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Home » Dessert

Published: Feb 12, 2024 · Modified: Mar 17, 2025 by prettydeliciouslife · This post may contain affiliate links · 17 Comments

Protein Monster Cookies

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If you're looking for ways to increase your daily protein intake while also satisfying your sweet tooth, then these Protein Monster Cookies are going to be your new favorite dessert! The best part is, they are gluten free, dairy free, egg free and can be made vegan protein cookies if you select a plant-based protein powder. They are the absolute best protein cookies!

protein cookies

Getting extra protein in each day does not have to mean skipping dessert. You can work towards health & fitness goals while still indulging in healthier treats when the craving hits. That's why having great options, like this protein cookie recipe, available can be so helpful. It's a small batch recipe so you can satisfy your sweet tooth without the temptation of having cookies around all week long (unless you want to, then you should have cookies around all week long!)

If you're a fan of high protein desserts and homemade protein treats, you might also enjoy this chocolate peanut butter cottage cheese ice cream , Cottage Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies, these Chunky Monkey , Oatmeal Chocolate Chip, Banana Bread Protein Cookies, Chocolate Turtle Protein Cookies, or Double Chocolate Protein Cookies or these protein rice krispies treats. If you can't get enough of Monster Cookies, try these Monster Cookie Protein Balls!

If you're looking for more high protein content in general, you can check out this collection of high protein lunch recipes or check out the other protein recipes on my site!

Jump to:
  • Why You'll Love This Recipe
  • Protein Monster Cookies Ingredients
  • Protein Monster Cookies Step By Step Instructions
  • Expert Tips & Tricks
  • Protein Monster Cookies FAQs
  • Can the peanut butter be substituted?
  • What kind of protein powder can I use?
  • Can I use a milk other than almond milk?
  • Can I eat the cookie dough raw?
  • Homemade protein cookies macros
  • If you liked this recipe, you might also enjoy
  • Protein Monster Cookies

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • It's easy. Requiring just a few simple ingredients you likely already have at home, these protein cookies are a cinch to whip up.
  • It's decadent. When you need a decadent treat but also want to reach your protein goals for the day, protein monster cookies are the perfect option.
  • It's a small batch recipe. This recipe makes two large cookies or 4 regular sized cookies.

Please note this post contains affiliate links.

Protein Monster Cookies Ingredients

  • Protein Powder.
    • IMPORTANT PROTEIN POWDER NOTES: It is important to note that you should always choose to make protein dessert recipes using a protein powder you actually enjoy the taste of, or you will not enjoy the dessert. Especially important for this healthy protein cookie recipe: USE THE PROTEIN POWDER I RECOMMEND! Sorry to yell at you, but I just want to make sure you hear me. 🙂 I have tested these cookies using several different types of protein powder and the Unflavored grass fed beef isolate protein powder I recommend from Equip Foods is the only type of protein powder brand I recommend for the best flavor & texture. If you prefer a plant-based protein powder, the recipe will work however you must note that the texture will be much different; a little cakier and a bit more crumbly but still delicious. I do NOT recommend using whey protein as it is not easy to digest nor will the texture be favorable. People have done it & the opinions I’m hearing are mixed so I would steer clear of whey protein powder. If you haven’t found a protein powder you love yet, you can check out this helpful guide where I share some of my favorites.
  • Oats. Although oats are by nature gluten free, not all oats are certified gluten free due to cross contamination. Make sure you choose certified gluten free oats if you are gluten free. I personally like to use this gluten free protein oatmeal to increase the protein in the cookies.
  • Peanut Butter. Peanut butter is crucial to the success of this recipe and should not be substituted unless you would like to use almond butter. Use natural peanut butter for best results.
  • Maple Syrup. My preference is to use real maple syrup if you can find it at your grocery store or have access to it.
  • Almond Milk. I used almond milk but you can substitute in oat milk or dairy milk if you prefer.
  • Vanilla Extract. Opt for high quality if you can.
  • Baking Powder
  • Salt
  • Add Ins: You can add in chocolate chips and M&Ms. If you'd like a lower sugar option with better ingredients, I love these colorful chocolate gems or these refined sugar free candies made with monk fruit that are also vegan if that applies to you.
peanut butter protein cookies

Protein Monster Cookies Step By Step Instructions

  1. Pre-heat oven to 350F and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Mix the batter. Add all ingredients except for the chocolate chips & candies to a large mixing bowl. Mix together with a fork until a thick batter forms and all ingredients are fully incorporated. Note: the batter will resemble traditional cookie dough, but may be a touch stickier depending on the type of protein powder you are using.

