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Protein Cookie Dough Recipe with 3 Ingredients – Easy No Bake Snack for Any Time

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  • Ease of preparation: This protein cookie dough recipe is incredibly simple and fast to make, requiring only a handful of ingredients and about 10 minutes of prep time. It’s perfect for busy people who want a nutritious snack without spending much time in the kitchen.
  • Health benefits: Rich in high-quality protein and healthy fats, this recipe supports muscle repair and sustained energy. It helps manage hunger effectively, making it a guilt-free treat that fits into balanced nutrition plans.
  • Versatility: Suitable for various dietary preferences, including vegan, gluten-free, and low-calorie diets. The recipe can be customized using alternative ingredients to suit personal tastes and nutritional goals.
  • Distinctive flavor: The combination of almond flour, vanilla-flavored protein powder, peanut butter, and chocolate chips creates a rich, satisfying taste with a delightful texture that mimics classic cookie dough.
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  • 1 cup almond flour (or oat flour as a nut-free substitute; note oat flour is more absorbent)
  • ½ cup protein powder (vanilla pea, whey, or casein recommended for taste and texture)
  • ¼ cup unsalted creamy peanut butter (alternatives: cashew butter, sunflower seed butter, or tahini)
  • ¼ cup maple syrup (preferred over honey; keto liquid sweeteners can substitute but don’t omit)
  • ¼ cup non-dairy milk (almond, soy, oat, or cow’s milk; add more in 1–2 tbsp increments if needed)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¾ cup chocolate chips (stevia-sweetened or dark chocolate chips recommended to avoid refined sugar)

Special Dietary Options:

  • Vegan: Use plant-based protein powder and non-dairy milk; choose vegan nut butters.
  • Gluten-free: Almond flour and oat flour options ensure gluten-free compatibility.
  • Low-calorie: Use keto-friendly liquid sweeteners and reduce fat by substituting some peanut butter with powdered peanut butter.
protein cookie dough recipe this …

Protein and Main Component Alternatives

  • Swap whey protein for plant-based powders like pea, hemp, or soy protein for vegan or allergen-friendly versions.
  • Replace peanut butter with seed butters such as sunflower seed butter or tahini for nut allergies or flavor variation.
  • Use oat flour instead of almond flour for a nut-free option, adjusting liquid amounts as oat flour absorbs more moisture.

Vegetable, Sauce, and Seasoning Modifications

  • Add flavor enhancers like cinnamon or vanilla extract to enrich taste.
  • Incorporate dried fruits such as cranberries or raisins for natural sweetness and texture.
  • For creamier dough, add small amounts of almond milk or a vegan chocolate drizzle.
  • Sweeten further with natural zero-calorie sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit if needed.

These substitutions provide flexibility to suit diverse dietary preferences without compromising the dough’s delicious flavor and satisfying texture.

To discover more tasty, healthy snacks, try our No-Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake or indulge in rich treats like our Blueberry Cheesecake.

Learn about the Benefits of Protein Powder for Muscle Growth, explore How to Make Healthy No-Bake Treats, and understand Almond Flour Nutrition Facts and Benefits to maximize your snack choices.

  1. Gather Ingredients and Tools: Measure 1 cup almond flour, ½ cup protein powder, ¼ cup creamy peanut butter, ¼ cup maple syrup, ¼ cup non-dairy milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and ¾ cup chocolate chips. Prepare a mixing bowl and rubber spatula.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: Whisk together almond flour and protein powder in the mixing bowl until evenly combined.
  3. Slightly Melt Peanut Butter: Microwave the peanut butter for about 20 seconds to soften it for easier mixing.
  4. Combine Wet Ingredients: Add softened peanut butter, maple syrup, non-dairy milk, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Stir gently with the spatula, adding 1 to 2 tablespoons more milk if the dough feels too thick.
  5. Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the chocolate chips to disperse them evenly throughout the dough.
  6. Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes to firm up the texture, making it easier to shape.
  7. Shape and Serve: Form dough into bite-sized balls or serve as is. This no-bake treat can be enjoyed immediately or stored for later consumption.
  8. Adjust for Dietary Needs: Substitute ingredients such as vegan protein powder or maple syrup alternatives at the appropriate steps to suit dietary preferences.

Pro cooking techniques: For a smoother texture, sift the almond flour and protein powder before mixing. Use chilled peanut butter to reduce stickiness. For improved binding, try adding a tablespoon of chia seeds soaked in water. This natural binder helps the dough hold together without affecting flavor.

Flavor variations: Experiment with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin pie seasoning for seasonal flavor changes. Replace chocolate chips with cacao nibs or dried cranberries to diversify texture and taste. Adding a pinch of sea salt can balance sweetness and amplify the overall flavor profile.

Presentation tips: Serve in decorative small bowls or on parchment-lined trays dusted with cocoa powder or shredded coconut. Garnish with whole nuts or drizzle with nut butter for a visually appealing and inviting snack.

Make-ahead options: Prepare large batches of dough and portion into small servings for freezing. Thaw portions briefly before eating for optimal flavor and texture, making it a convenient grab-and-go snack.

