconut flour can sub for more oat flour
- 1 cup vanilla protein powder
- 2 chocolate sandwich cookies crumbled
- ½ cup almond butter can sub for any nut or seed butter
- ½ cup maple syrup can sub for honey or brown rice syrup
- 1/4 cup milk ** See notes
Instructions
- Line an 8 x 8-inch baking dish with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the oat flour, coconut flour, and protein powder. Set aside.
- Add the almond butter and syrup, and mix well, until a crumbly batter remains.
- Using a spoon, add the milk of choice, one spoonful at a time, until a thick, firm batter forms. Gently fold through the crumbled cookies. .
- Transfer to lined baking dish and press firmly. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
So good, whole family liked them even the picky eaters
Love to hear that, Eliza 🙂
best protein bars EVER!
Really is cookies and cream. I always bought on webshops such protein bars. But this I should try.
Would it be okay if I use whole cup of protein powder instead of half?
I thought I dont like cookies and cream flavour but I really do. Will try this one!
These were so good! Thank you. I only had cookies and cream whey protein powder so that’s what I used. Because I read your comment about whey protein possibly making them too sticky, I only used half of the maple syrup and kept the 2T of monkfruit sweetener. I only needed 1/2c of unsweetened almond milk. They did not come out sticky (to me) and the bars formed well. I’m pleasantly impressed by how good these taste. My husband said these are “better than store bought,” and I agree.
Our two boys like these so it’s a win! I used a cookies and cream flavored nutrition/protein powder and left out the additional sugar. Nice to have a healthy option to grab for a quick snack! I made them into more like bite-size squares to savor them 🙂
My son Kullen is eight— and autistic. He is an extremely picky eater as his daily food intake consists of three distinct and specific food choices. He recently went through a traumatic knee injury and though he is already very thin and underweight for his age and height, this traumatic experience caused him so much stress that he lost over five pounds in a few months.
His pediatrician first suggested vitamins— though we have tried regular, chewy, gummies, and powders you add to beverages (he also only drinks water, room temperature and from a specific water bottle)—and he just could not handle any of the flavors or consistencies. So his pediatrician recommended we buy a whey protein powder and use it as an ingredient in a shake or smoothie (Kullen is allergic to cow’s milk) and will not eat ice-cream or anything that is on the above average cold side. Knowing Kullen likes Oreos, I went online and searched for anything cookie’s and cream with protein recipe— and this one was one of the first I came across and so I gave it a chance and hoped for the best!
Finally!!!! Something Kullen actually enjoyed and now has asked me to make more!!! I am so very thankful for your recipe and I only wish you knew how much I appreciate you taking the time to share it with all of us.
I have one question, as far as the oat flour in this recipe — would any type of flour work—including basic white baking flour? Oat flour is hard to come by where I live and the two brands I have found are extremely expensive and therefore can only be purchased occasionally— also the amount you get is only enough for one recipe.
I look forward to your response!! Thank you 🙂
I don’t know how these would turn out with other flours as I have not tried that yet, but I just wanted to give you a tip! Oat flour is very easy to make. You can take oats of your choice and blend them into a powder (flour). I have done this is in a coffee grinder and in a nutribullet and both have worked perfectly. It also blended super fast (in seconds!) So if it saves you any money to buy oats and blend it yourself, i recommend trying at least once. 🙂 I know this comment is old but I thought I’d at least try to reach you!
Heyyy!!! I made these for my family and they are absolutely amazing, everyone loved it!!!!! I just have 1 question, is there anyway to make it a tiny bit less gooey, even after over night refrigeration. I couldnt get a firm bar not as much as i wanted it to be, any suggestions on what to do, I followed your recepie to a T.
Hi there- Add more flour 🙂
Arman, Is there a substitute for the protein powder?
Hi Joan- you can just leave it out completely and skip the milk step- the bars will still hold up well. I would taste it first, as protein powder adds sweetness, so you may need to add a tablespoon of sugar. Let me know how you go!
