It can sometimes be a chore to eat enough protein throughout the day. While I do my best by starting most mornings with one of my healthy smoothie recipes, and squeeze in a high protein snack box in the afternoons when I get a chance, I still end most days feeling like I need a little more protein to keep me going. And because you guys know that I don’t end a single day without a sweet treat, I decided to get creative and figure out a way to sneak some extra protein into my nightly dessert.
This high protein cookie makes just enough for a single serving, and is packed with a whopping 30 grams of protein! However, because my husband often gets jealous when he looks over on the couch and sees me eating one of these warm and gooey protein cookies, I often double the recipe to make two cookies (he’s so spoiled, ha!). Also, what makes this cookie unique, is that it’s entirely gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, and easily made vegan depending on what kind of protein powder you use. So it’s the perfect little high protein night cap, no matter what your dietary restrictions are!
What You’ll Need to Make This Single Serve Protein Cookie
- Oat Flour (or all-purpose flour): Provides a hearty and gluten-free base for the cookie, giving it a perfect chewy texture.
- Non-Dairy Milk: Keeps the cookie moist and helps to combine all the ingredients. Start with one tablespoon and add more if needed to achieve the right dough consistency.
- Vanilla or Unflavored Protein Powder: Adds a protein boost to the cookie. I used Be Well Vanilla Grass-Fed Beef Protein Powder, which bakes up great and is dairy-free!
- Peanut Butter: Adds richness and a bit of healthy fat, and helps the cookie hold together. Feel free to use any other nut or seed butter in place of peanut butter in this recipe!
- Maple Syrup: Just one tablespoon makes this single serve protein cookie perfectly sweet, but not too sweet.
- Chocolate Chips: Can’t have a chocolate chip cookie without chocolate chips! I typically reach for Guittard extra dark chocolate chips because I prefer a chocolate that isn’t overly sweet.
How to Make This Recipe
- Preheat: Preheat your oven to 350° Fahrenheit and line a small baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix: Add all ingredients except chocolate chips to a bowl and mix together until fully combined. Then, mix in the chocolate chips.
- Shape and Bake: Transfer the cookie dough to your prepared baking sheet and form the dough into a cookie shape. Bake for 7-10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let cool before eating.
Switch Up the Flavors
This recipe is incredibly versatile and can be customized to suit your taste:
- Oatmeal Raisin: Add a tablespoon of raisins and a pinch of cinnamon to the dough.
- Nutella Cookie: Substitute peanut butter with Nutella or any chocolate hazelnut spread.
- Birthday Cake: Use cake batter protein powder and add a tablespoon of rainbow sprinkles!
- White Chocolate Macadamia: Add white chocolate chips and macadamia nuts to the dough.
- Snickerdoodle: Mix in a teaspoon of cinnamon and roll the cookie dough in cinnamon sugar before baking.
Storage Tips
Since this recipe makes just one cookie, it’s best enjoyed fresh. However, if you have leftovers, store the cookie in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. You can also freeze the cookie dough for up to one month. Just shape it into a cookie and bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
This single-serve protein cookie recipe is perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings without the guilt. It’s simple, customizable, and packed with protein to keep you energized throughout the day. Save this post and refer back to it whenever you need a quick and healthy treat!