As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Learn how to make protein cookies with Greek yogurt, no need for protein powder. Ready in 15 minutes, believe me when I say that this is best protein cookie recipe ever. Low carb, low calorie, high protein and irresistibly delicious.
67 calories per cookie only!
I came up with this simple protein cookie recipe after making my Greek yogurt brownies. Tasting – and loving – the brownies, my girlfriend suggested using a similar recipe to make blondies. That’s love – although she’s team brownies, she knows I prefer blondies. But we both love cookies, so why not making protein cookies with Greek yogurt?!
Protein cookies without protein powder
If you want to make protein cookies without protein powder, this recipe is for you!
Made with four basic ingredients only, each cookies has 7 grams of protein and just 67 calories. The secret behind this recipe is making protein cookies with Greek yogurt. No need for protein powder! Greek yogurt is one of my favorite foods ever: healthy, high protein, low in calories and incredibly versatile. It is the perfect ingredient for yogurt bowls, pancakes, brownies and now even protein cookies!
Ingredients for protein cookies
This protein cookie recipe is incredibly simple. It only requires four basic, healthy ingredients – and there is no need for protein powder! You can easily find everything at your local grocery store, but in case something is missing…I’ve included a list of substitutes for you.
Here is all you need to make simple protein cookies with Greek yogurt, including more details and replacement options.
- Greek yogurt: this simple protein cookie recipe can be prepared with either low-fat or full-fat Greek yogurt. As an alternative you can use Skyr, quark or a firm plant-based yogurt of your choice.
- Almond flour: for protein Greek yogurt cookies that are also low in calories and fats, this recipe uses defatted almond flour. You can replace with full-fat almond flour, or even oat flour in case you can’t find almond flour.
- Granular sweetener: this recipe uses erythritol as a calorie-free and sugar-free option. You can replace with your favorite calorie-free granular sweetener, coconut sugar or brown sugar.
- Egg: this ingredient will add taste and bind the dough. Although I do not recommend it, for Greek yogurt cookies that are lower in calories you can replace the egg with 60 ml (1/4 cup) of egg whites.
Besides these four main ingredients, you can add some extras and take your protein cookies to the next level. Honestly, chocolate chip protein cookies are everything!
- Vanilla extract: for more flavor, make sure you add 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Believe me, it will make the difference!
- Sea salt: a pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the taste of your Greek yogurt cookies.
- Chocolate chips: for healthier protein cookies, you can make this recipe with extra dark chocolate chips without added sugars. Free to substitute with any chocolate chips you like.
- Chopped nuts, almonds, seeds: add chopped nuts and seeds if you want a crunchy experience!
Protein powder cookies
For extra protein, you can also add to this Greek yogurt cookie recipe a scoop of protein powder. The protein powder should replace a portion of the almond flour. But not all of it. Otherwise the protein cookies will come out pretty dry. As a rule of thumb, replace 30 grams (or 1/3 cup) of the almond flour with protein powder, adjusting with more flour if the dough is too sticky (in the case of whey) or with more yogurt if it is too thick (in the case of vegan protein or casein).
Dairy-free protein cookies
Making dairy-free protein cookies is very simple. All you have to do is replacing the Greek yogurt with a plant based alternative of your choice, as long as it has a firm, thick texture. Once again, this protein cookie recipe only works with a THICK yogurt!
How to make Greek yogurt cookies
Start by combining in a large mixing bowl Greek yogurt with the egg, the granular sweetener (I use erythritol), the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Gradually sift in the almond flour and mix until you get a smooth cookie dough. Optionally, you can now fold in the chocolate chips.
Scoop out some dough and shape 9 cookies. Transfer the protein cookies to a parchment paper covered baking sheet, making sure to space the cookies apart.
Bake the protein cookies in hot oven for 10 to 15 minutes. Let the cool before serving.
How to store Greek yogurt cookies
After baking, let the Greek yogurt cookies cool at room temperature, best if over a baking rack. Then, once cooled, seal the cookies in an airtight food container and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. In the fridge! I do not recommend keeping them at room temperature.
For a longer storage, freeze the protein cookies in an airtight food container or in a freezer zipping bag for up to 3 months. Before serving, reheat in hot oven for a couple of minutes.
