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5-Ingredient Edible Protein Cookie Dough Recipe

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5 ingredient edible protein chocolate chip cookie dough in a small cup with a spoon.

This 5-ingredient protein cookie dough is a healthy, gluten-free, and dairy-free treat packed with protein and sweetened with maple syrup. Ready in minutes, it’s perfect for a post-workout snack or healthier dessert. Customize with your favorite mix-ins for a quick, delicious, and indulgent treat!

protein chocolate chip cookie dough in a small cup.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Made with just 5 simple ingredients, it’s a healthier take on traditional cookie dough.
  • Packed with protein, making it perfect for a post-workout treat, quick snack, or fun dessert option.
  • Gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free, catering to various dietary preferences.
  • Quick and easy to make—no baking required, and ready in just minutes!

What You’ll Need to Make Protein Cookie Dough

Almond Flour: Almond flour serves as the base of this cookie dough, giving it a soft, buttery texture. It’s naturally gluten-free and rich in healthy fats and vitamin E, making it a nutritious alternative to traditional wheat flour.

Vanilla Protein Powder: The protein powder not only enhances the nutritional profile of the cookie dough but also adds a sweet, creamy flavor. Choose your favorite brand for the best results—plant-based or whey works perfectly.

Maple Syrup: This natural sweetener provides just the right amount of sweetness while keeping the recipe refined sugar-free. Plus, it helps bind the ingredients together.

Melted Coconut Oil (or Butter): Coconut oil adds richness and moisture to the dough. For a slightly different flavor, swap it for melted butter or vegan butter, depending on your dietary needs.

Chocolate Chips: The chocolate chips are the stars of the show, adding bursts of sweetness and indulgence. Use dark chocolate, sugar-free, or dairy-free chips to suit your preferences.

chocolate chip protein cookie dough on a spoon.

How to Make Protein Cookie Dough

  1. Mix the Dough: Add the almond flour, vanilla protein powder, maple syrup, and melted coconut oil to a large mixing bowl. Stir until well combined and the dough forms a cohesive texture.
  2. Add Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the chocolate chips to distribute them evenly throughout the dough.
  3. Serve and Enjoy: That’s it! Your cookie dough is ready to eat. Scoop it straight from the bowl or portion it out into snack-sized servings.

Toppings and Variations

  • Drizzle: Add a drizzle of melted dark chocolate or nut butter on top for extra decadence.
  • Add-Ins: Mix in chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or dried fruit for a fun twist.
  • Seasonal Flavors: Sprinkle in cinnamon, pumpkin spice, or a dash of peppermint extract to suit the season.

Adjust This Recipe to Your Dietary Needs

Make it Dairy-Free: Ensure your protein powder and chocolate chips are dairy-free. Coconut oil is naturally dairy-free, so you’re already set!

Make it Vegan: Choose a vegan protein powder and chocolate chips. Maple syrup is already vegan-friendly, and coconut oil is an excellent alternative to butter.

Make it Keto: Replace the maple syrup with a keto-friendly liquid sweetener like monk fruit syrup. Use sugar-free chocolate chips for a low-carb treat.

Storage Instructions

Store your protein cookie dough in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. If you prefer a firmer texture, chill it for an hour before serving. For longer storage, freeze individual portions and thaw as needed.

5 ingredient edible protein chocolate chip cookie dough in a small cup with a spoon.
4.84 from 6 votes

5 Ingredient Edible Protein Cookie Dough

This 5-ingredient protein cookie dough is a healthy, gluten-free, and dairy-free treat packed with protein and sweetened with maple syrup. Ready in minutes, it’s perfect for a post-workout snack or healthier dessert. Customize with your favorite mix-ins for a quick, delicious, and indulgent treat!
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 8 servings

Equipment

  • 1 small bowl

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup almond flour or oat flour
  • 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder
  • 3 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 3 tablespoons melted coconut oil or melted butter
  • 1/4 cup chocolate chips
  • 1-2 tablespoons milk, optional if needed for a less thick cookie dough

Instructions

  • Add all the ingredients except the chocolate chips to a large bowl and stir to combine.
  • Then, fold in the chocolate chips and enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 190kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 14g | Sugar: 6g
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Dairy-Free

4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cup Cookie Dough Bark

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Hand holding a piece of 4 ingredient peanut butter cup cookie dough bark.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy and Fast: Made with minimal ingredients and no baking required, this recipe comes together in minutes.
  • Healthier Dessert: Sweetened with maple syrup and packed with healthy fats from peanut butter and almond flour, this bark satisfies your sweet tooth while keeping it wholesome.
  • Customizable: You can switch up the flavors, toppings, and even the type of nut butter for a bark that’s truly your own.
Close up image of 4 ingredient peanut butter cup cookie dough bark.

