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Chocolate Protein Cookies made with six healthy ingredients! Layered with chia, flax, peanut butter and banana, these scrumptious snacks are gluten free, dairy free, low calorie, Paleo and vegan. A simple post workout snack! Gluten Free + Paleo + Vegan + Low Calorie
Chocolate Cookies!!! Need I say more?
And these aren't just any cookies, these are YUMMY Chocolate Protein Cookies!
Once upon a time, I deprived my body of protein. I would workout, workout, workout then I would feed my body one egg white. But truthfully, I didn't know better.
Of the three macronutrients, protein is commonly the one most are not getting enough of, particularly women and those who are fitness newbies. Personally I think macro nutrition should be part of standard education because it's so important for everyone to understand and even more now with the obesity epidemic.
Eventually I realized through tracking my calories the errors of my ways and that I needed a lot more protein to recover, restore and rebuild muscle tissue from my workouts. Once I tweaked my diet, not only did I recover faster but I also saw better results from my workouts. Not to mention protein is a great way to tame the hunger monster. Cookies are too...hint...hint!
But I didn't add just any protein because quality matters and when it comes to protein powders, I'm very picky. I will only do plant-based ones that are low in sugar, are gluten and lactose free with minimal ingredients.
I know! It's a lot to ask for and it's probably why it took me so long to find one, but Vega was worth the wait! Now it's been in my life a couple years and I couldn't imagine life without it.
Awhile back Vega sent me their new Vega Sport Performance Protein. I loved it so much I put it in a Chocolate Protein Cookie. And this isn't just any chocolate cookie either. For only having 6 ingredients, this cookie's got game. Made with banana, chia, flaxseed, peanut butter and chocolate it's the perfect balance of carbs, protein and healthy fat!
Now I know what you're thinking. Protein? Why protein in a cookie?
One of the simplest baking hacks is swapping flour for protein powder (for those who didn't know that). The KEY is making sure it's a protein powder you like because no cookie is going to cover up a bad protein powder. Just sayin'.
Protein aside, who's going to say no to a CHOCOLATE cookie? I don't know about you, but I could eat a cookie any time of day. Morning, noon or night.
Chocolate Protein Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 banana very ripe
- 2 teaspoons chia seeds
- 1/4 cup flax meal
- 1 tablespoon peanut flour
- 1 cup vanilla protein powder
- 2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips dairy free
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a standing or hand mixer, mash the banana until creamy. Then add the chia and flax seeds and blend until well combined.
- To the batter, add protein powder and peanut flour (measured the right way) and mix until just combined. Do not over mix or it will become firm and hard.
- Fold in chocolate chips to the batter by hand.
- Use a small ice cream scoop to measure 6 cookies onto the baking sheet. With the palm of your hand, spread them into a circular shape as these will not spread or rise on their own.
- Bake cookies 8-9 minutes until firm and edges are browned.
- Remove cookies from the baking sheet with a spatula and place on a wire rack to cool 10 minutes prior to devouring.
Video
Notes
- Use a good protein powder that's low sugar, that you like and tastes good to give the cookies flavor.
- The banana must be very ripe in order to absorb the flours.
- For Paleo, substitute almond, sunflower or cashew flour for the peanut flour.
- Measure the flour and protein powder the right way to avoid dry and crumbly cookies.
- My Amazon shop has more products similar to those used for this recipe and that I recommend to my weight loss clients.
- If you love this recipe, check out my cookbook for more delicious recipes.
Nikki N. says
I love when I see a yummy recipe and have everything on hand! Making these asap.
Emily says
Looks yummy I need a new protein powder!
Megan says
Perfect timing!
Jessica Shoemaker says
These cookies look delicious....healthy, yet sweet enough to satisfy my want for a desert!
Megan says
Yes! That was what I was trying to do.
Heather@hungryforbalance says
I love the simplicity of this recipe! Simple recipes are my favorite.
I try really hard to make sure I get enough protein otherwise I just feel terrible.
Megan says
I'm ALL about the simple.
Judy @ Chocolaterunsjudy says
I'm not sure I've necessarily done anything wrong (although I'm actually sure I've done lots wrong!); it's just always a work in progress.
Megan says
Great attitude!
Jody - Fit at 58 says
I know this all well. Lost weight young. Back them it was about salads & no fat or protein. Learned from my mistakes!!!!
COOKIES!!!!
Megan says
I knew you would be on board with the cookies!
Alexa says
yum! these look simple and I love the nutritional stats
Megan says
Thank you!
Caroline M says
I agree, cookies are great any time of the day (or night). And chocolate, always yes 🙂
I've never used protein powder, but I've heard amazing things about Vega so I'd love to try eventually!
Megan says
Oh you need to! Sometimes I try others for fun, but they don't even compare.
Erin @ Erin's Inside Job says
This is great bc I'm almost out of the same protein powder. Also, these look magically delicious!
Megan says
Someone has Lucky Charms on the brain lol!
Sam @ PancakeWarriors says
I am seriously so in love with this new Vega protein. It's all I use now, they did an amazing job!! Can't wait to try these cookies, they might make an appearance at The Healthy Dish Co - everyone loves chocolate cookies!!
Megan says
YAY for the Health Dish Co! I'm so excited for you.
Taylor says
yum!!! I am craving a cookie now!!
Megan says
Haha a side effect of blogging!
Kim says
I am definitely going to make a batch of these cookies! They look great.
Megan says
Thank you!
Blair says
Now THIS is my kind of post-workout snack! I want to sink my teeth into one of these cookies RIGHT now! 🙂
Megan says
Who would want a cookie after a workout? Thanks Blair!
Michele @ paleorunningmomma says
These looks amazing and so healthy too! I definitely wind up eating enough protein but early on eating Paleo I hadn't yet figured out how to get enough carbs! Luckily that's no longer a problem and it was an easy fix once I learned how to prepare plantains and potatoes in so many ways 🙂
Megan says
I never thought about carbs being an issue because vegetables have a lot of carbs, but I suppose greens don't have that many. Plantains all the way!
Susie @ SuzLyfe says
I always knew about macros and stuff from nutrition classes in school, but something that I've definitely learned over the years is how to get the biggest bang for my buck absorption wise for my body
Megan says
Oh I would love to hear more about that!