More protein cookie recipes
- Oatmeal protein cookies
- 2 minute protein cookie for one
- Banana protein cookies with egg whites
- Oatmeal protein cookie dough bars
Protein Cookies with Greek Yogurt
Ingredients
- 220 grams (1 cup) thick Greek yogurt, low-fat or full fat
- 1 egg
- 80 grams (1/3 cup 1 tbsp) granular sweetener, erythritol
- 90 to 100 grams (ca. 1 cup) almond flour, defatted or full-fat, replace with oat flour
Optional Ingredients
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- pinch salt
- chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 190ºC (375°F).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt with egg, granular sweetener (erythritol), vanilla extract and pinch of salt. Stir until creamy.
- Gradually sift in almond flour and mix until you get a smooth dough (based on the Greek yogurt texture you may need to add more flour if the dough is too sticky). Optionally, you can now fold in the chocolate chips.
- Scoop out some dough and shape 9 cookies. Transfer the protein cookies to a parchment paper covered baking sheet, spacing cookies apart.
- Bake the protein cookies in hot oven for 10 to 15 minutes. Let the Greek yogurt cookies cool before serving.
Notes
- Nutritional values for cookies made with defatted almond flour, calorie-free sweetener and no extra chocolate chips.
LOVED these
Hey Rabia,
thanks a lot for your kind review. It truly makes me happy that you liked my protein Greek yogurt cookies ๐
Have a great day,
Matteo
These came out good! I added some coconut flour as my dough was a bit wet. They do not look like the pictures but we enjoyed them!! Thanks ๐
Hey Susan,
thanks a lot for your kind feedback! So glad you liked these high protein cookies.
Have a great day,
Matteo
Great Recipe and presentation, I love it.
Hey Sam,
thanks a lot for your comment! I am so glad that you liked my recipe for protein cookies ๐
Have a great day,
Matteo
I was curious to try it as I often use Greek yoghurt and flower in baking, but to make bread and pizza doughs. Unfortunately the consistency turned out very much a bread rather than a cookie. Not completely inedible but not great and definitely nowhere near cookies
More like oven baked pancakes rather than cookies
Great simple and delicious recipe thank you
My mixture was too runny which i think was the yoghurt i had but i turned them into muffins hahaha and they tasted great ?
Hey dear Jane,
thanks a lot for your kind feedback! I am glad to hear that you liked these Greek yogurt protein cookies ๐
Regarding the consistency of the dough, it truly depends on the consistency of the yogurt used. If the Greek yogurt is not thick and firm, the mixture may come out a bit runny. Well, at least they tasted good ahah. Also, if you are looking for more healthy muffin recipes with yogurt, then I recommend my protein muffins! I bet you will love them ๐
I wish you a great day,
Matteo
Mine were very runny. I added a lot more almond flour (total 2.5 c) and about 2T of vanilla whey protein powder (drying power!). They baked up ok like that and had not unpleasant flavor… And then I ate one straight out of the freezer. Omg it tasted like an ice cream sandwich. Best surprise ever. Keep up the good work!
Hey dear Ann,
thanks a lot for your feedback. I’m so glad you liked my recipe ๐ Stay tuned for more!!
Have a great day,
Matteo
Mine turns out like shortbread. Not bad, but 80grams of sweetener was too sweet for me
Hey Jess,
thank you for your comment. I am glad to hear you tried my recipe…and regarding the sweetener, it really comes down to personal preferences. I acknowledge that 80 grams may be a bit too much if you are not used to sweet flavors.
Have a great day,
Matteo
Tasted amazing. I also substituted 1/3 cup of flour for protein powder. That being said, the reason it isn’t 5 stars is they turned out really doughy. Almost like a soft bread. Really moist and tasty, but not cookies.
I made the cookies using 60% coconut flour and 40% oat flour instead of the almond flour, and they literally tasted like bounty cookies (chocolate chips are necessary ofc). I will be making them again for sure and I can only recommend the recipe.
Good morning my dear Daria!
Thank you very much for your comment, I am incredibly happy that you liked my recipe. I will definitely have to try the version with oat flour and coconut flour, it sounds delicious!
Have a great Sunday,
Matteo