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Cookie Dough Protein Bars Recipe Guide

Cookie Dough Protein Bars Recipe Guide

These Cookie Dough Protein Bars are a delicious, no-bake, nutritious snack packed with protein and wholesome ingredients. Perfect as a pre-workout boost or an anytime energy-packed treat, they combine the creamy, nostalgic flavor of cookie dough with clean, customizable ingredients for a satisfying, portable snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup protein powder (whey or plant-based)
  • 2 tbsp mini chocolate chips
  • 1 tbsp flaxseed or chia seeds (optional)

Wet Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup nut butter (peanut or almond butter)
  • 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 24 tbsp milk or plant-based milk (as needed)

Optional Mix-ins & Variations

  • 2 tbsp cocoa powder (for chocolate lover’s twist)
  • 2 tbsp dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped dates
  • 2 tbsp pumpkin seeds or hemp seeds
  • Nut butter substitute: sunflower seed butter (for nut-free version)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, protein powder, flaxseed or chia seeds (if using), and mini chocolate chips. Stir to mix all the dry ingredients evenly.
  2. Add the Wet Ingredients: Next, add the nut butter, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a splash of milk or plant-based milk to the dry mix. Use a spatula or your hands to combine everything until it forms a sticky dough.
  3. Adjust the Texture: If the dough feels too dry, add more milk a teaspoon at a time. If it’s too wet, sprinkle in some more oats or protein powder to reach a firm but moldable consistency.
  4. Press Into a Pan: Line a small baking pan with parchment paper, then press the dough evenly into the pan, smoothing the top for a flat, uniform bar.
  5. Chill and Set: Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least an hour to firm up. Once set, lift the dough out using the parchment paper, cut into bars or squares, and enjoy!

Notes

  • Use quality protein powder for better flavor and texture.
  • Don’t skip the chill time to help bars hold their shape.
  • Mix ingredients thoroughly to evenly distribute chocolate chips and seeds.
  • Adjust sweetness by tasting the dough before chilling.
  • Store bars in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
  • For longer storage, freeze bars individually wrapped for up to three months.
  • Reheat bars for 10-15 seconds in the microwave for a softer texture if desired.

Nutrition

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