3. Add ins. Fold in chocolate chips & candies if using.

4. Scoop the dough. Using an ice cream scoop, scoop the dough into two large cookies, leaving space on the baking sheet in between for spreading while baking. Alternatively, you can use a cookie scoop & make 4 smaller cookies. 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.

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, instead of baking longer than 12 minutes, place it in the fridge for 5 minutes to help it set.

Expert Tips & Tricks

  • Be sure to use 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 will just find that the texture is cakier and not like mine.
  • Chill the cookies in the fridge after baking for around 5 minutes to help them set.
  • Omit the candies if you'd like to simply make chocolate chip protein cookies.
  • Omit the chocolate chips if you'd like to make peanut butter protein cookies.
  • You can store these cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days for best results.

Protein Monster Cookies FAQs

Can the peanut butter be substituted?

Unless you'd like to use almond butter or cashew butter, the nut butter cannot be substituted in this recipe.

What kind of protein powder can I use?

I have found that unflavored grass fed beef isolate protein works best for these healthy protein cookies, however whey protein powder or pea protein powder is a great alternative. Note that if you use anything other than grass fed beef isolate protein powder you will get a thicker, cakier texture.

Can I use a milk other than almond milk?

Yes! You can use your go to milk of choice like oat milk or dairy milk.

Can I eat the cookie dough raw?

Yes, in fact you can eat this protein cookie dough raw since this recipe is completely flourless & does not contain eggs!

Homemade protein cookies macros

While the macros for these homemade protein cookies will vary based on the protein powder & brand of peanut butter or nut butter you use, here are the approximate macros based on My Fitness Pal calculations of the ingredients I used:

33.3 grams of protein

25 grams of fat

45 grams of carbs

536 calories

This recipe makes 2 giant cookies or 4 smaller cookies & these macros are for 1 giant cookie.

If you liked this recipe, you might also enjoy

  • Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Protein Mug Cake
  • Blueberry Protein Muffins
  • Eggnog Protein Shake

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!

Protein Monster Cookies

Pretty Delicious Life
If you're looking for ways to increase your daily protein intake while also satisfying your sweet tooth, then these Protein Monster Cookies are going to be your new favorite dessert! The best part is, they are gluten free, dairy free, egg free and can be made vegan protein cookies if you select a plant-based protein powder. They are the absolute best protein cookies!
5 from 19 votes
Print Recipe Pin Me
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 20 minutes mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine American, high protein
Servings 2

Ingredients
  

  • 6 tablespoon unflavored protein powder grass fed beef isolate protein powder works best but whey & pea protein also work, they just result in a fluffier texture
  • 3 tablespoon gluten free protein oats or regular old-fashioned oats
  • ¼ cup natural peanut butter or natural nut butter of choice
  • 2 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoon almond milk or milk of choice
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • ¼ tsp baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ cup chocolate chips
  • 1-2 tablespoon m&m type candies optional
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Instructions
 

  • Pre-heat oven to 350F and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
  • Mix the batter. Add all ingredients except for the chocolate chips & candies to a large mixing bowl. Mix together with a fork until a thick batter forms and all ingredients are fully incorporated. Note: the batter will resemble traditional cookie dough, but may be a touch stickier depending on the type of protein powder you are using.
  • Add ins. Fold in chocolate chips & candies if using.
  • Scoop the dough. Using an ice cream scoop, scoop the dough into two large cookies, leaving space on the baking sheet in between for spreading while baking. Alternatively, you can use a cookie scoop & make 4 smaller cookies. 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.
  • 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, instead of baking longer than 12 minutes, place it in the fridge for 5 minutes to help it set.
Tried this recipe?Mention @prettydeliciouslife or tag #PDLrecipes!
Keyword Gluten Free, gluten free cookies, high protein

