Delicious No Bake Protein Cookies Recipe - Quick & Healthy Snack

Welcome to the FIRST recipe blog here at Dump Your Diet!

I was going to send this in a basic email, but thought - hey - why NOT add to my to do list today - and let’s turn it into a blog.

It’s mid July (tomorrow is my bday actually) and WOW it is hot. The *last* thing I want to do is turn on the oven to bake something when it’s already 110+ outside, so this is when I turn to my cache of no-bake recipes.

I’m super excited to share one of my favorite cookies: No Bake Protein Cookies.

While I can’t tout these as high protein cookies (depending on your preferences for the amount of protein powder you dump in) they are fairly well balanced between protein, carbs, and fats with the OG recipe.

These cookies are not only delicious but also the perfect snack for anyone looking to boost their energy levels mid-day or satisfy a late night sweet tooth. PRO TIP: they make a great pre-workout snack!

With a prep time of just 20 minutes and no baking required, they're convenient and easy to make and bonus: meal prep friendly.

Ingredients List

Before we dive into the step-by-step directions, let's take a look at the ingredients you'll need for this recipe. This recipe yields 24 servings, making it perfect for meal prep or sharing with friends and family.

• 2 cups (160g) rolled oats
• ½ cup (50g) vanilla protein powder
• 1 cup (260g) natural peanut butter
• ½ cup (120ml) honey
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• ¼ cup (60ml) water
• ⅓ cup (55g) white chocolate chips

Notes on Ingredient Substitutions and Additions:

• Make these nut-free by using sunflower butter instead of peanut butter.
• For a different flavor profile, you can use almond butter.
• Increase the protein content by using a full cup of protein powder.
• Experiment with different protein powder flavors like chocolate or chai.
• Top the cookies with alternatives to white chocolate; the options are endless!

Nutritional Value

Here's the nutritional breakdown per serving of these no bake protein cookies:

• Calories: 124
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 14g

Dietary Information:

• Low Carb (20g per serving)
• Meal Prep Friendly
• Vegetarian
• Contains Nuts

Preparation

Preparing these delicious no bake protein cookies is simple and straightforward. Follow these steps to get started:

1. Gather Your Ingredients: Ensure you have all the ingredients measured and ready to go. This will make the process smoother and quicker.
2. Prepare Your Equipment: You'll need a high-speed blender, a baking sheet, and a microwave-safe bowl.

Tips for Efficient Preparation:

• Use a measuring cup or kitchen scale for precise measurements.
• Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Blending the Ingredients

Now, let's move on to blending the ingredients to form the cookie dough.

1. Combine Ingredients: Place the rolled oats, vanilla protein powder, natural peanut butter, honey, vanilla extract, and water into a high-speed blender.
2. Blend Until Smooth: Blend the mixture for 2-3 minutes. Stop occasionally to scrape down the sides to ensure all ingredients are fully incorporated. If the mixture is too dry, add a little more water, one tablespoon at a time, until a doughy consistency is achieved.

Tips for Achieving the Perfect Dough Consistency:

• The dough should be sticky enough to hold its shape but soft enough to press your thumb into it.
• Avoid over-blending, which can make the dough too runny.

Forming the Cookies

With the dough ready, it's time to shape the cookies.

1. Shape the Cookies: Use 1½ tablespoons of dough to form each cookie. Roll the dough into balls using your hands.
2. Create Thumbprints: Place the balls on a baking sheet. Use a teaspoon or your finger to press a hole in the center of each cookie, creating a thumbprint.

Tips for Creating the Thumbprint:

• Ensure the thumbprints are deep enough to hold the white chocolate filling.
• If the dough is too sticky, lightly wet your hands to make rolling easier.

Adding the Chocolate

Next, we add the delicious white chocolate to our cookies.

1. Melt the White Chocolate: Place the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully melted.
2. Fill the Thumbprints: Using a teaspoon, fill each thumbprint with approximately ½ teaspoon of melted white chocolate.

Alternatives to White Chocolate:

• You can use dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even caramel instead of white chocolate.
• For a healthier option, consider using melted almond butter or a drizzle of honey.

Freezing and Storing

After adding the chocolate, it's time to chill the cookies so they set properly.

1. Freeze the Cookies: Place the baking sheet with the cookies into the freezer. Let them chill for about 30 minutes, or until the chocolate has set.
2. Store the Cookies: Once the cookies are set, transfer them to an airtight container. They can be stored on the countertop for up to 5 days.