  • Refrigeration: Store the dough in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week to maintain freshness and texture.
  • Freezing: Portion the dough into serving sizes, freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags, and keep for up to three months without losing quality.
  • Thawing: Thaw frozen dough in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before eating. Avoid microwaving to preserve texture.
  • Meal prep: Batch preparation and portioning enable easy snack management throughout the week. Label containers with dates to track freshness and food safety.
protein cookie dough recipe

Can I bake the protein cookie dough instead of eating it raw?

This protein cookie dough is designed to be eaten raw because it does not contain eggs or leavening agents needed for baking. Baking it may change the texture and could result in an unsatisfactory outcome. If you want baked cookies, it’s best to use a recipe specifically formulated for baking.

What can I use instead of protein powder in this recipe?

You can substitute protein powder with unflavored collagen powder or other protein supplements, but keep in mind the texture and taste might differ. Protein powder is important to achieve the right consistency and increase protein content, so omitting it completely may require trying a different recipe.

Is this protein cookie dough recipe suitable for people with nut allergies?

If you have a tree nut allergy, almond flour should be replaced with oat flour, which is nut-free and provides a similar texture. Make sure to use oat flour that is certified gluten-free if needed, and avoid peanut butter or other nut ingredients to keep it safe.

Can I make this recipe keto-friendly?

The standard recipe is not keto due to the inclusion of maple syrup as a sweetener. To adapt it for keto, replace the maple syrup with a liquid keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or monk fruit syrup. This substitution reduces carbs while maintaining moisture in the dough.

How many servings do the protein cookie dough balls make, and how should I portion them?

Serving sizes depend on how large you make each dough ball. Typically, two small to medium-sized cookie dough balls equal one serving. Portioning the dough into consistent sizes helps manage calorie and protein intake per serving.

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★★★★★

5 from 1 reviews
  • Author: Isabella Hayes
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: About 10 servings
  • Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free, Refined Sugar-Free
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Description

🍪 Protein Cookie Dough Recipe with 3 Ingredients is a quick and easy no-bake snack packed with protein to fuel your day.
💪 This vegan and gluten-free treat offers a classic cookie dough taste with wholesome ingredients, perfect for a post-workout boost or healthy dessert.

Ingredients

– 1 cup almond flour (or oat flour as a nut-free substitute; note oat flour is more absorbent)

– ½ cup protein powder (vanilla pea, whey, or casein recommended for taste and texture)

– ¼ cup unsalted creamy peanut butter (alternatives: cashew butter, sunflower seed butter, or tahini)

– ¼ cup maple syrup (preferred over honey; keto liquid sweeteners can substitute but don’t omit)

– ¼ cup non-dairy milk (almond, soy, oat, or cow’s milk; add more in 1–2 tbsp increments if needed)

– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

– ¾ cup chocolate chips (stevia-sweetened or dark chocolate chips recommended to avoid refined sugar)

Instructions

1-Gather Ingredients and Tools: Measure 1 cup almond flour, ½ cup protein powder, ¼ cup creamy peanut butter, ¼ cup maple syrup, ¼ cup non-dairy milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and ¾ cup chocolate chips. Prepare a mixing bowl and rubber spatula.

2-Mix Dry Ingredients: Whisk together almond flour and protein powder in the mixing bowl until evenly combined.

3-Slightly Melt Peanut Butter: Microwave the peanut butter for about 20 seconds to soften it for easier mixing.

4-Combine Wet Ingredients: Add softened peanut butter, maple syrup, non-dairy milk, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Stir gently with the spatula, adding 1 to 2 tablespoons more milk if the dough feels too thick.

5-Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the chocolate chips to disperse them evenly throughout the dough.

6-Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes to firm up the texture, making it easier to shape.

7-Shape and Serve: Form dough into bite-sized balls or serve as is. This no-bake treat can be enjoyed immediately or stored for later consumption.

8-Adjust for Dietary Needs: Substitute ingredients such as vegan protein powder or maple syrup alternatives at the appropriate steps to suit dietary preferences.

Notes

🥄 Use vanilla-flavored protein powder for optimal taste; chocolate or unflavored can work but avoid collagen for texture.
❄️ Refrigerate dough for 30 minutes to achieve a firmer texture.
🌰 Substitute half the peanut butter with powdered peanut butter for a lower fat option.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: No-Bake Mixing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 0.3 cup (2 small dough balls)
  • Calories: 260 kcal
  • Sugar: 11 g
  • Sodium: 50 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 21 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 10 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

Keywords: Protein Cookie Dough, No Bake Snack, Vegan Protein Snack, Healthy Dessert

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1 thought on “Protein Cookie Dough Recipe with 3 Ingredients – Easy No Bake Snack for Any Time”

  1. This protein cookie dough is a total game-changer for my post-workout snack routine! 😍 I used almond butter instead of peanut butter, and it turned out great. Has anyone tried adding a scoop of vanilla protein powder for an extra boost?

    ★★★★★

    Reply

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