Protein Cookie Dough Bites Recipe

Irresistible Protein Cookie Dough Bites Recipe for Sweet Cravings

Whipping up some delightful protein cookie dough bites can turn an ordinary afternoon into a sweet adventure.

Sneaky nutrients blend perfectly with rich chocolate chips in this guilt-free treat.

Crumbly textures meet creamy goodness, creating a snack that satisfies serious cravings.

Healthy ingredients dance together, promising a delectable experience for anyone seeking a smart indulgence.

Mixing takes mere minutes, making this recipe a game-changer for busy people.

Comfort meets nutrition in every single bite, proving that wellness can be seriously delicious.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe and start blending right away.

Why Healthy High Protein Cookie Dough Bites Are A Must Try
  • Quick to Create: Minimal ingredients and simple steps make these protein cookie dough bites a breeze to prepare for anyone craving a healthy snack.
  • Nutrient-Packed Powerhouse: Loaded with protein from chickpea flour and protein powder, these bites offer a delicious way to boost your daily nutritional intake without sacrificing flavor.
  • Customizable Treat: Easily personalize your cookie dough by swapping add-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or candy pieces to match your taste preferences and keep things exciting.
  • Guilt-Free Indulgence: Satisfy your sweet tooth with a nutritious alternative to traditional cookie dough, making it a smart choice for health-conscious snackers looking to enjoy a tasty treat.
Dry Ingredients:
  • Chickpea Flour: A gluten-free flour that provides a nutty base for the cookie dough bites.
  • Protein Powder: Adds extra protein and helps bind the ingredients together.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookie dough bites.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Natural Peanut Butter: Creates a creamy texture and adds rich, nutty flavor to the dough.
  • Maple Syrup, Honey: Provides natural sweetness and helps hold the ingredients together.
  • Vanilla Extract: Brings a classic sweet flavor and aromatic depth to the recipe.
Mix-Ins:
  • Mini Chocolate Chips, Candy Pieces, Chopped Nuts: Add texture, extra flavor, and make the cookie dough bites more fun and interesting.

Step 1: Blend Dry Foundations

Grab a mixing bowl and combine chickpea flour, protein powder, and salt. Whisk these ingredients thoroughly until they’re perfectly blended, creating a smooth dry base for your cookie dough adventure.

Step 2: Merge Creamy Wet Components

Introduce natural peanut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract into your dry mixture. Stir everything together until the ingredients transform into a cohesive, slightly sticky dough that promises deliciousness.

Ingredients:
  • Chickpea flour
  • Protein powder
  • Salt
  • Natural peanut butter
  • Maple syrup
  • Vanilla extract

Step 3: Sprinkle Exciting Mix-Ins

Gently fold in these delightful additions:
  • Mini chocolate chips
  • Colorful candy pieces
  • Chopped nuts

Ensure these goodies are evenly distributed for maximum flavor in every single bite.

Step 4: Shape Tempting Dough Spheres

Using your hands, roll the mixture into small, bite-sized balls. Aim for approximately 1-inch diameter spheres. You’ll likely create 12-15 delectable morsels depending on your preferred size.

Step 5: Chill and Set

Transfer the dough balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or plate. For extra visual appeal, press additional chocolate chips or candy pieces on top. Refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes to help them firm up perfectly.

Step 6: Savor and Store

Your protein-packed treats are now ready to devour! Enjoy them straight from the refrigerator or at room temperature. Store any remaining bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay fresh for up to one week.

  • Boost Protein Power: Add an extra scoop of protein powder for a more intense protein punch without changing the texture.
  • Swap Ingredients Smartly: Replace peanut butter with almond or sunflower seed butter for nut-free or different flavor variations.
  • Freeze for Later: These bites freeze beautifully for up to 3 months, making them a perfect make-ahead healthy snack.
  • Control Sweetness Easily: Adjust maple syrup quantity to reduce sugar content while maintaining the dough's delicious taste.
  • Keep Texture Perfect: If the dough feels too dry, add a splash of milk or extra nut butter to achieve the ideal consistency.
  • Vegan Protein Power Bites: Replace chickpea flour with almond flour, use plant-based protein powder, swap peanut butter for sunflower seed butter, and use maple syrup as the sweetener for a completely vegan-friendly version.
  • Keto-Friendly Low-Carb Nuggets: Substitute chickpea flour with almond flour, use sugar-free sweetener like erythritol, replace maple syrup with liquid stevia, and choose sugar-free chocolate chips to create a low-carb alternative.
  • Gluten-Free Energy Balls: Use certified gluten-free protein powder, swap chickpea flour for rice flour or certified gluten-free oat flour, and ensure all mix-ins are gluten-free certified for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Pair Chocolate Milk for Decadent Delight: Creamy chocolate milk complements the rich, sweet notes of the cookie dough bites, creating a nostalgic and indulgent flavor combination that enhances the chocolate chips and nutty undertones.
  • Match with Cold Brew Coffee: Bold, smooth cold brew coffee provides a sophisticated contrast to the sweet bites, cutting through the richness while offering a refreshing caffeine boost that elevates the protein-packed snack.
  • Serve with Greek Yogurt Smoothie: A protein-packed Greek yogurt smoothie with berries creates a balanced nutritional profile, adding tangy freshness that brightens the cookie dough's sweetness and supports the high-protein theme of the recipe.
  • Transfer cookie dough bites into an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Keep them chilled for up to 7 days, maintaining their texture and freshness.
  • Arrange bites on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Frozen bites will last 2-3 months, perfect for meal prepping or future snacking.
  • Remove desired number of bites from freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, place in refrigerator overnight for gentle defrosting without compromising texture.
  • Gently warm bites in microwave for 5-10 seconds if you prefer a slightly soft texture.
  • Are these cookie dough bites actually healthy?