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Lori says

    February 20, 2024 at 2:44 am

    5 stars
    DEEEEELICIOUS! I came across this recipe yesterday and had to make them asap. I used an unflavored protein powder and left out the M&M candies. I didn't use an ice cream scoop to shape, just kind of divided and scooped the mixture into two on the parchment paper. So they're not quite as uniform in shape as your pics and they seem a little puffier. No matter. These are the bomb!
    I've already shared this recipe with several friends and will be making them again.

  2. LORI CARLSON says

    February 27, 2024 at 10:07 pm

    How many calories and what are the macros?

  3. LORI CARLSON says

    February 27, 2024 at 10:10 pm

    5 stars
    Oy. I’m blind! Please ignore me!!

  4. prettydeliciouslife says

    March 15, 2024 at 8:22 pm

    I am so happy to hear you enjoyed these, Lori! Thank you for sharing!

  5. prettydeliciouslife says

    March 15, 2024 at 8:23 pm

    🙂 haha no problem I'm glad you found them!

  6. Lesley C says

    March 20, 2024 at 8:08 pm

    5 stars
    Ok, so darn good! I made them the size of ‘regular’ cookies, not the giant ones, baked them for 9 minutes. Thank you, they’re awesome.

  7. prettydeliciouslife says

    March 21, 2024 at 3:16 pm

    Amazing! I'm so glad you enjoyed them! Thank you for letting me know! 🙂

  8. Ashley Zelaya says

    September 09, 2024 at 10:37 pm

    I tried making them and mine came out so dry and no flavor according to my husband. Where did I go wrong?

  9. prettydeliciouslife says

    September 17, 2024 at 5:35 pm

    Hi Ashley! It will likely be due to the protein powder you used. Unfortunately if the flavor of the protein powder isn't great the cookie won't taste great. What kind of protein powder did you use? Did you make any other substitutions?

  10. Gabby Campitiello says

    December 04, 2024 at 3:37 am

    Hi! I’m struggling to get the texture right. Mine come out shiny and with a bit of a shell. I thought it was because of my protein powder, I used vanilla beef isolate from equip, but you said they come best with that. I’m stumped!

  11. prettydeliciouslife says

    December 09, 2024 at 4:46 pm

    Hi Gabby! Hmm, interesting, I haven't had that happen before but I'm wondering if maybe you tried adding a bit more oats to the mix to see if that helps! I'm a little stumped too to be honest! If you try it again let me know what happens!

  12. Cindy Janzen says

    February 26, 2025 at 12:12 am

    Hi ! Can I use almond flour instead of protein powder?

  13. prettydeliciouslife says

    February 26, 2025 at 5:02 pm

    Hi Cindy! I have not tested that out since they're meant to be protein cookies so unfortunately I'm not sure if it would work out for you.

  14. Julia Cotter says

    March 01, 2025 at 6:49 pm

    Hi! Can quick Oats or oat flour be used?

  15. prettydeliciouslife says

    March 03, 2025 at 10:04 pm

    Hi Julia! Quick oats can be used, I haven't tried oat flour but I don't see why that wouldn't work!

  16. Tiffany Brewster says

    April 17, 2025 at 3:27 am

    5 stars
    Thank you! I'm wondering if Date syrup would work in place of the maple syrup.

  17. prettydeliciouslife says

    April 23, 2025 at 2:57 pm

    Hi Tiffany! I haven't tested date syrup in this recipe so I'm unsure if that would work.

5 from 19 votes (15 ratings without comment)

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Hi! I’m Kim, the full-time recipe developer, photographer and creator behind Pretty Delicious Life, where you’ll find 100% gluten free, healthier recipes developed with a happy gut in mind. What started out as a space for me to record my favorite gut-friendly recipes has turned into a space for people like you, who absolutely LOVE food but are looking for healthier versions of their favorite recipes that make them feel amazing both inside and out.

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