Sorry! Just saw someone else posted the same comment. You can delete my post!
These look delicious. Do you think it’s possible to add extra flour in place of the protein powder. I’d like to make these but don’t have any protein powder. Thx!
Of course 🙂
Can’t wait to try this recipe! Thanks for posting! Quick question…if I omit protein powder, will I need to sub in more flour to keep the right consistency? Thanks!
Yes! that is correct.
Do the cookies you linked to for this recipe taste like oreos? Would you consider a healthy- but still tastes true- take on Oreo biscuits? I miss them the most and want to put it into vegan ice cream, bars like these etc? Thank you.
Hi Dil! I’ve amended the recipe to use real-deal sandwich cookies 🙂
How many did these make? 🙂
I get 10-12 bars!
Hello! I hope I’ll still get a response even though this was posted a year and a half ago! 🙂 I do not follow a strict Paleo or Vegan diet but these look so incredible and I want a recipe to make my own protein bars. One question, will Whey protein work in this recipe?
Thank you!!!!
Hi Sarah! Unfortunately, whey protein won’t work- It’s just too sticky to hold up well
Would Vanilla Rice protein work? Or vanilla Soy protein? Also, about how many bars does this make?
It should with the rice! I made around 8 bars 🙂
Hello! I wanna try your recipe, but do you mind telling me how much portion is 2 T? Or 1 T? Please. Thank you!
Hi Abby! T stands for tablespoon, so 15 mls 🙂
So I am not sure what I did wrong, I made the bars but they turned out to be a cookie dough consistency rather than a bar… What makes yours look/taste like an actual bar???
Hi Kathie! It might be dependent on the brand of coconut flour and/or protein powder you used- I’d continue adding coconut flour to make them formable into bars.
Love the look of these, gonna try them later! Have you worked out how much calories/protein/carbs/fat are in each bar at all? And how many bars does the recipe make? Would be useful to know 🙂
Hi Danielle! They made around 8-9 bars 🙂
For sure- If you go to http://www.myfitnesspal.com you can calculate it 🙂 Enjoy!
I was wondering what the nutritional information is on these bars?
Hi Carly! If you add the ingredients to a calorie calculator, it will provide it for you 🙂 Enjoy!
How many servings/bars is this supposed to make? What size pan-8×8 or larger? I’m trying to input all this for nutrition value to actually compare to the Quest bars, which I eat regularly.
Hi Melissa! the beauty of these bars is that you can size them any way you like- You can make them flat in a large pan and cut them up to fit your macros! 🙂
I just took them out of the fridge and they are a little tacky (putting one in the freezer to see how that works). I used ¾ cup almond butter, 2T maple syrup, and had to use almost ¼ cup skim milk to get the thick batter. It was super hard to get it to come together. I put it into Myfitness Pal for 12 bars (8×8 pan): 225 calories, 10.4 g fat, 2.8 g fibre, 21 g carbs, and 12 G protein. Overall more calories but less protein than a Quest bar. Tasty though!
I can’t have any sugar in my diet. Can I leave out the maple syrup? Wondering if they would be too dry, could I just add more milk?
Hi Ali! You sure can- Definitely add more milk, you may need to add some extra granulated sweetener.
These look delicious. Would anyone know the macros of these? Mainly protein, carbs and fat. ( and anything else ).
Cheers everyone
Hey Charlie! If you plug the ingredients into a calorie calculator it can provide the breakdown for you! Enjoy 🙂
Wait, do you have the recipe for the homemade paleo nutella cookies? Because these sound like the bomb, and I would love to try them!
I sure do! It’s on my blog under ‘cookies’ 🙂
Yeah, college, I remember those days! Love cookies and cream and will definitely try these ! Pinned!
Please do, Mira! 🙂
I literally have no words. These look amazing. Do you ship to Canada? Better yet… do you deliver in person?
Your a gem. I will deliver in person! 😀
Just wait until you’re using that blender to guzzle fruit smoothies. Mark my words, it’ll happen.