What You’ll Need to Make Peanut Butter Cup Cookie Dough Bark

For the Cookie Dough Base:

  1. Almond Flour: The foundation of the bark, almond flour provides a soft, cookie-dough-like texture and is naturally gluten-free.
  2. Unsweetened Peanut Butter: Adds richness and flavor while binding the ingredients together. Make sure to use a drippy, natural peanut butter for the best results.
  3. Maple Syrup: Acts as the natural sweetener, giving the cookie dough a perfect touch of sweetness.

For the Chocolate Layer:

  1. Chocolate Chips: Melted chocolate creates a decadent top layer. I use Guittard Extra Dark Chocolate Chips in most of my recipes because they’re dairy-free, but rich and not-too-sweet.
  2. Chopped Peanuts (Optional): Add a delightful crunch and extra peanut flavor to the bark.

How to Make Peanut Butter Cup Cookie Dough Bark

  1. Prepare the Dough: In a medium bowl, mix together the almond flour, peanut butter, and maple syrup until a soft dough forms.
  2. Shape the Bark: Line a small baking sheet or large plate with parchment paper. Place the dough on the paper and spread it evenly with your hands to form a large, flat rectangle.
  3. Melt the Chocolate: Heat the chocolate chips in the microwave in 30-second intervals or over a double boiler, stirring until smooth.
  4. Assemble the Bark: Pour the melted chocolate over the dough, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface. Sprinkle chopped peanuts on top, if desired.
  5. Freeze and Serve: Place the bark in the freezer for at least 1 hour. When ready to enjoy, remove from the freezer and break or cut into pieces.
Overhead image of 4 ingredient peanut butter cup cookie dough bark cut into large pieces.

Storage Tips

  • Refrigerator: Store the bark in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
  • Freezer: Keep leftovers in the freezer for up to 1 month. Simply remove pieces as needed and let them sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before eating.

Switch Up the Flavors of This Recipe

  • Add a Drizzle: Drizzle melted peanut butter or caramel over the chocolate layer before freezing for added flavor.
  • Toppings Galore: Sprinkle with flaky sea salt (I love this Maldon Flaky Sea Salt), crushed pretzels, or cacao nibs for a fun twist.
  • Different Nut Butter: Swap peanut butter with almond or cashew butter for a subtle flavor variation.
5 from 1 vote

Peanut Butter Cup Cookie Dough Bark

This peanut butter cup cookie dough bark is a quick and easy treat that’s not only delicious but also healthy! Made with just 4 simple ingredients, it’s naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan, and sweetened with maple syrup. It’s perfect for when you’re craving something sweet and indulgent yet wholesome. Whether you’re making it for yourself, your family, or a special occasion, this bark is sure to be a hit!
Print Rate
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Freezing Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Equipment

  • 1 small bowl
  • 1 small baking sheet

Ingredients

  • 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons almond flour
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened creamy peanut butter
  • 3 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 3/4 cup chocolate chips melted
  • chopped peanuts (optional) for topping

Instructions

  • Mix together the almond flour, peanut butter, and maple syrup in a bowl.
  • Line a small baking sheet or large plate with parchment paper, then place the cookie dough mixture on top of the parchment paper. Spread and flatten the mixture with your hands to form a large piece of cookie dough bark.
  • Melt the chocolate chips, then pour the melted chocolate over the bark. Spread the chocolate into an even layer, then place the bark in the freezer for at least one hour.
  • When ready to eat, remove the peanut butter cup cookie dough bark from the freezer and either cut or break into large pieces. Enjoy right away or store leftover bark in the freezer for later!

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 293kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 21g | Sugar: 14g
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Dairy-Free

Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars (dairy-free!)

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three healthy gluten free pecan pie bars stacked on top of each other.

