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!
Cookie Dough Protein Bars
Packed with protein 14g of protein and ready in just 5 minutes! These cookie dough protein bars are a copycat homemade Perfect bar recipe!
Ingredients
- 1 cup cashew butter
- 2/3 cup vanilla protein powder (2-3 scoops total)
- 3 tbsp honey
- 3 tbsp whole wheat flour
- 2 tsp vanilla
- 2 tbsp water or milk
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare a loaf pan by lightly spraying with non-stick spray then lining with parchment paper. Set aside.
- In a large bowl combine all ingredients, minus the water & chocolate chips and mix until well combined. The mixture should be pretty thick and dense.
- Slowly add in your water (amount will depend on your cashew butter and protein powder density), mixture will become more wet and start to stick together. When it sticks together stop! I recommend going very slow, you do NOT want it to be too wet. You can use more if you need!
- Knead the dough with your hands if needed until it sticks together.
- Add in any mix ins, like the chocolate chips, sprinkles, etc.
- Take the dough and press it into your prepared loaf pan. Press HARD. Use all your might! You want these to be very firm and dense!
- Place in the fridge for 1-3 hours before cutting into 8 bars and enjoying!
Notes
May sub other nut butters.
May use whatever type of milk and flour you like best or have on hand.
Store in an air tight container for 5-7 days in the fridge, or place in the freezer for a few months.
Get creative and mix in whatever things you like! Try using sprinkles for a funfetti type of protein bar, or add some nuts!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 302Total Fat: 19gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 4mgSodium: 197mgCarbohydrates: 24gFiber: 2gSugar: 12gProtein: 15g
XOXO
-Colleen
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Barbra Hardy
Just wondering if I want to put this in my lunchbox, should I freeze it and let it thaw in lunchbox while I wait to eat it or would it be ok to just take it out of fridge and keep it in my lunch box until I need it.
Thanks!!!
Colleen
Taking it out of the fridge would be just fine!
Hallie Little
Just made these and they are delicious! I used a cashew/almond butter blend, substituted maple syrup for honey, added 3 Tbs of flax seed, and omitted the water since the nut butter was pretty oily. Turned out great and I love them. Thanks Colleen!
Colleen
Hey Hallie! So glad you loved them! So funny you mention the flax seed, I was debating adding that! haha LOVE IT!