I had to bring my chocolate chip peanut butter protein cookies recipe out of the dark ages, and I now have what I think is an even better cookie. The old version was tasty, but the macros weren't as good. Plus it called for flour, and I wanted the new one to be gluten-free. So here's a new version made with almond flour.
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Crumbly Dry vs. Crumbly Moist
These cookies can be made dry and crumbly or slightly moist and crumbly. For moist and crumbly peanut butter cookies, swap out a tablespoon of the coconut sugar (or whatever sweetener you are using) for maple syrup. That amps but the moisture somewhat. I liked the slightly crumblier all-sugar version. You can also adjust the amount of vegan milk for a dryer or crumblier cookie.
Peanut Butter Protein Cookies
Here's a quick ingredient rundown. I've been testing these over and over with different brands. It's been challenging to get consistent volumes to weights with the almond flour and protein powder because some almond flour seems heavier and the protein powder is so fluffy. For best results, use a scale or measure with a very light hand because you can always add more later.
- Almond Flour -- Finely ground
- Whey Protein Powder -- 365 brand unflavored whey protein isolate
- Peanut Butter -- Jif sweetened or Trader Joe's unsweetened, also challenging to measure because some brands are so much oilier.
- Butter -- Land o' Lakes
- Greek Yogurt -- Greek Gods brand (this brand stays fresh for a long time, just in my experience)
- Coconut Sugar -- Trader Joe's or you can use dark brown sugar or Splenda Magic Baker
- Maple Syrup (optional) -- Use only if you find the cookies too dry for your tastes.
- Vanilla -- Costco
- Vegan Milk or Dairy Milk if needed-- I actually like full fat soy milk, but almond and oat should work
- Chocolate Chip -- Lily's sugar free milk chocolate chips
Brands of Protein Powder
I usually just buy 365 brand plain isolates, but there are so many interesting new and interesting brands and flavors of protein powder. I will add notes when I try different ones. These would be great with peanut butter protein powder, for sure! It's possible the type and brand of protein powder might change the consistency of the batter, so I'll add notes as I try different brands.
The Old Recipe
Here's the old recipe. Mixing method is the usual. Divide into 12 cookies and bake at 350 for about 12 minutes. I used to really like this one, but people thought it had too much sugar.
½ cup white whole wheat or all purpose flour (65 grams)
¼ cup protein powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon baking soda
2 tablespoons unsalted butter -- room temperature (28 grams)
2 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce
5 tablespoons turbinado or brown sugar (60 grams)
1 tablespoon molasses (20 grams)
½ teaspoon vanilla
1 large egg
¼ cup peanut butter
½ cup chocolate chips
Recipe
Peanut Butter Protein Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup almond flour (finely ground) (100-110 grams)
- ½ cup whey protein isolate (365 brand)** (40 grams)
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup unsweetened natural peanut butter (80 grams)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted (or coconut oil) (56 grams)
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt, full fat type (60 grams)
- ¼ cup brown sugar, coconut sugar or brown sugar substitute, tightly packed (55 grams)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons almond, oat or vegan milk (or dairy milk) -- optional, only if mixture seems dry (28 grams)
- ½ cup chocolate chips can use Lily's sugar free
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F . Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together almond flour, whey protein, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix the melted butter, peanut butter, Greek yogurt, coconut sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a thick dough forms. If it feels too dry, add almond milk, one tablespoon at a time.
- Scoop dough onto the baking sheet. Flatten slightly with a fork for a classic peanut butter cookie look.
- Bake for 9–12 minutes, until edges are golden.
- Let cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Sue K says
I’d like to try these but don’t have the ingredients. I’ll try to round them up.
Nick says
Oooh, these are right up my alley. I'm always looking to increase my protein intake, especially post-workout. And the peanut butter really seals the deal in my mind.
runjess says
You could use the Smart Balance 50/50 instead of the butter and get even more omegas. Those look so good!
Sue says
If you're leery of buying a whole canister of protein powder because you don't know what you'd do with the rest of it here's an idea. I use mine in fruit smoothies. It really helps me get the protein I'm supposed to eat daily. I buy vanilla whey protein powder without added sugar or sugar substitutes.
Sue says
That's a good amount of protein for cookies!
C L says
Oh, how yummy these cookies sound! Since I need extra protein due to surgery, dark chocolate contains antioxidants, whole wheat flour has fiber and applesauce is fruit, these lovely gems would be considered "medicinal", right? LOL 😉 I just might have to send a care package of these to college students I know...just to make sure they get a few healthy snacks or meals. 😉 Thank you, Anna, for posting this recipe! 🙂
Katrina says
Sounds and looks yummy! I've never bought protein before, but have wanted to. Maybe it will take a cookie to get me to do it!
VeggieGirl says
Mmm, protein!!