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My single serve protein cookie recipe went viral, and one of the most frequently asked questions was “how can I make a whole batch of these?!” So, here ya have it – a big batch protein cookies recipe, with just 6 simple ingredients! These cookies are gluten-free, dairy-free, and easily made vegan (just like the last recipe) but totally indulgent and delicious. Throw this recipe into your weekly meal prep as an easy protein snack or protein-packed dessert!

close up image of a protein cookie with a bite taken out.

Why You’ll Love These Protein Cookies

These cookies are everything you could want in a protein-packed treat – rich, soft, chewy, and naturally sweetened. They’re made with protein powder, creamy peanut butter, and your choice of oat flour or almond flour for a nutritious, allergy-friendly alternative to traditional cookies. Plus, there’s no refined sugar, and they’re so easy to customize – add chocolate chips, skip them, or toss in chopped nuts or dried fruit!

  • Made with just 6 ingredients!
  • Ready in under 20 minutes.
  • Naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free.
  • High in protein and perfect for a healthy snack or dessert!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use almond flour instead of oat flour?
Yes! Almond flour works beautifully in this recipe and gives the cookies a rich, buttery flavor and tender texture. If you’re looking for nut-free, stick with oat flour.

What kind of protein powder did you use?
I used the Be Well By Kelly Vanilla Grass-Fed Beef Protein Powder, which is non-dairy and great for baking. You can use your favorite protein powder – just make sure it’s unsweetened or mildly sweetened for best results.

Can I make these protein cookies sugar-free?
Absolutely! Swap out the maple syrup for a sugar-free alternative like monk fruit syrup or a few drops of liquid stevia. Just note that texture and sweetness may vary slightly depending on your swap.

overhead image of protein cookies on a table.

Sam’s Recipe Tips

  • For best texture, make sure your peanut butter is smooth and runny – not thick or dry.
  • Don’t over-bake! The cookies firm up as they cool, so remove them once they’re lightly golden at the edges.
  • Add-ins like chia seeds, flaxseed, or chopped nuts can boost nutrition even further.

Storing and Freezing Tips

Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to 1 week. They also freeze beautifully – just pop them in a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 2 months. Let them thaw at room temp or warm slightly before enjoying.

More Protein-Packed Recipes You’ll Love

overhead image of a protein cookie cut in half.
5 from 3 votes

The BEST Protein Cookies (one-bowl!)

Soft, chewy, and loaded with protein, these best ever protein cookies are made with just 6 simple ingredients you likely already have at home! They come together in under 20 minutes, are totally gluten-free, dairy-free, and packed with wholesome fuel to satisfy your sweet tooth and power your day!
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 17 minutes
Servings: 8 cookies

Equipment

  • 1 large baking sheet
  • 1 large bowl

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups oat flour or almond flour
  • 1/3 cup non-dairy milk
  • 1/2 cup vanilla or unflavored protein powder
  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter unsweetened
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup or your preferred liquid sweetener
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips optional

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350° Fahrenheit and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
  • Add all ingredients except chocolate chips to a large bowl and mix until fully combined. Then, fold in the chocolate chips, if using.
  • Scoop 2-tablespoon sized balls of cookie dough onto the cookie sheet, spacing each cookie a few inches apart. Once all cookies are scooped, gently press the top of each cookie to slightly flatten it.
  • Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until cookies are lightly golden brown around the edges then remove from the oven and let cool before serving or storing.

Notes

Nutrition info includes the chocolate chips.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cookie | Calories: 250kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 13g | Sugar: 10g

Some of my most requested recipes are for healthy high-protein snacks! And while I have quite a few already – high protein snack boxes, single serve protein cookie, and 5 healthy protein smoothies – I, too, am always looking for more. I actually started making this chia seed protein pudding for my husband who was tired of our same old protein snacks and loved that this tasted like dessert, but in healthier high-protein form!

I love topping my chia pudding with a scoop of peanut butter, a sprinkling of my homemade granola, and whatever fresh or frozen fruit we have on-hand. It’s such a quick and easy grab-and-go protein snack, easily made dairy-free and packed with over 30 grams of protein. OH! And it’s delicious, too. 😉

Why You’ll Love This Chia Protein Pudding

  • High-Protein: With over 30g of protein per serving, it’s a satisfying and energizing option to start your day of get you through that afternoon slump!
  • Minimal Ingredients: You only need 4 (or 5 if you want it a little sweet!) ingredients, most of which you probably already have at home.
  • Meal Prep Friendly: Make it once and enjoy it all week! It stays fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.
close up image of chia seed protein pudding in a jar with granola and fresh berries on top.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • Chia Seeds: These tiny super seeds expand in liquid to create that signature pudding texture. They’re also packed with fiber and omega-3s.
  • Vanilla Protein Powder: Adds a delicious flavor boost and turns this pudding into a protein powerhouse. Unsweetened works best so you can control the sweetness in this recipe!
  • Greek Yogurt (or Dairy-Free Yogurt): Adds creaminess, thickness, a boost of probiotics, and extra protein. Use non-dairy yogurt to keep it dairy-free and vegan!
  • Milk (or Non-Dairy Milk): Any milk will work here – almond, oat, coconut, or regular dairy milk. Choose what fits your dietary preferences.
  • Maple Syrup (Optional): Just a touch adds natural sweetness without overwhelming the flavor.

