Create your own protein-packed treats with this easy-to-follow formula.
Protein cookies are the latest way to get your fix of everyone’s favorite muscle-building macro. But you can do better than the store-bought options out there. Follow these easy steps to create a much more delicious cookie that’s totally customized to your tastes.
The dough alone contains more than 6 grams of protein per sweet snack—about as much as you’d find in an egg. Whip up a batch and share them with your gym buddies, and don’t forget to let them know you came up with the recipe yourself.
1. Choose Your Dough Base
Vanilla Protein Cookie Dough
In a medium bowl, sift together 1/2 cup protein powder, 3/4 cup oat flour, 1 1/4 cups almond meal, 1/2 tsp baking soda and 1/4 tsp salt; set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk together 6 Tbsp (3/4 stick) melted butter, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup sugar and 1/4 cup almond butter. Whisk in 2 large eggs, one at a time, then 1 tsp vanilla extract.
Add flour mixture and mix until fully incorporated.
Chocolate Protein Cookie Dough
In a medium bowl, sift together 1/2 cup chocolate protein powder, 1/2 cup dutch-processed cocoa powder, 1/4 cup oat flour, 1 1/4 cups almond meal, 1/2 tsp baking soda and 1/4 tsp salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk together 6 Tbsp (3/4 stick) melted and cooled butter, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup sugar and 1/4 cup almond butter. Whisk in 4 large eggs, one at a time, then 1 tsp vanilla extract.
Add flour mixture and mix until fully incorporated.
2. Pick Your Mix-Ins
We like a combo of crunchy, chewy, and extra sweetness, but as long as you don’t exceed 2 1/2 cups total, you’re golden! Fold in your mix-ins, then let dough sit to hydrate, covered with plastic wrap at room temperature for 10 minutes.
3. Bake the Cookies
Scoop ¼ cup mounds of the dough (you should have about 24), and space them evenly on parchment-lined sheet trays. Press tops of cookies down to form flattened discs, and bake at 350°F for 10 minutes. Rotate the pan and bake until set around the edges, about 3 minutes more.
Some Of Our Favorite Combos
Source: THE WOMEN’S HEALTH TEST KITCHEN
Photography: DANIELLE DALY
Food styling: JUDY KIM