I have to be honest, I’m not the biggest fan of pie. Especially around thanksgiving and christmas – I feel like the dessert table is 90% pies and none are gluten-free. :/ For the last few years I’ve been baking and bringing my own gluten-free desserts, like my gluten-free almond flour brownies, or my almond flour chocolate chip cookies which are always such a hit! But this year, I wanted a dessert that better fit the holiday/pie category, so I came up with the idea for healthy gluten-free pecan pie bars.

These bars are wayyy less daunting than a pie and so much easier to make! They require just 6 simple ingredients, one bowl, and a baking dish. But trust me when I tell you, they’re just as good as any pie (yup, I said it!!!!) and no one will ever guess how much healthier they are!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Healthier Ingredients: This recipe skips traditional ingredients like refined sugar and flour, making it gluten-free, grain-free, and dairy-free while retaining the classic flavors.
  • Easy and Quick: With a simple crust and filling, these bars are ready for the oven in under 15 minutes.
  • Versatile and Customizable: Add a splash of bourbon or chocolate chips for a twist on traditional pecan pie flavors.
overhead image of a healthy gluten-free pecan pie bar.

What You’ll Need to Make These Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars

Almond Flour: The base of our shortbread crust, almond flour provides a rich, buttery flavor and keeps these bars gluten-free and grain-free.

Coconut Oil: Used in both the crust and filling, coconut oil brings moisture and healthy fats to each bite.

Maple Syrup: A natural sweetener that pairs beautifully with pecans, adding just the right amount of sweetness.

Coconut Sugar: Coconut sugar gives the filling a subtle caramel-like flavor, perfect for that traditional pecan pie taste.

Eggs: These help bind the filling, creating that signature pecan pie texture that holds up well as bars.

Pecans: The star ingredient! Chopped pecans add crunch and warmth to every bite.

How to Make Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars

  1. Prepare the Crust: Mix all crust ingredients and press into a lined baking pan. Bake until golden brown and set aside.
  2. Make the Filling: While the crust bakes, whisk together the filling ingredients, then fold in the chopped pecans.
  3. Assemble and Bake: Pour the filling over the baked crust and return to the oven until the filling is set. Let cool before slicing.
healthy gluten-free pecan pie bar with a bite taken out.

Can I Make These Vegan?

Yes! Substitute the eggs with a flax egg (2 tablespoons flaxseed meal mixed with 6 tablespoons water) and allow the mixture to sit for a few minutes until it thickens.

Switch Up the Flavor of Your Pecan Pie Bars

For a unique twist, try adding:

  • Bourbon: Add 1 tablespoon for a rich, warm flavor.
  • Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle ½ cup over the crust before adding the filling for a chocolatey surprise.

Storage Tips

Store these pecan pie bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.

three healthy gluten free pecan pie bars stacked on top of each other.
4.63 from 8 votes

Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars

These gluten-free pecan pie bars are the perfect way to enjoy the classic flavors of pecan pie in an easy-to-make, healthier bar form. Made with an almond flour shortbread crust, naturally sweetened filling, and crunchy pecans, this recipe is gluten-free, grain-free, dairy-free, and made with just 6 main ingredients!
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 16 servings

Equipment

  • 1 large bowl
  • 1 9×9-inch baking pan

Ingredients

For the shortbread crust:

  • 2 cups almond flour
  • 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract optional, but recommended

For the pecan pie filling:

  • 1/2 cup coconut sugar or brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract optional, but recommended
  • 2 eggs at room temperature (very important!)
  • 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans raw and unsalted

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350° Fahrenheit and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  • Add all shortbread crust ingredients to a large bowl and mix to combine. Then, transfer the crust to your prepared baking pan and press the crust down into an even layer over the base of the dish. Bake for 10 minutes or until lightly golden brown around the edges.
  • While the crust bakes, make the filling by whisking together the coconut sugar, coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and eggs. Once that’s combined, mix in the chopped pecans.
  • When the crust is finished baking, remove it from the oven and pour the pecan pie filling mixture over the crust. Bake again for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set. Remove the bars from the oven and let cool for at least 30 minutes in the pan.
  • Once the pan is cool, transfer the bars to the fridge to chill for about an hour. Then, remove the bars from the pan and cut into 16 squares. Serve immediately or store in the fridge for up to 1 week!

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 272kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 2.5g | Fat: 10g | Sugar: 26g
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Dairy-Free

The BEST Almond Flour Brownies (gluten free & dairy-free!)

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close-up overhead image of almond flour brownies.