Storage Tips and Duration:

• If you prefer a firmer texture, store the cookies in the refrigerator.
• For longer storage, keep the cookies in the freezer; they can last up to a month.

Increasing Protein Content

If you’re looking to boost the protein content of your cookies, here are some tips:

1. Use a Full Cup of Protein Powder: Increase the protein powder quantity from ½ cup to a full cup. This will significantly up the protein content per serving.
2. Add in some Pasteurized Egg Whites: these are safe to eat without cooking, just know you may need to sprinkle in some more protein powder or add in some flour of choosing to help bring the dough together.

Benefits of Increased Protein:

• Higher protein content helps with muscle repair and growth.
• Keeps you feeling full longer, making these cookies a great snack option.

Topping Variations

While white chocolate is a delicious topping, there are numerous other options you can try to keep things interesting:

1. Dark Chocolate Chips: Melted dark chocolate can be a healthier alternative with a richer taste.
2. Nut Butter Drizzle: Drizzle almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter on top for added flavor and texture.
3. Dried Fruits: Add a few pieces of dried cranberries, raisins, or apricots on top for a fruity touch.
4. Seeds and Nuts: Sprinkle chia seeds, flaxseeds, or chopped nuts for extra crunch and nutrition.

Creative Topping Ideas:

• Try combining different toppings for unique flavor combinations.
• Seasonal toppings like pumpkin spice in the fall or peppermint in the winter can add a festive touch.

When to Serve

These no bake protein cookies are versatile and can be enjoyed in various settings:

1. Post-Workout Snack: With their high protein content, these cookies are perfect for a quick recovery snack after a workout.
2. Midday Energy Boost: Keep a few cookies at your desk for a healthy and energizing midday snack.
3. Dessert Alternative: Enjoy these cookies as a guilt-free dessert option after meals.

Pairing Suggestions:

• Pair with a protein shake for an additional protein boost.
• Enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.

Free Nutrition Review

As a special offer for our DYD community, I am excited to provide a free nutrition review - yes, 100% free! This review includes a comprehensive analysis of your current diet and personalized recommendations to help you achieve your health goals.

1. How to Get Your Free Nutrition Review:
• Submit the form here:  https://www.dumpyourdiet.com/nutrition-audit-submission
• You’ll fill out an in depth questionnaire, and send back a food log! 
• Coach Elena will review your information and provide personalized feedback based on where you are at in your journey right now.

Benefits of a Nutrition Review:

• Gain insights into your current nutritional intake.
• Receive tailored advice to improve your diet and overall health.

Common Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about our no bake protein cookies, along with helpful answers:

1. Can I Use a Different Sweetener Instead of Honey?
• Yes, you can substitute honey with maple syrup, agave nectar, or any other liquid sweetener of your choice. Keep in mind that this might slightly alter the taste and texture.
2. How Long Can I Store These Cookies?
• These cookies can be stored on the countertop for up to 5 days, in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or in the freezer for up to a month.
3. Can I Make These Cookies Gluten-Free?
• Yes, you can use gluten-free rolled oats to make the cookies gluten-free.
• Note: all oats are by default 'gluten free' but if you are more sensitive to cross contanimation or diagnosed with Celiac, opt for a certified gluten free oats option.]

Troubleshooting

Even with the best instructions, you might encounter a few challenges while making these cookies. Here are some common problems and their solutions:

1. Dough is Too Dry:
• If your dough is too dry and crumbly, add water a tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency is achieved.
• Ensure you're using a creamy peanut butter rather than a dry or chunky one.
2. Dough is Too Sticky:
• If the dough is too sticky to handle, refrigerate it for 10-15 minutes to firm up.
• Lightly coat your hands with water or a bit of oil to make rolling easier.
3. Cookies Not Holding Shape:
• Make sure you blend the ingredients thoroughly to form a cohesive dough.
• If the cookies still don’t hold their shape, add a bit more rolled oats to the mixture.

Final Thoughts

These no bake protein cookies are a versatile and nutritious snack that you can easily customize to suit your preferences. They're perfect for meal prep, providing a quick and healthy snack with a balanced macronutrient profile. Whether you enjoy them post-workout, as an afternoon snack, or as a dessert alternative, these cookies are sure to satisfy.

We hope you enjoy making and eating these cookies as much as we do! Don’t forget to share your variations and experiences in the comments below. Your feedback is valuable to us and helps us create even better recipes for you.