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- 1 cup rolled oats - 1/2 cup creamy almond butter - 1/4 cup honey or pure maple syrup - 1/2 cup vanilla-flavored protein powder - 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (preferably mini) - 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt - 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 2-3 tablespoons unsweetened almond milk For this protein cookie dough, I focus on simple yet tasty ingredients. Rolled oats give a great base. They add fiber and texture. Creamy almond butter brings richness and healthy fats. You can swap it for any nut butter if you like. Honey or pure maple syrup sweetens the dough naturally. Vanilla-flavored protein powder adds a protein boost and flavor. I love using dark chocolate chips. They add a delightful crunch and sweetness. Sea salt enhances the flavors, making every bite pop. Pure vanilla extract adds depth and warmth. Finally, unsweetened almond milk helps adjust the dough's moisture. These ingredients work together to make a creamy and nutritious treat. You can enjoy it as a snack or post-workout boost. If you want to play with flavors, feel free to explore different protein powders or add-ins! {{ingredient_image_2}} - Mixing dry ingredients Start by taking a large bowl. Add 1 cup of rolled oats and 1/2 cup of vanilla-flavored protein powder. Use a whisk or spoon to mix these dry ingredients well. Make sure they blend completely without any lumps. - Combining wet ingredients Next, add 1/2 cup of creamy almond butter and 1/4 cup of honey or pure maple syrup to the bowl. Mix these wet ingredients until they create a smooth mixture. It should start to look like dough. - Forming the dough Now, fold in 1/4 cup of dark chocolate chips, 1/4 teaspoon of fine sea salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Stir everything together until all ingredients are well mixed. If the dough seems dry, add 2-3 tablespoons of unsweetened almond milk. Mix until the dough is moist yet holds its shape. - Rolling dough into balls With clean hands, scoop portions of the dough. Roll them into small balls, about 1 inch wide. This size helps them cook evenly and makes them easy to grab. - Arranging on baking sheet Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the rolled dough balls on the sheet, leaving space between each one. This makes it easy to handle them later. - Refrigeration process Put the baking sheet in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This helps the dough bites firm up. After chilling, they will have a nice chewy texture. Enjoy your nutritious treat! To get the best dough, start with the right moisture level. Use almond milk to adjust this. If your dough is too dry, add one tablespoon of almond milk at a time. Mix well after each addition. You want a dough that holds its shape but is still soft. Next, ensure even mixing. Combine the rolled oats and protein powder first. Then, add almond butter and sweetener. Mix until you see a uniform dough. If you see dry spots, continue to mix. This helps every bite taste great. Store your protein cookie dough bites properly. Place them in an airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge for up to one week. This helps maintain their freshness and flavor. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. They last up to three months in the freezer. Just remember to thaw them in the fridge before enjoying. This way, you can always have a tasty snack ready! Pro Tips Use Natural Sweeteners: For a healthier option, opt for pure maple syrup instead of honey, as it's lower in calories and has a unique flavor profile. Experiment with Protein Powders: Different brands and flavors of protein powder can alter the taste and texture, so try experimenting to find your perfect match. Storage Tips: Store the cookie dough bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week for freshness and optimal taste. Customize Your Mix-ins: Don’t hesitate to add other ingredients like dried fruits, seeds, or spices for an added nutritional boost and flavor variety. {{image_4}} Adding flavor can make your protein cookie dough even better. You can boost taste with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. Just a pinch of these spices adds warmth and depth. They can turn a simple treat into something special. You can also try different protein powder flavors. If you want a chocolatey taste, use chocolate protein powder. For fruit lovers, try strawberry or banana flavors. Each powder brings its unique touch to the cookie dough. Experiment to find your favorite. Mix-ins give your cookie dough extra texture and fun. Nuts and seeds are great choices. You can add chopped almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds. They add crunch and a healthy boost of fats. Dried fruits or shredded coconut are excellent options too. Raisins, cranberries, or coconut flakes can add sweetness. These mix-ins can make your bites more exciting and colorful. Don't be afraid to get creative with your combinations! Protein is vital for your body. It helps build muscles and keeps you strong. Each bite of our protein cookie dough packs a punch of protein. Here’s how each key ingredient contributes: - Rolled oats: Good source of fiber. Fiber helps with digestion. - Creamy almond butter: Packed with healthy fats and protein. It keeps you full longer. - Honey or pure maple syrup: Natural sweetener. It provides quick energy. - Vanilla-flavored protein powder: Boosts the protein content. Great for muscle recovery. - Dark chocolate chips: Adds flavor and antioxidants. A tasty way to indulge. - Sea salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor. - Pure vanilla extract: Adds rich flavor. It makes the dough taste special. - Unsweetened almond milk: Keeps the dough moist. It adds a nice creaminess. Each serving has about 8 grams of protein, making it a great snack choice. Each cookie dough bite has around 100 calories. This is much lower than traditional cookie dough, which can have over 200 calories per bite. You can enjoy these bites without guilt. They satisfy your sweet tooth while being nutritious. Plus, they are easy to make! Can I use a different nut butter? Yes, you can use other nut butters. Peanut butter or cashew butter works well too. Just keep the texture in mind. Almond butter gives a creamy feel, but others will taste great as well. How do I make this recipe vegan? To make this recipe vegan, swap honey for pure maple syrup. This keeps it sweet and plant-based. Check that your protein powder is also vegan. Many brands offer great options. Can I freeze protein cookie dough bites? Yes, you can freeze these bites! Just place them in a freezer-safe bag. They last up to three months in the freezer. When you want one, just let it thaw for a few minutes. Best store-bought protein cookie dough options Some great brands include LÄRABAR and Quest. They offer tasty flavors and are easy to find. Check for added sugars or fillers. You want to choose the healthiest options. Comparison between homemade and store-bought versions Homemade cookie dough is fresher and customizable. You control the ingredients. Store-bought options are convenient but may have added sugars. Homemade treats are great for specific diets. You learned how to make tasty protein cookie dough bites. We covered the key ingredients and detailed steps to prepare and shape your bites. You also discovered helpful tips for perfect dough and smart storage methods. Don’t forget the variations to change flavors and add mix-ins. These bites are not only delicious but also healthy. Enjoy making them your way, and share with friends!

Protein-Packed Cookie Dough Bites

Delicious and nutritious cookie dough bites packed with protein, perfect for a post-workout snack or a healthy treat.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 100 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup creamy almond butter
  • 1/4 cup honey or pure maple syrup
  • 1/2 cup vanilla-flavored protein powder
  • 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (preferably mini)
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2-3 tablespoons unsweetened almond milk (adjust as needed for dough consistency)

Instructions
 

  • In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats and vanilla protein powder. Use a whisk or spoon to thoroughly mix these dry ingredients until they are fully incorporated.
  • Add the creamy almond butter and your choice of honey or maple syrup to the bowl, and mix well. Stir until you see a cohesive dough start to come together.
  • Fold in the dark chocolate chips, the fine sea salt, and the pure vanilla extract to enhance the flavor. Ensure everything is evenly mixed.
  • If the dough appears too dry and crumbly, gradually stir in the almond milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you achieve a moist yet manageable dough that holds its shape when pressed.
  • With clean hands, scoop out portions of the dough and roll them into small balls, approximately 1 inch in diameter. Make sure they're compact and uniform in size for even texture.
  • Arrange the cookie dough bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between each for easy handling.
  • Refrigerate the bites for a minimum of 30 minutes, allowing them to firm up for the perfect chewy texture before enjoying.

Notes

For an extra flavor twist, consider rolling them in shredded coconut or finely crushed nuts before refrigerating.
Keyword cookie dough, healthy, protein, snack