Gluten-Free Protein Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Chocolate chip cookie recipes are all over the internet, but sometimes you just want a sweet treat that makes accommodations for dietary restrictions and still helps you reach your health and wellness goals. These gluten-free flourless protein chocolate chip cookies fit the bill.

They’re made with a short list of simple ingredients you may already have in your pantry (think: nut or seed butter, coconut sugar, vanilla protein powder, and the like) and they’re quick to make, easy to customize to your preferences, and the perfect treat to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Whether you’re avoiding gluten or you’re looking for more ways to increase your protein intake, this is the perfect cookie to eat at the end of a long day.

This Protein Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe Is:

• Packed with Protein: With optional nut butter as part of the base and a boost from vanilla protein powder, these healthy cookies are an ideal post-workout snack to help your muscles recover and keep you feeling full for longer.
• Gluten-Free: Because these cookies don’t contain any flour, they’re also gluten-free, so they’re perfect for those following a gluten-free diet (unlike regular chocolate chip cookies).
• Easy to Customize: Feel like adding a flavored granola butter or nut butter, change the protein powder, or stir in other dairy-free candies, dried fruits, and other mix-ins.

Ingredients

• 2 eggs
• 2/3 cup granola butter, peanut butter, sunflower seed butter, or nut butter of your choice (cashew butter or almond butter would be a great choice)
• ½ cup coconut sugar or regular sugar (either granulated sugar or brown sugar)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup vanilla protein powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt
• ½ cup chocolate chips (you could also use dark chocolate chips)

Directions

1. Prep the baking sheet: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Combine the sugar, eggs, and nut butter: Whisk the sugar, eggs, vanilla, and nut butter in a large mixing bowl until smooth.
3. Add the dry ingredients: Add the protein powder, baking soda, and salt to the bowl and mix until just combined.
4. Add chocolate chips: Add the chocolate chips to the cookie dough and gently fold them in until they’re evenly mixed into the dough.
5. Scoop the cookies: Using a spoon, cookie scoop, or measuring spoon, scoop about 2 tablespoons of cookie dough and roll it into a ball. Place on the prepared sheet pan and flatten it to the thickness you’d like the cookie to be (they won’t spread very much while baking).
6. Bake: Put the cookies in the oven and bake them for about 8-12 minutes or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown, but the centers of the cookies are still a little bit soft.
7. Cool: When the cookies are done, take them out of the oven and let the cool on the cookie sheet for 20 minutes to help them firm up before you transfer them to a wire rack. Once they’re completely cool, pack them in an airtight container and store.

Tips & Tricks for the Best Protein Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Make sure you don’t overbake: You want these cookies to stay soft and chewy, so make sure you don’t let them get too dry.
• Give them time to cool: Don’t try to rush them off the baking sheet or you might end up with a crumbled mess. Let the cookies cool and firm up on the sheet pan before moving them to the wire cooling rack.
• Switch up the flavor: Use a chocolate protein powder, add cinnamon or cardamom, or add some raisins.

Recipe Variations

• Swirl in marshmallow for a s’mores-style cookie.
• Stir in chopped nuts like pecans, almonds, hazelnuts, or walnuts for extra texture.
• Add shredded coconut.
• Use white chocolate chips (dairy-free if needed) instead of the regular chocolate chips and stir in dried cranberries for a slightly different take.
• Add oats and candy buttons for a monster cookie twist.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How can I make these protein chocolate chip cookies vegan?

Use a flax egg or a chia egg in place of the eggs and make sure to use a plant-based protein powder to make these protein powder cookies vegan.

What kind of protein powder should I use in this chocolate chip protein cookies recipe?

You can use your favorite vanilla-flavored protein powder. Unflavored protein powder can work in this recipe too, but you want to make sure you like the taste of whichever protein powder you use because it will come through in these healthy protein cookies. The protein powder you use can be plant-based, whey, casein, or whatever you like best! Pea protein powder and other vegan protein powders will keep this recipe dairy-free.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Of course! For best results, freeze them. Once they’re completely cool, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to serve them, thaw them or warm them up in the oven.

For a sweet, gluten-free treat that’s still packed with protein, look no further than these protein chocolate chip cookies. They’re a satisfying treat any time of the day.