Chocolate Chip Banana Protein Cookies (Gluten Free)

The next time you have overripe bananas, don't make banana bread make these Chocolate Chip Banana Protein Cookies instead! Made using wholesome ingredients & packed with protein, these protein cookies can be enjoyed for breakfast, as an afternoon snack or a healthy dessert.

It's no secret, I LOVE high protein desserts, in particular I really have a thing for protein cookies. And while I think banana bread is great and all, especially this Chunky Monkey Protein Banana Bread, I do think that I'd rather bake cookies with my overripe bananas. Banana Protein Cookies are the perfect easy protein cookies recipe to bake when you want a treat with simple ingredients that will also quickly satisfy your sweet tooth.

If you like these protein cookies, I know you'll love these Chocolate Turtle Cookies, Chunky Monkey, Double Chocolate, Monster Protein Cookies or these Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Protein Cookies.

You might even enjoy this edible Chocolate Chip Protein Cookie Dough recipe or this edible protein Sugar Cookie Dough. And if you love cookie dough, you will really love these Protein Truffles or these Monster Cookie Protein Bites!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• It's a fun way to use up overripe bananas. Instead of defaulting to banana bread, switch things up and make some cookies instead!

• It is healthy. Satisfy your dessert cravings any time of day with these healthy, gluten free protein banana cookies.

• It is easy. No special baking skills are required to master this easy & delicious treat! Plus, they're perfect for meal prep!

Chocolate Chip Banana Protein Cookies Ingredients & Tested Substitutions

• Overripe Bananas. You will need two overripe bananas for this recipe. They do not need to be completely black, a soft freckled-peel banana will work.

• Nut Butter. My personal preference is to use peanut butter in all my protein cookie recipes, but you can use almond butter or cashew butter if you prefer.

• Maple Syrup. Opt for real maple syrup. This adds just a touch of caramel like sweetness that blends really well with the flavor of banana.

• Vanilla Extract. I love adding vanilla extract to all my desserts because it is such a nice flavor enhancer. You may also use vanilla bean extract instead if you have that available.

• Almond Milk. My personal preference is to use the Organic Almond Milk from Califia Farms, but if you don't have that available or you cannot have almond, any plant based milk will work. You can also use dairy milk like Fairlife if you prefer.

• Oat Flour. Ensure your oat flour is certified gluten free if necessary. Alternatively you may use gluten free 1:1 flour if you do not have oat flour available.

• Vanilla Protein Powder. I recommend using this grass fed beef isolate protein powder as it makes for the best texture, however if you are vegan or plant based a pea protein powder will work. You may also use unflavored if you do not have vanilla.

• Cinnamon. Adding a touch of cinnamon for flavor makes the cookies taste reminiscent of banana bread. Not required, but very delicious!

• Baking Powder. To help the cookies rise. Opt for certified gluten free if necessary.

• Dark Chocolate Chips. Use your favorite brand of dark chocolate chips and measure with your heart! You can of course use milk chocolate if that's your preference.

Chocolate Chip Banana Protein Cookie Step by Step Instructions

1. Pre-heat the oven. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and preheat your oven to 350 degrees fahrenheit.

2. Mix the wet ingredients. Place bananas in a large bowl, mash bananas with a fork, then add nut butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract and almond milk. Mix ingredients together with a fork until fully combined.

3. Add the dry ingredients. Next add the protein powder, oat flour, cinnamon and baking powder to the mixing bowl, continuing to mix well with a fork. The batter should be a bit sticky, that's okay.

4. Scoop the cookie dough. Using a cookie scoop or spoon, scoop the batter onto the parchment lined cookie sheet leaving room for the cookies to expand while baking.

5. Bake. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. 

Expert Tips, Tricks & Favorite Add-Ins

• The type of protein powder you use in this recipe does matter. I highly recommend using the grass fed beef isolate protein powder I recommend from Be Well by Kelly or if you need to use plant-based protein powder, opt for pea protein powder.

• Don't have oat flour? Add old-fashioned oats to a food processor or blender to make some on the fly at home!

• Use chocolate protein powder instead of vanilla or unflavored for double chocolate chip banana protein cookies.

• Omit the chocolate chips and use peanut butter chips (or forego chips altogether) to make banana peanut butter protein cookies.

• Add 1-2 tablespoon of chia seeds, coconut flakes or hemp hearts for additional fiber & crunch.

How to Store Banana Protein Cookies

Store the banana protein cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days for best results. This makes them the perfect dessert or snack to whip up during your weekly meal prep!

Serving Suggestions

• With a cup of Protein Hot Chocolate for a cozy dessert.
• Crumbled up on top of Ninja Creami Vanilla Protein Ice Cream.
• For breakfast after a plate of Dairy Free Scrambled Eggs & Air Fryer Breakfast Sausage.

Did you have a chance to make this recipe? If so, please leave me a 5 star rating and review below. I always love and appreciate hearing from you!