No Bake Protein Cookies

These No Bake Protein Cookies may be the easiest healthy treat ever. Made in just 5 minutes, these easy protein powder cookies are perfect for desserts, breakfasts and post-workout snacks! Vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free recipe.

Whenever I say that I have dessert every day, people ask me how I can still be in shape. My answer is quite simple. First thing first, I allow myself to eat a bit of everything in moderation. Over the year I came to let go of food restrictions, and this keeps me from overeating on “forbidden foods”. Second secret is making my own healthy desserts at home, with wholesome ingredients and better macros. 

It is when entering the second argument that most people turn their heel and say goodbye. “Dear Matteo, I wish I could bake my own healthy stuff at home. But I have neither time nor desire. I’d rather go without or buy food from the store”. 

If this describes you, I may have something for you. Something sweet and tasty. My easy protein cookie recipe! Follow the instructions in this blog post and in a matter of minutes you’ll get a batch of cookies ready to enjoy. No need for baking. The best part? They are vegan, gluten-free, healthy, packed with protein and so delicious!

The ingredients for no bake protein cookies

• Oat flour. As these are no bake cookies, you should be sure to use oat flour. Unlike normal flour, oats can be consumed raw without issues. If it is necessary, choose certified gluten-free oat flour. You can replace with almond flour or rolled oats, if desired.
• Protein powder. Use your favorite protein powder; this recipe can be prepared with either whey, casein or plant based protein powder (read further for more details). In terms of flavor, I recommend vanilla, chocolate or unflavored protein powder.
• Nut butter. The nut butter will help your dough get smooth and stick together without the need for eggs. You can use any nut butter you want – peanut, almond, cashew or hazelnut butter, they will all work. For nut free cookies, replace with tahini or sunflower seed butter. 
• Maple syrup. This is by far my favorite option when it comes to making healthy recipes. You are free to replace with any other liquid sweetener, such as honey, agave syrup, date syrup or sugar-free maple syrup. But remember, these no bake protein oatmeal cookies can only be made with liquid sweetener, granulated sugars do not work.

Optional mix-ins

I can proudly say I am a “boring” person and I like my cookies to be simple. Oats, protein powder, nut butter and nada más. But maybe you are looking for something more exciting. If it is the case, this recipe is for you. From chocolate chips to crunchy walnuts, the ways how you can customize your no bake cookies with protein powder are endless. And if you still need inspiration, here are some ideas for you.

• Chocolate chips: Dark chocolate chips, semisweet chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips or sugar-free chocolate chips. 
• Nuts: Crushed walnuts, pecans, almonds, cashews, hazelnuts.
• Seeds: Pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, flaxseeds, poppy seeds.
• Dried fruits: Raisins, cranberries, dried berries, dried apple.
• Fresh fruit: Blueberries, raspberries, a mix of fresh berries, apple chunks, diced pear, pieces of mango. 
• Flavors and spices: Ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, nutmeg, cocoa powder.

Which protein powder for cookies?

These no bake protein oatmeal cookies can be prepared with vegan protein powder, casein or whey. Nevertheless, your choice may require adaptations because different types of protein powder show different characteristics. What you should know for this recipe is that:

• Vegan protein powder and casein absorb plenty of moisture. You will probably need to mix in a drop of extra milk, until the dough gets soft and smooth.
• Whey protein powder dissolves easily. If it is necessary, fix the dough with additional oat flour until it reaches a good consistency. It should be neither too wet nor too thick.

Keto no bake protein cookies

If you follow a low carb diet, keep on reading because I have great news for you. Making no bake protein cookies keto is very simple. Follow the same recipe down here, but replace oat flour with almond flour or hazelnut flour. Differently from oats, they are poor in carbs and will allow you to whip up a batch of cookies for your diet. Additionally, you will want to substitute maple syrup with sugar-free syrups that won’t add extra carbs.

Low calorie protein cookies

Are you looking for low calorie snack ideas? Then look no further and read this. Making low calorie cookies with protein powder is very simple. All you should do is following the two tips which you’re going to find down here.

• Replace nut butter with powdered peanut butter. Mix the powder with little water until smooth, then use it to prepare the dough.
• Sweetens with sugar-free syrups such as zero maple syrup or honey. Not only you will cut sugars, but also the amount of calories that each cookie provides.

How to make no bake protein cookies

Step 1: Prepare the dough. In a large bowl, start by combining oat flour with protein powder, maple syrup and nut butter. Stir well until you get a soft mixture, first with a fork and then using your hands. If it is necessary, adjust with more oat flour or with a drop of milk. This depends on the protein powder that you are using.

Step 2: Make the cookies. Shape the cookies and place over a baking tray or plate lined with parchment paper. Finally, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Recipe variations

• Chocolate chip protein cookies. Stir in a handful of chocolate chips. For less sugar and more benefits I recommend dark chocolate, but also milk or semi-sweet chocolate chips will work great. Use sugar-free options if preferred.
• Protein cookies with nuts and seeds. Add a crunchy touch by mixing in pieces of walnuts, pecans, almonds, pumpkin seeds or a mix of those.
• Dark chocolate protein cookies. Replace 30 grams (1/3 cup) of the oats with cocoa powder, mix in extra chocolate chips and enjoy. Also, I recommend using chocolate protein powder.
• White chocolate protein cookies. As simple as this, enrich the taste experience with the addition of some good white chocolate chips. On top of sugar-free white chocolate, I like white chocolate protein powder.
• Protein oatmeal raisin cookies. A reinterpretation of the classic, make your no bake protein cookies with additional raisins, nuts and seeds if you want.
• Peanut butter protein cookies. Just make sure to use peanut butter as the nut butter of your choice and you’re set to go!

Tips for the best no bake protein powder cookies

You think you have learnt everything about these no-bake protein oat cookies. This recipe has no secret, right? Wrong! Here are a couple of extra tips to make the BEST protein cookies ever.

• Make these no-bake cookies with vanilla, chocolate or unflavored protein powder. These are simple flavors that won’t spoil the taste profile.
• Opt for smooth and creamy nut butter. If the nut butter is too thick, you will have a hard time mixing the dough. Chef recommendation: choose almond butter!
• Customize your fitness cookies with extra chocolate chips, chopped nuts, seeds, raisins or dried cranberries.
• Allow the cookies to rest in the fridge for at least half an hour before eating. This way they will get the perfect taste and texture.

Storage information 

After preparing, place your no bake cookies in a food container and refrigerate. In the fridge, they will last for up to four days. For a longer storage you can wrap them in sealable zipper bags and freeze for as long as three months.

FAQ – Frequently asked questions

More high protein snacks and desserts

• No bake protein balls
• Cookie dough protein bars
• Protein frozen dessert
• Low calorie protein brownies
• Chocolate protein balls
• Moist protein banana bread
• Pumpkin protein muffins
• Fudgy flourless protein brownies