I love the look of the frittata with cheese. Mmm.
I made zucchini roll ups once. They were inedible. Maybe I should have busted out the blender instead.
Someone made a ball gown out of Quest Bars? I think I might hurl.
I like your sketch free version. Speaking of sketchy, in college, I lived on Kraft Macaroni and Cheese and cheap beer.
Hahaha it was you, wasn’t it! 😉
I’m not going to lie, most of my budget went on alcohol… Then food! But the legal age in the UK is 18 so at least it was all above board! Haha!
Favourite grab and go snack is dates – although I have found these date rolls here that are either coated in coconut, almonds or pistachios! So addicted!
Hahahaha YES team legal at 18! Ohhhh you’re in for a treat- I’m recreating the ‘Summer roll’ in a paleo style 🙂
My money went to books. Not textbooks, books for pleasure I bought off Amazon because there was no fiction section in the library. I was still reading, so I told myself I could slack off on other studies.
Oh nice! I love reading!
My college student is pretty pathetic in the cooking dept although I imagine he will learn at some point. Right now all he ever cooks is kale. I know, that’s a bizarre one, isn’t it? Anyway, I might just have to make these and send a care package!
If I was your son, I would be bribing you to fedex some home goodies on a consistent basis! But KALE? Wow. That’s impressive!
Well since I will eventually run out of quest bars, this could be a good option, although I own none of those ingredients. Not yet!
YES! Do it, Tonya- I wish there was a way to send stuff, I’d send you all my no bakes seriously!
I love this cookie and cream bars, and you used my favorite flour! 🙂 And, I have to admit I love the chocolate chip cookie dough Quest bars — they are always in my pantry.
ooooo I love that- That’s coming up in the new future 🙂
These look like healthy quest bars to me!! Cookies n Cream anything is a win in my book.. and when you take out any nasty ingredients – I’m all for it!
Thanks so much, Elizabeth!
Coming from someone who doesn’t like Quest bars, I am so excited to try these out! I’m going to be an incoming college freshman, so I don’t know exactly where all my “extra” money is going to go, but I have a suspicion it is going to all go to food 😀
Thanks for the natural, high quality protein bar recipe! I have a feeling this is going to be one of my new favorite treats!
Please do, Alison- I like where all your money will be going towards 🙂
Not in college yet, but my money usually goes into food and other knacks I find at the mall or online!
My go-to snack is Greek yogurt with peanut butter or cacao powder and Stevia–but sometimes I go crazy and make a mini stack of coconut flour pancakes! If I’m out and about, I like a nice Quest bar or any healthy bar out there 😀
Hahaha love it!
Ahhh the college budget. I’m impressed with you saving up and not phoning your parents when times got a little tougher. I think I’m more on the same boat as your sis ;). But anywhooo, these look amazing! King of the No-Bake ANYTHING.
Hahaha such a princess :p
Thanks buddy!
I’m glad I didn’t really know about the delight of Quest Bars until recently. These creations you’ve come up with sound just divine … if only you could send me a batch! 🙂
Haha, promise I will make them for you in person when I’m on the West coast 🙂
I might be in love with you right now over these. I still think back to when i took down my first no bake black bean fudge in my NYC hotel room and inspected where the keebler elves were coming from on HOW it could be so good.
and quest bars are totally my snack of choice for “i dont know when the next time im going to eat is and if it i need something to hold me over this protein and fiber better WERK bitch” i also walk around everywhere with popcorn because it’s a serious addiction (i find it in my clothes and hair daily)
add to the list of Arman recipes to make? CHECK
Right? Thanks so much, Meredith! 🙂 I wish you were here now…to help me pack.
Haha college budgets….otherwise known as mac and cheese and ramen noodle diets. I love quest bars, these protein bars look awesome. And cookies and cream is the perfect flavor!
Thanks so much, Aimee- Oh ramen noodles…damn those things haha! My savior!
