Protein Cookie Dough Recipe: Delicious, Safe to Eat Raw, and Packed with Protein
Craving cookie dough but want a healthier version thatβs packed with protein? Look no further! Protein Cookie Dough is a delicious, safe-to-eat raw treat that satisfies your sweet tooth while providing a protein boost. This no-bake recipe combines the rich flavors of traditional cookie dough with the added benefit of protein powder, making it the perfect snack for a pre- or post-workout treat or even just a quick energy boost throughout the day.
The best part? This cookie dough is safe to eat raw! No eggs or raw flour means you can indulge without worry. Plus, itβs simple to make and requires just a few ingredients. Let’s get started on this protein-packed dessert!
Recipe Preparation Equipment π½οΈ
Hereβs what youβll need to prepare Protein Cookie Dough:
- A mixing bowl π₯£ for combining ingredients
- A spoon or spatula for stirring
- A measuring cup and spoons for accurate measurements
- A refrigerator or freezer for chilling (optional)
Ingredients π₯
Hereβs what youβll need to make Protein Cookie Dough:
For the dough:
- 1 cup rolled oats πΎ (you can blend these to make oat flour if you prefer a smoother dough)
- 1/2 cup nut butter (peanut butter π₯, almond butter, or cashew butter)
- 1/4 cup protein powder (vanilla or chocolate flavor works best) πͺ
- 1/4 cup honey π― or maple syrup (for sweetness)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract π¦
- 2 tablespoons milk (dairy or non-dairy, like almond milk) π₯
- Pinch of salt π§
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips π« (optional, for added flavor)
Optional:
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds π± (for added texture and fiber)
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseeds πΎ (for extra fiber and omega-3s)
- A few dashes of cinnamon πΏ (for extra warmth)
How to Make Protein Cookie Dough? πͺ
Step 1: Combine the ingredients π₯£
In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats πΎ, protein powder πͺ, nut butter π₯, honey π―, vanilla extract π¦, and milk π₯. Stir until everything is fully combined and you have a thick, dough-like consistency.
Step 2: Add optional mix-ins π«
Fold in any optional ingredients like mini chocolate chips π«, chia seeds π±, flaxseeds πΎ, or cinnamon πΏ for extra flavor and texture.
Step 3: Chill the dough βοΈ
If you prefer a firmer texture, place the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to chill. This will help it hold together better when you scoop it into bites.
Step 4: Roll into balls πͺ
Once the dough is chilled, use your hands to roll it into small balls or scoop bite-sized portions using a spoon or cookie scoop. You can also shape the dough into cookie-sized discs if you prefer.
Step 5: Serve and enjoy π½οΈ
Enjoy the protein cookie dough immediately, or store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the dough balls for up to 3 months for a quick snack whenever you need it!
Variations π«
- Vegan Protein Cookie Dough: Use a plant-based protein powder πͺ and maple syrup π― for a vegan version. Choose peanut butter π₯ or almond butter as your nut butter.
- Add dried fruit π: Mix in dried cranberries π, raisins, or chopped dried apricots π for added sweetness and chewiness.
- Coconut Protein Cookie Dough π₯₯: Add shredded coconut π₯₯ to the dough for a tropical twist!
- Crunchy cookie dough: Use crunchy peanut butter π₯ or almond butter for a different texture.
Cooking Note π₯
Protein Cookie Dough is perfect as a no-bake snack! Itβs safe to eat raw because it doesnβt contain eggs or raw flour, so you donβt have to worry about any harmful bacteria. However, if you prefer to bake it, you can shape the dough into small cookies and bake them at 350Β°F (175Β°C) for 10-12 minutes, but this will change the texture to a traditional cookie.
Serving Suggestions π½οΈ
Protein Cookie Dough is delicious on its own, but it pairs well with:
- A glass of almond milk π₯ or protein shake πͺ
- A side of fresh fruit ππ for extra fiber and vitamins
- Crumbled on top of yogurt π¨ or oatmeal π½οΈ for a breakfast boost
- A scoop of ice cream π¨ for a sweet treat
Helpful Tips π
- Use natural peanut butter π₯: Choose peanut butter without added sugar or preservatives for a healthier option.
- Adjust the sweetness π―: You can adjust the amount of honey or maple syrup to make the dough as sweet as you like. If you prefer a less sweet dough, reduce the amount of sweetener.
- Chill for a firmer texture: If the dough is too soft to roll, refrigerate it for 30 minutes to make it easier to work with.
Tips for the Best Protein Cookie Dough πͺπͺ
- Use a high-quality protein powder πͺ: The flavor of your protein powder will affect the overall taste of the dough, so use one that you enjoy.
- Experiment with mix-ins: Donβt be afraid to try different ingredients like dried fruit π, nuts π°, or even a few extra chocolate chips π« for a richer taste.
Prep Time:
5 minutes β°
Cooking Time:
None, just chill! π
Total Time:
30 minutes (including chill time) π
Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 12 servings):
- Calories: 150 πͺ
- Protein: 7g πͺ
- Sodium: 100mg π§
- Fat: 9g π§
- Carbohydrates: 15g π
- Fiber: 3g π₯¬
- Sugar: 8g π¬
FAQs π€
1. Can I make Protein Cookie Dough ahead of time?
Yes! Protein Cookie Dough can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the dough balls for up to 3 months.
2. Can I use a different nut butter?
Absolutely! You can use almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter in place of peanut butter π₯ for a different flavor.
3. Is Protein Cookie Dough safe to eat raw?
Yes! This recipe is safe to eat raw because it uses protein powder πͺ instead of raw flour, and there are no eggs, so thereβs no risk of foodborne illness.
Conclusion πͺπͺ
Protein Cookie Dough is the ultimate healthy snack thatβs delicious, nutritious, and easy to make. Whether youβre fueling up before or after a workout or just want a quick, satisfying treat, this edible cookie dough recipe is sure to hit the spot. Packed with protein, healthy fats, and fiber, you can feel good about indulging in this no-bake, raw dessert. Try it today and enjoy the sweet, creamy taste of cookie dough with a protein-packed twist!