Cookie Dough Protein Bars

Packed with protein, made with no raw eggs and made in just 5 minutes! These cookie dough protein bars are made with just a few simple ingredients that will give you a boost of fuel AND satisfy your sweet tooth at the same time!

I'll be honest with you.... when I make cookies the main reason that I make them is to eat the dough.... anyone else?! I mean, it's totally the BEST part. But, ya know, having that for a snack just doesn't leave me feeling the greatest. But these babies? The best of both worlds!

I have a few other recipes for cookie dough things on this blog, like my easy cookie dough bites and chickpea cookie dough. But this recipe is the first bar version on the site! The first protein bar recipe ever on here, now that I think about it. And it does NOT disappoint!

What You Need For These Cookie Dough Protein Bars

The ingredients for these high protein cookie dough bars are real simple. Here is what you're going to need

• Cashew butter
• Vanilla protein powder
• Honey
• Flour of choice (I used whole wheat)
• Water
• Vanilla
• Chocolate chips (optional but encouraged)
• Flaky sea salt (optional but encouraged)

The great thing about this ingredient list is that it is totes flexible! You can use whatever kind of flour (regular all-purpose, wheat, almond, coconut, oat, etc.), any type of milk (cows, almond, coconut, etc.), and really any type of protein powder (whey, plant based, and any flavor really!).

I used Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey in the recipe, but like I said, you can use any! I have found that I personally like the taste of this and the texture it gives the most. I've used this bran in some of my other protein powder recipes like my blueberry protein muffins, chocolate protein donuts, easy quick & banana protein shake, overnight protein oats and banana protein muffins.

But Why PROTEIN cookie dough?

Great question. I feel like people slap the word "protein" on something and we automatically think "Okay, protein = "good"." without thinking another thing. But let's do a little education here for a second. Protein helps to keep us full and satisfied. So, these PROTEIN cookie dough bars are going to help you prevent getting hangry between meals VS a cookie dough bar with less protein.

Choosing to have a protein cookie dough bar VS maybe raw cookie dough is what I call "gentle nutrition". There is absolutely nothing wrong with having a lower protein snack if that is what you're craving, I sure do! But would I feel great if I did that every day? Probs not. That is where gentle nutrition comes in. I hate the terms "balance", but essentially, yes, that is what it is.

How To Make These Cookie Dough Protein Bars

Just like the simple ingredients we talked about, we've got some super simple instructions:

Step One: Mix together all of the ingredients, minus the water, in a stand mixer or a large mixing bowl. Mix this together well, it should be on the dryer side.

Step Two: Slowly add in your water, the "dough" will become more wet and start to stick together. I recommend using your hands here!

Step Three: Fold in any of your mix-ins, like chocolate chips to make these chocolate chip protein bars. Knead it with your hands until it starts to stick together.

Step Four: Press into a loaf pan lined with parchment paper and top with flaky sea salt, if desired. (And, boy, do I desire!) Then place in the fridge.

Step Five: After a few hours of firming in the fridge, cut and DEVOUR.

See, easy as pie... or... cookie dough! New saying, let's make it happen. Fetch might not have been able to happen, but I think easy as cookie dough can!

High Protein Cookie Dough Bar FAQ's

What kind of protein powder should I use?

Like I mentioned, I usually use Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey. However I have also tried Garden Of Life Raw Protein Powder, which is a plant-based option. I find that a lot of protein powders give different textures, and the Garden Of Life one was very, hmmm, silky? Where as the Optimum was more firm and chewy. Both great, just depends what you're wanting!

Can I use another nut butter, like peanut butter?

Certainly! I use cashew butter when I make this recipe because the flavor is the most buttery and mild, closely matching cookie dough's flavor. However totes go for it with peanut butter, almond butter, sunflower seed butter, etc! Your flavor will just obviously be a little different! But, hey, not a bad thing!

Can I make these into cookie dough protein balls?

Sure! Simply take 1-2 tbsp of the dough and form it into a ball! Voila! Cookie dough protein balls!

How do I store these cookie dough protein bars?

After I cut the bars I place them back in the fridge. I usually keep them in there for 5-7 days, or you can throw them in the freezer for a couple months. If you want a chewier cookie dough protein bar let them sit out for, oh, 5-10 minutes before eating!

Give this recipe a try- it takes all of about 5 minutes to put together!- and if you love it be sure to leave a star rating on the recipe card, a comment, and pin it to your Pinterest board to share with other! And, okay, to maybe make them a little jealous of the delicious goodness you just made!

XOXO

-Colleen

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