Cookie Dough Protein Bar Recipe

Let's be real, we all deserve some sweet snacks and often forget about accounting for a snack or dessert during our weekly meal prep. 

Until now... You'll never forget again after making this cookie dough protein bar recipe. This vegan-friendly and clean eating recipe packs 13 grams of protein per bar and can be whipped up in less than 10 minutes. Better yet, make a double batch and freeze half for later! 

How to Plan Healthy Snacks for Meal Prep 

When first starting to meal prep, we often get caught up in thinking about our main meals for the day and forget about the snacks and sweet in-between. 

It's reasonable to spend more time planning out your breakfasts, lunch, and dinner but having nutritious snacks for a mid-morning or mid-afternoon energy boost is a healthy part of a balanced diet! 

Everyone is going to have a different meal plan, meal timing, and health goals, and adding in nutrient dense snacks is an easy way to help you hit your macros and sustain energy throughout your day. 

These homemade cookie dough protein bars are a great way to increase your protein intake and satisfy your sweet tooth.

With a few simple ingredients, you can mimic the taste and texture of raw cookie dough without having to worry about eating raw eggs.

As well, this recipe is naturally sweetened with dates and a little touch of maple syrup, making it is gluten-free and vegan

If you're not sure how much you should be eating per day, calculate your nutrition needs below. 

How to Make Cookie Dough Protein Bars

Prep Time: 10 minutes 
Cook Time: 0
Servings: 16 bars 

Ingredients

For the base of the bar:

  • 3/4 cup Almond Flour (Bob's Red Mill recommended)
  • 9 oz protein powder (Use a plant-based option to make these vegan)
  • 1/4 cup oats 
  • 8 dates, pitted 
  • Dash of salt
  • 1/4 cup smooth nut butter
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup 
  • 1/4 cup almond milk 
  • Dash of vanilla extract

For the topping:

  • 1/2 cup of semi sweet chocolate chips
  • 1/4 cup almond milk 
  • 1 teaspoon coconut oil 

Kitchen Tools

  • Sheet pan, preferably a 1/4 sheet pan (pictured below)
  • Food Processor 
  • 2 Medium stainless bowls
  • Sauce pan
  • Spatula or wooden spoon
  • Refrigerator
  • Cutting board
  • Serrated knife

Step 1 : Make Your Cookie Dough Base 

cooking dough protien bar ingredients blending in food processor

In the base of a food processor combine the oats, protein powder, almond flour and dates, blend 1-2 minutes until combined thoroughly. 

The add all of the other ingredients, and pulse until the dough forms. 

protein cookie dough bar recipe in food processor

Line a sheet tray with parchment paper and spray oil with oil to create a non-stick surface. Transfer the almond butter-protein 'dough' to the bottom of the sheet pan. Spread out evenly to make an even layer bar.  If desired, add an extra 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the dough mix. However, this would increase the carb count.

You can also fold in ingredients like dried fruit or crush toasted nuts. 

 

protein cookie dough bar recipe on sheet tray

Step 2: Temper the Chocolate Topping

melting chocolate for protein cookie dough bar

In a small non-stick sauce pan heat the chocolate chips with 2 tablespoons of almond milk or milk of choice, and the coconut oil. 

Remove from heat and spread evenly on top of the cookie dough base. 

Step 3: Make the 'Mother' Protein Bar & Refrigerate

protein cookie dough bar recipe on sheet tray with choclate

Refrigerate the protein bar in the refrigerator for 10 minutes, or until the chocolate has set completely.

Step 4: Remove 'Mother' Bar from Pan

protein cookie dough bars on counter top

To remove protein bar from the pan, carefully separate the protein bar from the mold by cutting around the edges of the pan, making sure all sides are completely detached.

In one swift movement, turn the mold upside down, carefully knocking the pan against the cutting board. This should help the protein bar fall from the pan into the board. If it doesn’t, push the bottom of the pan, gently knocking the pan again. Ideally, the bar should come out in one piece.

Cut into 16 even squares and enjoy. 

Storing No-Bake Protein Bars

Store your bars in the fridge for a easy grab and go snack or freeze them for later. 


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Cookie Dough Protein Bar Recipe

COOK TIME:

0 min

PREP TIME:

10 min

YIELD:

16

DESCRIPTION

These healthy no-bake cookie dough protein bars are a simple and super delicious recipe you can make as part of your meal prep.

INGREDIENTS

    For the Base:

  • 3/4 cup almond flour
  • 9 oz protein powder
  • 1/4 cup oats
  • 8 dates, pitted
  • Dash of salt
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup almond milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • For the chocolate topping:

  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips
  • 1/4 cup almond milk
  • 1 teaspoon coconut oil

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. In the base of a food processor combine the oats, protein powder, almond flour, and dates, blend 1-2 minutes until combined thoroughly. Add all of the other ingredients, and pulse until the dough forms. Remove the dough from the mixer and fold in the chocolate chips using a spatula.

  2. Line a sheet tray with parchment paper and spray oil with oil to create a non-stick surface. Transfer the almond butter-protein 'dough' to the bottom of the sheet pan. Spread out evenly to make an even layer bar. Add an extra 1/2 cup of chocolate chips if desired.

  3. In a small non-stick saucepan heat the chocolate chips with 2 tablespoons of almond milk or milk of choice, and the coconut oil. Remove from heat and spread evenly on top of the cookie dough base.

  4. Refrigerate the protein bar in the refrigerator for 10 minutes, or until the chocolate has set completely. To remove the protein bar from the pan, carefully separate the protein bar from the mold by cutting around the edges of the pan, making sure all sides are completely detached. Cut into 16 pieces.

NUTRITION FACTS

Servings: 16 | Calories Per Serving: 200

  • Total Fat 8g
    14%
  • Cholesterol 0mg
    0%
  • Sodium 170 mg
    7%
  • Total Carbohydrates 20g
    7%
  • Sugars 12g
    6%
  • Protein 15g
  • Vitamin A
  • Vitamin C