Perfectly rich and chocolatey almond flour brownies! Super easy to make with just one bowl and 8 ingredients. These brownies are my all-time favorite grain-free, dairy-free, and healthy dessert recipe!

overhead image of almond flour brownies.

What You’ll Need to Make Almond Flour Brownies

Almond Flour – Duh! Almond flour is the star of this show. I highly recommend blanched super-fine almond flour for these gluten-free brownies. I use and love this Bob’s Red Mill Almond Flour in all of my almond flour recipes!

Sugar – I used coconut sugar in my almond flour brownies to make them refined sugar-free. Coconut sugar is just as sweet and tasty as regular sugar, but less processed! However, you can totally use whatever kind of sugar you have on-hand.

Chocolate Chips – Plenty of chocolate chips for these double chocolate brownies! You’ll melt one cup and beat them into the batter, then add 1/2 cup of whole chocolate chips in at the very end. The result is ultra rich and chocolatey brownies, YUM!

three almond flour brownies stacked on top of each other.

Tips and Tricks

  • Beat the eggs and sugar together until super light and fluffy. This is what gives us that crisp, crackly brownie top!
  • Serve these almond flour brownies warm with a scoop of cold vanilla ice cream! I just LOVE turning this dessert into brownie sundaes, such a delicious and decadent treat.
  • Go ahead, add a handful of chopped walnuts to these brownies if you’d like! I personally don’t see anything wrong with walnuts in brownies, so have fun and make these your own.
close-up overhead image of almond flour brownies.

Adjust This Recipe to Your Dietary Needs

Make it Vegan: Simply swap the eggs for your favorite vegan egg substitute. I haven’t tested this option myself just yet, so if you do let me know how it works in the comments!

Make it Paleo: For paleo brownies, use coconut sugar in this recipe, and use either paleo chocolate chips or a chopped paleo chocolate bar. I recommend Hu Kitchen Chocolate Baking Gems!

Don’t Forget to Try These Almond Flour Recipes!

close-up overhead image of almond flour brownies.
4.70 from 13 votes

Almond Flour Brownies

Perfectly rich and chocolatey almond flour brownies! Super easy to make with just one bowl and 8 ingredients. These brownies are my all-time favorite grain-free, dairy-free, and healthy dessert recipe!
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 16 brownies

Ingredients

  • 1 cup sugar, I used coconut sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups almond flour
  • 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips, divided
  • 1/2 cup olive oil, avocado oil or vegetable oil

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350° Fahrenheit and line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper.
  • In a large bowl, beat together the sugar and eggs with either a hand or stand mixer. Continue beating for 3-5 minutes, until super light and fluffy.
  • Add the almond flour, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until everything is just combined, careful not to over-mix.
  • In a separate small bowl, add the olive oil and 1 cup of chocolate chips. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until chocolate chips are fully melted.
  • Pour melted chocolate chips and olive oil into the brownie batter, and stir to combine. Then, fold in the remaining chocolate chips.
  • Pour brownie batter into prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the center is just barely set. Remove from oven and let cool completely before slicing into squares.

Notes

  • These almond flour brownies will stay fresh in an airtight container, at room temperature, for up to 1 week. That is… if they last that long!

    • Nutrition

    Serving: 1brownie | Calories: 264kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 4.5g | Fat: 16g | Sugar: 20g
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    Dairy-Free

    Healthy Gluten Free Cosmic Brownies

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    healthy gluten free cosmic brownie with a bite taken out

    I took a walk down memory lane recently during my healthy candy series, where I recreated some of my favorite childhood candy. I started with healthy snickers, then homemade crunch bars, 4 ingredient date caramels, and healthy butterfingers. These candy recreations reminded me of all the packaged treats I was obsessed with as a kid, and at the top of my list was always (& forever <3) cosmic brownies!

    The quest to recreate a cosmic brownie seemed easy enough – make a gluten-free fudgy brownie base, top with dairy-free chocolate ganache, then rainbow coated chocolate chips! And I’m not going to lie, I managed to perfect the brownies on my second try, but the rainbow chips required some extra work. I scoured the internet for dayssss trying to find dye-free rainbow chips and OMG I finally did! On Amazon, too, of all places (linked here). So with that major score, my healthy gluten free cosmic brownies finally came together. And oh boy are they PERFECT!

    two healthy gluten free cosmic brownies stacked on top of each other.