Yes! They’re packed with protein from chickpea flour and protein powder, use natural sweeteners like maple syrup, and contain no refined sugars or unhealthy fats.

  • Can I make these bites gluten-free?

Absolutely! Chickpea flour is naturally gluten-free, so these bites are already gluten-free. Just ensure your protein powder and add-ins are also gluten-free.

  • Do I need any special equipment to make these?

Not at all! You only need a mixing bowl, your hands, and a baking sheet or plate. No mixer or fancy tools required.

  • How can I modify the recipe for different dietary needs?

You can easily swap peanut butter with almond butter, use vegan protein powder, or replace maple syrup with a sugar-free alternative to suit various dietary preferences.

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Protein Cookie Dough Bites Recipe

Protein Cookie Dough Bites Recipe


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4.5 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Protein-packed cookie dough bites bring guilt-free indulgence straight from your kitchen. Healthy ingredients blend seamlessly to create a delightful snack you’ll crave after workouts or as a sweet midday treat.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup natural peanut butter (or almond butter)
  • 1/4 cup protein powder (vanilla or chocolate flavored)
  • 1 cup chickpea flour

Sweeteners and Binding Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Add-ins and Toppings:

  • 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (or chocolate chunks)
  • 1/4 cup colorful candy pieces (like M&Ms or chocolate-coated candies)
  • 1/4 cup chopped nuts (peanuts, almonds, or walnuts) (optional)

Instructions

  1. Combine chickpea flour, protein powder, and salt in a mixing bowl, thoroughly blending the dry ingredients to create a uniform base for the cookie dough bites.
  2. Incorporate natural peanut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract into the dry mixture, stirring until a cohesive, slightly tacky dough forms with a smooth texture.
  3. Gently fold mini chocolate chips, candy pieces, and chopped nuts into the dough, ensuring even distribution for consistent flavor and texture in each bite.
  4. Craft small spherical portions approximately 1 inch in diameter, using clean hands to roll the mixture into compact, uniform cookie dough balls.
  5. Arrange the formed balls on a parchment-lined surface, optionally garnishing with additional chocolate chips or candy pieces for visual appeal.
  6. Refrigerate the cookie dough bites for a minimum of 30 minutes to solidify their structure and enhance flavor melding.
  7. Serve chilled or at room temperature, storing any remaining bites in a sealed container within the refrigerator for optimal freshness, maintaining quality for up to one week.

Notes

  • Swap chickpea flour with almond or coconut flour for gluten-free options that maintain a similar texture and protein content.
  • Use vegan protein powder and replace honey/maple syrup with plant-based alternatives to create a completely vegan-friendly recipe.
  • Experiment with different nut butters like almond or cashew butter to introduce unique flavor profiles while keeping the protein-rich base.
  • Freeze these bites for up to two months in a sealed container, making them a convenient make-ahead snack that retains nutritional value and taste.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 50 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 16 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Olivia Brooks

Olivia Brooks

Contributing Writer

Expertise

  • Healthy recipe development
  • Plant-based cooking
  • Nutritional analysis
  • Food writing and content creation

Education

Culinary Institute of America
Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate Program
Focus: Culinary fundamentals, nutrition, and healthy cooking technique


Olivia believes good food should feed both the body and the soul. She earned her Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate from the Culinary Institute of America, where she focused on nutrition and practical cooking techniques that make healthy eating easy.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Olivia shares single-serving recipes that are fresh, plant-forward, and full of heart. She loves helping people eat better, without stress, strict rules, or sacrificing flavor.
Beyond the kitchen, Olivia spends her time tending her backyard garden, practicing yoga, and discovering hidden gems in Portland’s food scene.

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