Oh man, I remember those days when I had to literally count every penny. I’d go digging around under the cushions of the couch in my dorm room for extra change. (I never found any…) I do remember “splurging” to go get cheese quesadillas at a little hole-in-the-wall Mexican place every Friday night. I’d get takeout and then chill out in my dormroom playing video games and watching sports until it was time to go out…or go to bed. Ah, those were the days…now I go to bed at 9pm. Haha! But these bars? Love them! Cookies and cream is one of my all-time favorites!!
Right? Seriously, that 5 cent coin made a difference between brand name drinks and those of subpar quality! Haha how times have changed. I envision you may soon be experiencing the good old times again- Sending over a game boy 😀
Confession: Even though dairy hurts my stomach, I love quest bars. Thank you for making a dairy free option!!!
of course! Enjoy! 🙂
I can’t remember where my money went! That tells you how much I paid attention, haha.
Crap.
Where did my money go?
…….Where DID it go? Omelettes :p
I’ve never had a Quest bar buuuuut yours look way better. Also, we are the same–if I ever asked my mom for money she would 100% think I was joking. In fact I actually have no idea what she would say because I’m certain she would be so confused.
Right? 100% dependent on myself pride :p
I just started the school year again and I understand the college budget! I have a kitchen in my dorm room this year so I’m luckier, but you have to learn how to make your dining hall meal plan stretch! Thankfully my university has amazing options for a college (I’m talking salmon and quinoa some days). The text book prices do not help the budget though! These look so easy to make though. Could you switch out the cookies for freeze dried fruit or other add in to change the flavor?
Right? I swear I should have written a text book myself- Think of how rich we would be! Definitely switch out the cookies for dried fruit 🙂
Can you believe I’ve never had a quest bar? I see them everywhere, but never bought them. Your version looks really good though! Cookies and cream anything always sounds so good. Considering I just made homemade granola bars for the first time ever this past weekend, I figure I’m a pro now at the homemade snacks haha.
Thanks heaps, Kelly! You need to try this out- SO GOOD!
You know what is totally insane!? I have NEVER had a quest bar. I KNOW!
I tried to order a free sample online…and then they never showed UP. SO SAD.
But whatever, I’ll make yours instead. Over it! Pinned!
T-DAWG. What are you?
Smart. You make epic bars which are delicious 🙂
I wish I had this recipe in college when living on a student budget in Oxford and trying to cook with only a semi functioning oven! These look amazing, will be trying now I’m home in the heat again! Honestly in college I was not good at budgeting, now I’ve become better after law school.
These are so good! You should make them when you start working!
Definitely going to for some work fuel 🙂
Perfect! Enjoy!
Admittedly, I have not gotten to try the cookies and cream bar but now why would I when I have yours?! These look fantastic, Arman. You did a great job with these..perfect for everyone. Have a wonderful day my friend, Catherine
Thanks so much, Catherine! 🙂
I think I spent more money on clothes than rent or food during uni. Those were the days haha but I agree with you – I’m completely stubborn and refuse to ever ask my mum for financial help.
Haha, clothing is always a big one too!
I just tried the cookies & cream quest bar for the first time and it was the first flavor I’ve actually enjoyed! That said, even though my budget is bigger than it was in college, those bars add up fast! It’s definitely cheaper making my own! I’ll have to give this a try!
Thanks Liz- Hope you enjoy them!
I’m sure most of my money went toward things that weren’t legal but can’t remember 😉
I’ll be trying these since the fiber in those quest bars scares me! They look so good!
Hahahahaha love it! Please do- There’s a paleo option! 🙂
Oh hi, you had me at Cookies and Cream – one of my favourite ice cream flavours at the scoop store in my hometown. And that in a bar? Yes, please. Coming from me as a non-bar fiend.
I’ve never experienced that student-abroad/US student on a meal plan feeling but from hearing about it elsewhere already it seems tough business. I’m pretty sure you’ll make some college students happy they can prepare their own bars and save money for textbooks 😉 .
These are so good- Promise they are delicious!