    Why You’ll Love This Recipe

    These gluten-free cosmic brownies are rich, fudgy, and incredibly easy to make with just 7 ingredients. The one-bowl recipe keeps things simple while still delivering a decadent brownie base topped with a smooth chocolate ganache. They’re also dairy-free, gluten-free, and can easily be adjusted to suit various dietary needs—perfect for anyone craving a healthier, nostalgic treat!

    What You Need to Make Gluten-Free Cosmic Brownies

    • Almond Butter: Acts as the base for the brownies, adding richness and a boost of healthy fats while keeping the brownies naturally gluten-free.
    • Maple Syrup: Sweetens the brownies with a natural touch, adding moisture and flavor without the need for refined sugars.
    • Egg & Egg Yolk: Help to bind the ingredients and add structure to the brownie base, giving it that fudgy, chewy texture.
    • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavors of the brownies, adding a warm, comforting note to the overall taste.
    • Cocoa Powder: Provides the rich chocolate flavor, while also being gluten-free and dairy-free.
    • Chocolate Chips & Non-Dairy Milk: Create a smooth and creamy chocolate ganache topping that sets the brownies apart with its rich, melt-in-your-mouth finish.
    • Rainbow Sprinkles: For more authentic looking cosmic brownies, use rainbow coated chocolate chips on top. I found these dye-free rainbow chips on Amazon and they’re perfect!

    How to Make Gluten-Free Cosmic Brownies

    1. Preheat: Heat your oven to 350° Fahrenheit and line a 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper.
    2. Mix the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together almond butter, maple syrup, eggs, and vanilla. Add cocoa powder and mix until the batter is smooth and well combined.
    3. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.
    4. Prepare Ganache: While the brownies cool, melt chocolate chips and non-dairy milk to create a silky ganache.
    5. Assemble: Once the brownies have cooled, pour the ganache over the top, and sprinkle with your favorite sprinkles for that iconic cosmic brownie look. Let them set in the fridge before slicing and enjoying.
    healthy gluten free cosmic brownies on parchment paper.

    Storage Tips

    Store these brownies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months—just defrost in the fridge or at room temperature before eating.

    Adjust This Recipe to Your Dietary Needs

    • Make It Vegan: Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons of water) and ensure your chocolate chips are dairy-free.
    • Lower Sugar: Use sugar-free chocolate chips and reduce the maple syrup, replacing part of it with a sugar-free sweetener if desired.
    • Nut-Free: Substitute almond butter with sunflower seed butter or another nut-free alternative for a nut-free version of these brownies.
    healthy gluten free cosmic brownie with a bite taken out
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    Gluten Free Cosmic Brownies

    This recipe is an easy, one-bowl, 7-ingredient solution for gluten-free cosmic brownies! They're healthy, gluten-free, dairy-free, and can easily be made vegan or low-sugar. With its nostalgic appeal and rich chocolate flavor, it’s the perfect indulgent treat, still packed with better-for-you ingredients.
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes
    Chilling Time: 1 hour
    Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
    Servings: 16 servings

    Equipment

    • 9×9-inch baking pan
    • large bowl
    • small bowl

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup almond butter
    • 1/2 cup maple syrup
    • 1 whole egg and 1 egg yolk
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

    For the chocolate ganache frosting:

    • 1 1/4 cups chocolate chips
    • 1/2 cup non-dairy milk
    • 1/2 cup rainbow sprinkles or rainbow coated chocolate chips

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 350° Fahrenheit and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
    • Whisk together the almond butter, maple syrup, egg and egg yolk, and vanilla extract in a large bowl.
    • Add in the cocoa powder, then whisk again to fully combine the brownie batter.
    • Transfer the batter to your prepared baking pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted down the center of the brownies comes out mostly clean.
    • Remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes.
    • Once brownies are slightly cool, make the chocolate ganache by melting together the chocolate chips and non-dairy milk in 30 second bursts in the microwave. Once the chocolate has melted, stir together the ganache until it’s smooth and combined.
    • Pour the ganache over the brownies and top with sprinkles. Then, transfer the brownies to the fridge for 1 hour, or until the ganache is firm.
    • Remove the brownies from the pan and cut into squares. Enjoy right away or store in the fridge for later on!

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1brownie | Calories: 230kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 5.2g | Fat: 15g | Sugar: 16.5g
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