How to Make Chia Seed Protein Pudding

  1. Add all ingredients to an 8-ounce jar or container and stir to combine.
  2. Secure the lid and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight).
  3. Before serving, stir again to ensure everything is evenly mixed. Add your favorite toppings and enjoy!
overhead image of chia seed protein pudding with granola and fresh berries on top.

Flavor Variations

  • Chocolate Chia Protein Pudding: Use chocolate protein powder and top with cacao nibs.
  • Very Berry: Stir in a handful of mashed berries or layer with a berry compote.
  • Peanut Butter Banana: Add 1 tablespoon peanut butter and a few banana slices on top. YUM!

Topping Ideas

Top your protein pudding with:

  • Fresh fruit (berries, banana, mango)
  • Nut butters
  • Granola (I topped mine with my homemade granola!)
  • Coconut flakes
  • Cacao nibs or dark chocolate shavings

Adjust This Recipe to Your Dietary Needs

  • Make it Dairy-Free: Use plant-based yogurt and non-dairy milk like almond, oat, or coconut.
  • Make it Vegan: Use dairy-free yogurt and a vegan protein powder.

Storage Instructions

Store chia protein pudding in an airtight jar or container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Stir before serving, and top with fresh ingredients right before eating for best texture and flavor.

chia seed protein pudding in a glass jar with fresh blueberries and homemade granola on top.
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4-Ingredient Chia Seed Protein Pudding

This easy chia seed protein pudding is the perfect make-ahead breakfast or snack packed with over 30 grams of protein per serving! Made with just 4 simple ingredients and ready in minutes, it’s creamy, customizable, and keeps you full for hours. Whether you’re fueling post-workout or starting your morning strong, this chia pudding will quickly become a staple in your healthy routine.
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 1 serving

Equipment

  • 1 8 ounce jar

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons chia seeds
  • 1 scoop (25 grams) vanilla protein powder
  • 1/2 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (optional)
  • 1/4 cup Greek yogurt or non-dairy yogurt
  • 1/2 cup milk or non-dairy milk

Instructions

  • Add all ingredients to an 8-ounce jar or container and stir to combine, then secure with a lid. Place the chia pudding in the fridge for at least 2 hours and up to 3 days, then remove from the fridge and give it another stir before serving. Top with whatever you’d like!

Notes

Nutrition info may vary depending on the brand of ingredients used. The above nutrition info was calculated without the maple syrup and toppings.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 295kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 11g | Sugar: 3g

Why You’ll Love These Protein Balls

Easy, No-Bake Snack: Made with just 5 simple ingredients and ready in minutes – no oven required!

Packed with Protein: Each ball contains 7 grams of protein, making them a perfect post-workout or midday snack.

Healthy & Dietary-Friendly: Gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, and naturally sweetened with maple syrup.

Recipe Variations

  • Mix in Superfoods: Add chia seeds, flaxseeds, or hemp hearts for extra fiber and omega-3s.
  • Swap the Nut Butter: Use almond butter or cashew butter for a different flavor. For nut-free, use sunflower seed butter.
  • Boost the Chocolate: Dip the balls in melted dark chocolate and let them harden in the fridge for a chocolate-covered protein treat!

The Mixture is Too Dry, What Do I Do?

If the mixture is dry or crumbly, simply:

  • Add 1 tablespoon of water or almond milk at a time until the dough comes together.
  • Alternatively, add an extra tablespoon of peanut butter for more moisture and flavor.
Hand holding a cookie dough protein ball.

Adjust This Recipe to Your Dietary Needs

  • Make it Nut-Free: Swap peanut butter for sunflower seed butter and use oat flour instead of almond flour.
  • Make it Keto: Use almond flour instead of oats and a sugar-free maple syrup alternative.
  • Make it Grain-Free/Paleo: Skip the oats and use almond flour for a smooth, doughy texture.

Storage Instructions

  • Fridge: Store the protein balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
  • Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Let thaw for a few minutes before enjoying.

More Healthy Snack Recipes

If you love these no-bake protein balls, check out my other snack recipes like:

Enjoy these 5-ingredient cookie dough protein balls as a nutritious snack or dessert! 😋

cookie dough protein balls on a plate
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Cookie Dough Protein Balls

Satisfy your sweet tooth with these 5-ingredient cookie dough protein balls – the perfect no-bake snack! Packed with 7 grams of protein per ball, they’re gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan, making them ideal for a healthy energy boost. Ready in minutes, they’re a delicious and nutritious way to fuel your day!
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 8 servings

Equipment

  • 1 medium bowl

Ingredients

  • 1 cup rolled oats or almond flour
  • 1/4 cup vanilla protein powder
  • 1/4 cup peanut butter
  • 3 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
  • 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips

Instructions

  • Add all ingredients to a medium bowl and stir until thoroughly combined.
  • Roll mixture into 1-inch balls.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 145kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 6g | Sugar: 7g