Easy Chocolate Turtle Protein Cookies with Pecans

These Chocolate Turtle Cookies with protein take healthy desserts to the next level! Make these gluten free, dairy free cookies the next time you're craving a chewy chocolate cookie but looking to hit your protein goals for the day. Ultra chocolatey cookies with crunchy pecans will satisfy any sweet tooth; they're comfort in cookie form!

If you think you can't have your cookies & be healthy too, then I'm glad you're here because I'm going to prove that you can! These pecan turtle cookies quickly became my new favorite cookie. It was truly love at first bite! They're super fudgy, almost like a brookie, rich & chocolatey and pack the perfect bit of crunch from pecan pieces. The best part is, they are also gluten free, dairy free, egg free and pack a protein punch, too!

If you're looking for more delicious cookie recipes, try these Protein Monster Cookies, Chunky Monkey Protein Cookies, Almond Croissant Protein Cookies or these Banana Bread Protein Cookies. Don't want protein in your cookie but still want something delicious and healthy? Try these Gluten Free Copycat Crumbl Sugar Cookies or this Chocolate Banana Mug Cake!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• It is decadent yet healthy. Rich & fudgy cookies made with whole food ingredients are the dessert you'd never know was also good for you too.

• It is easy. Requiring just one bowl and around 20 minutes of time, this is a simple cookie recipe to bake.

• It is small batch. If you have a sweet tooth but don't always want tons of dessert leftover, this small batch cookie recipe is perfect for you!

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Chocolate Turtle Protein Cookie Ingredients & Tested Substitutions

• Chocolate Protein Powder. Since these are protein cookies, you cannot skip this ingredient. I recommend using only Equip Foods Chocolate Prime Protein Powder (PRETTYDELISH will save you 15% off) as it is responsible for giving the cookies their gooey, chewy texture. If you prefer to use something like vegan protein powder or whey protein, note that the recipe will work but the texture will be entire different. The cookies will puff while baking and have more of a cake like texture. Still delicious, just a different texture overall.

• Cacao Superfood Powder. I made mine with Earth Echo Cacao Bliss superfood powder, which is an absolutely delicious superfood blend that helps aid in digestion, mood boosting and reducing inflammation post-workout (KIMBERLY will save you 25% off) . You can also simply use cocoa powder if you prefer, it will still work perfectly.

• Protein Oats. I prefer to use protein oats to increase the overall protein but rolled oats will work fine. Opt for certified gluten free when necessary. Since this recipe does not use all purpose flour, the oats are there to help bind the cookie & give it structure.

• Cashew Butter. I prefer to use cashew butter in these cookies as it gives more of a gooey caramel flavor & texture, however you may use peanut butter if that's what you have available.

• Maple Syrup. Opt for real maple syrup for best results, do not use pancake syrup.

• Almond Milk. My preference is almond milk, however you may use whatever milk you prefer.

• Vanilla. You can use vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste, both will work here.

• Dates. To keep this recipe refined sugar free, I used dates instead of caramel bits. If you'd like, you can use soft caramels instead if sugar content isn't of concern to you.

• Pecans. You can use a mix of chopped pecans, pecan halves and whole pecans. 

• Dark Chocolate Chips. To keep this recipe refined sugar free, opt for Hu Kitchen chocolate gems, otherwise you may use whatever dark chocolate chips you prefer. 

• Baking Powder & Salt. Don't forget these key ingredients! I like to use sea salt, but you may use kosher salt or even pink himalayan salt. Avoid using table salt.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Be sure to use well mixed natural peanut butter as it will work best for these high protein cookies.
• The protein powder I prefer to bake with is a grass fed beef isolate protein but this recipe will work with your favorite protein powder, you may just find the texture to be slightly different.
• Chill the cookies in the fridge after baking for around 2-3 minutes to help them set instead of baking longer.
• You can store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days for best results.

Chocolate Turtle Protein Cookies Step by Step Instruction

1. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees fahrenheit  and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix the batter. Add the dry ingredients to a large bowl & whisk with a fork. To the same bowl, add the wet ingredients, mixing together with a fork until a thick batter forms and all ingredients are fully incorporated. Note: the batter will resemble thick brownie batter, but may be a touch stickier depending on the type of protein powder you are using.

3. Add ins. Fold in chocolate chips, dates & pecan pieces.

4. Scoop the dough. Using an ice cream scoop, scoop the dough into cookie dough balls leaving space on the baking sheet in between for spreading while baking. Press the scoops down gently with your palm or the back of the ice cream scoop to form a cookie shape as they will not spread as much as traditional cookies while baking, so this will help them out. Add smaller pieces of pecans or whole pecans to the top of each cookie if desired.

5. Bake. Bake for 10-12 minutes until cookies are set & golden brown. If the cookies aren't quite set when you remove it from the oven an easy way to fix this instead of baking for extra time is to place them in the fridge for 2-3 minutes to help them set. This isn't usually necessary but can be a helpful tip and the best way to ensure perfect a chewy cookie!

How to Store Chocolate Turtle Protein Cookies

Store the cookies in an airtight container or zip top bag at room temperature for up to 3 days for freshest results.

What to Serve with Chocolate Turtle Protein Cookies

• Enjoy these cookies for dessert after this Gluten Free McChicken sandwich for a healthy protein packed meal!
• Indulge your sweet tooth by pairing them with a warm cup of Protein Hot Chocolate.
• Crumble the cookie up and use it to top these dairy free ninja creami protein ice creams! It would be delicious on vanilla, coffee or chocolate ice cream.

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!