Easy Cookie Dough Protein Donuts (Gluten Free)

When hitting your daily protein goals and satisfying your sweet tooth go hand in hand, you'll be glad to have this easy Cookie Dough Protein Donut Recipe on hand! Made with simple ingredients like almond flour & vanilla protein powder and topped with a delicious chocolate ganache frosting, these healthy donuts are the perfect thing to reach for when you're craving a sweet treat or want something tasty as a great post-workout snack.

Whether you're someone who has major fitness goals or you're simply trying to ensure you are getting enough protein in your diet, you don't have to choose between your goals and your favorite desserts. Thanks to healthier versions of your favorite recipes like these delicious donuts packed with protein, you can have your treats and work towards your goals simultaneously.

If you’re a fan of high protein desserts and homemade protein treats, you might also enjoy these easy protein cookies or these protein rice krispies treats.

If you’re looking for recipes that are packed with protein, you can check out this collection of high protein lunch recipes or check out the other protein recipes on my site! I even have a guide to my favorite easy to digest protein powders so you can find the best protein powder for you.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• It's a small batch recipe. You don't have to worry about over indulging on donuts! This recipe makes 4 large donuts or you can make 8 mini donuts if you prefer.
• It is better for you. These protein donuts are gluten free, grain free and refined sugar free so they are made with ingredients that are better for you than regular donuts tend to be made from.
• It is easy. This recipe whips up in around 10 minutes of prep time in just one bowl!

Please note this post contains affiliate links.

Protein Donuts Ingredients & Tested Substitutions

• Almond Flour. The base of these protein donuts uses almond flour to keep it gluten free & lower in carbs. 

• Granulated Monk Fruit Sweetener. In order to keep these refined sugar free, granulated monk fruit is used in place of white sugar.

• Vanilla Protein Powder. I used this vegan protein powder from TumLove that is also easy to digest & low fodmap certified (you can save 15% off your first order with code KIMBERLY15) but you may use whatever your favorite brand of protein powder is. If you don't have a favorite, you can check out this helpful guide to find one that's best for you.

• Coconut Oil. I have tested this recipe using both coconut oil & almond oil, instead of traditional vegetable oil you may see in many other donut recipes, so you can feel free to use either one. I find that I like the texture of using almond oil a little better, but coconut oil is much more accessible. 

• Milk. You may use whatever type of milk you like. My preference is always unsweetened almond milk, but this recipe will work with whole milk, oat milk, etc.

• Vanilla Bean Paste. I have a preference to using vanilla bean paste, however vanilla extract is perfectly fine to use as well.

• Large Whole Egg. You will need 2 eggs. Be sure to use room temperature eggs so they blend into the cookie batter better. If you forgot to take your egg out of the fridge ahead of time, I have a pro tip for you! Place the egg in a bowl of warm water for 3-5 minutes before using.

• Chocolate Chips. You can use whatever chocolate chips you prefer. I like these refined sugar free chocolate chips or using dark chocolate chips.

• Powdered Monk Fruit Sweetener. You can make your own by adding granulated monk fruit to a blender & pulsing until fluffy, or you can purchase powdered monk fruit sweetener.

• Cocoa Powder. Opt for unsweetened cocoa powder.

• Baking Powder.

• Salt.

Expert Tips

• Use chocolate protein powder instead of vanilla to make a double chocolate protein donut.
• A great way to up the protein content is to make a healthy glaze using plain greek yogurt & your favorite chocolate protein powder mixed with a little cocoa powder. You can also use plain dairy- free yogurt if needed.
• Top the donuts with Edible Protein Cookie Dough for an even more decadent protein packed treat!
• Pipe the donut batter into the donut pan rather than spoon the batter in for a rounder more full donut.

Equipment Needed

• Donut Molds. You can use either a silicone donut mold or a metal donut pan.

• Piping Bag. This is optional, but I like to pipe the donut batter into the pan to maintain a smoother shape.

• Baking Sheet. If you are using a silicone donut mold, it is helpful to place it on a baking sheet before putting it in the oven.

Protein Donuts Step By Step Instructions

1. Pre-heat the oven to 350 F and grease a your donut pan with pan spray.
2. Mix the batter. In a large mixing bowl add eggs, monk fruit, vanilla, coconut oil & milk. Whisk or beat with an electric mixer until smooth.

3. Add in the dry ingredients. Next add almond flour, vanilla protein powder, baking powder, and salt to the wet ingredients. Using a silicone spatula, fold dry ingredients into wet until fully incorporated. If your batter has some clumps, gently whisk until no clumps remain being careful not to over mix the batter. If the batter is a bit too thick, you may add 1 tablespoon of additional milk to thin it out.

4. Fold in the chocolate chips. Using a silicone spatula, gently fold in chocolate chips to the donut batter.

5. Add the batter to a piping bag. (Skip this step if you are not using a piping bag & prefer to spoon the batter into the mold.) Place an empty piping bag into a mason jar or glass, rolling the top of the bag down onto the sides of the glass to make it easier to spoon the batter inside. Once all the batter is inside the piping bag, remove from the glass, twist the top shut & cut the bottom 1" off of the piping bag.

6. Pipe or spoon the batter into the donut pan and place donut pan on a baking sheet for easier in and out of the oven.

7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean and the tops are golden brown.

8. Mix up the ganache. While donuts bake, whisk together powdered monk fruit sugar, cocoa powder, and milk until a thick ganache forms. You want it to be thick enough to stick to the donut but thin enough to still spread easily. If your ganache is too thick, add a bit more milk. Too thin, add a bit more cocoa powder 1 tablespoon at a time.

9. Glaze the donuts. Allow donuts to cool completely prior to glazing. Once donuts are cool, dip them top down into the glaze or spoon the glaze on top & spread evenly across the surface. Garnish with edible protein cookie dough crumbles if desired.

Protein Donut FAQs

How to store protein donuts

You can store them in an airtight container at room temperature up to 3 days or in the fridge up to 5 days.

Does the batter need to be piped?

Nope! If you don't have piping bags or the patience for that step, you do not need to pipe the batter into the donut pans. I like to do this because it helps the protein donuts to hold a shape similar to a regular donut, but if you don't care then don't bother!

What kind of protein powder should I use?

This recipe will work with whatever protein powder you prefer. If you don't have a preference, you can check out my protein powder guide for tips on finding one that's right for you.

If you enjoyed this recipe then you might also like:

Protein Ice Cream Bars

Protein Monster Cookies

Peanut Butter Protein Mug Cake

Cookies & Cream Baked Donuts

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!