High Protein Chocolate Chip Cookies | Your Protein Treat

Jump to recipe ⬇️

Most high protein cookies taste like cardboard. If you are looking for a protein cookie recipe without the chalky aftertaste? Well, you are in the right place.

You’ve just entered Maybelle territory (FYI, Maybelle is all about making the tastiest cookies in the world, but a whole lot healthier)

These healthy high protein chocolate chip cookies are made with oat flour, almond flour, and coconut sugar. Giving you +5g protein per cookie, lower sugar than classic cookies, and a chewy, bakery-style texture. You can also add a scoop of whey protein for extra gains!

They’re gluten-friendly, naturally sweetened, and ready in under 25 minutes.

Basically: it's your dessert that secretly goes to the gym. 💪

Psst… want more healthy bakes like this? Join the Maybelle Cookie Club. Guilt-free joy, delivered weekly.

Why we love these high protein chocolate chip cookies

✔ High protein (+5g per cookie)

✔ Refined sugar free thanks to coconut sugar

✔ Gluten friendly and easily made vegan

✔ Crispy on the edges, soft in the middle

✔ Made with ingredients my nan would recognise

✔ The perfect “I deserve something nice but not chaotic” snack

Here's the high protein chocolate chip cookies recipe:

---

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

• 1 cup rolled oats - Blended into oat flour for gut-friendly fibre. It provides steady energy and your microbiome will literally throw a party.
• ¾ cup almond flour - Provides protein and healthy fats.
• ¼ cup coconut sugar - A natural, lower GI sweetener that doesn’t spike your blood sugar like the refined stuff.
• 2 tbsp of vanilla or unflavoured protein powder (optional)- Not everyone might fancy this, but adding protein powder can take this cookie close to 10g of protein.
• ½ tsp baking soda
• Pinch of sea salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1 large egg (or flax egg for vegan) - Gives the cookies additional protein and structure. The flax egg keeps things plant powered.
• ¼ cup coconut oil, melted - Adds moisture and richness without processed fats.
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup dark chocolate chips (70% cocoa or higher) - Antioxidants. Chocolate happiness. The real reason for baking cookies.
  

How to make these High Protein Chocolate Chip Cookies

1. Preheat & Prep - Heat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line up a baking sheet.
2. Make Your Oat Flour - Blend rolled oats until they look like a coarse, rustic flour. (Ten seconds. You’ve got this.)
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients - In a bowl, combine oat flour, almond flour, protein powder (if using) coconut sugar, baking soda, and salt.
4. Mix the Wet Ingredients - Whisk the egg, melted coconut oil, and vanilla in another bowl.
5. Combine the Magic - Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and mix until a dough forms. Fold in the dark chocolate chips. Try not to eat all the dough. Respect yourself.
6. Scoop & Bake - Scoop 12 cookies onto the tray. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until lightly golden at the edges.
7. Cool Down (the hardest part) - Let cool for 5 minutes before moving to a wire rack. This step is non-negotiable if you want chewy centres.

---

Tips, Variations & Substitutions

• Vegan? Swap the egg for a flax egg (1 tbsp flax + 3 tbsp water).
• Nut-free? Replace almond flour with more oat flour.
• More protein? Add 1 tbsp chia seeds or ground flax.
• Crispier edges? Flatten the cookies before baking.
• Extra dark chocolate? Always the correct decision.

Serving Suggestions

• Enjoy with Greek yogurt for extra protein
• Crumble over overnight oats
• Chill in the fridge for a fudgier texture

Storage & Freezing

• Room temp: 4–5 days in an airtight container.
• Fridge: Up to 10 days (chewier texture).
• Freeze dough: Scoop into balls and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Bake from frozen: Add +2 minutes. Perfect for emergency cookie moments.

Nutrition (per cookie, approx.)

• Calories: 165 kcal
• Carbs: 16 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Fat: 9 g

💪 Ingredient Deep Dive: Whey Protein Powder

(aka: the protein doing the heavy lifting)

TLDR 💪 Whey protein is one of the most studied, effective proteins available 🧠 Protein powder is safe, useful, and not just for gym culture 🍪 Putting it in a cookie makes it easier to actually enjoy and use

 

Whey protein comes from milk during the cheese making process. When the liquid (whey) is separated and filtered, you’re left with a high quality, complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids your body needs.

That’s a big deal in snack land.

Why whey works so well in cookies

• High protein density: You get more protein per gram than most plant sources
• Excellent digestibility: Whey scores highly on protein quality measures like PDCAAS and DIAAS
• Naturally rich in leucine, an amino acid strongly linked to muscle repair and maintenance

What the science says

• A comprehensive review in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found whey protein to be particularly effective for muscle protein synthesis, especially compared to other protein sources.
• Another review showed whey protein supports satiety and appetite control, which helps explain why protein-rich snacks tend to keep you fuller for longer.

Our translation is that: Whey protein isn’t here just to flex on the label. It’s one of the most studied, most effective proteins out there, and it happens to bake beautifully into cookies.

What Types of Protein Powder Exist?

(and why we chose whey)

Protein powder isn’t one thing, it’s a whole cast of characters. Here’s the quick, no-judgement breakdown:

• 🥛 Whey Protein (what we use)
  • Complete protein
  • Fast absorbing
  • Well-studied for muscle, satiety, and recovery
  • Smooth texture for baking
• 🌱 Plant Proteins (pea, rice, soy)
  • Great dairy free options
  • Often incomplete on their own (usually blended)
  • Can be grainier in texture
  • Excellent for specific dietary needs
• 🧀 Casein Protein
  • Also milk based
  • Slower digesting
  • Thicker texture (not ideal for cookies)
• 🥚 Egg White Protein
  • High quality, complete protein
  • Strong flavour profile
  • Less common in baking snacks

Why whey wins here:

For a cookie that’s soft, satisfying, and genuinely high in protein without tasting like gym chalk, whey is the sweet spot.

Is Protein Powder Actually Good for You?

Short answer: yes, when used properly and in context.

Longer answer (still human):

Protein powder isn’t a replacement for food, it’s a convenient way to meet protein needs, especially when:

• You’re active
• You’re busy
• You want a snack that actually fills you up

What research consistently shows is that protein intake supports muscle maintenance, recovery, and strength, particularly when paired with resistance exercise and whey protein supplementation has been shown to be safe and effective in healthy adults when consumed within recommended intakes

Why Protein Belongs in a Cookie (Not Just a Shake)

Let’s be honest: most people don’t want another shake.

Adding protein to a cookie means:

1. More satisfaction per bite
2. Less blood sugar drama
3. A snack that works harder than it looks

This cookie we made today, still tastes like a chocolate chip cookie and just happens to stick with you longer

Which is kind of the dream.

FAQs: High Protein Chocolate Chip Cookie Edition

Are these high protein chocolate chip cookies actually healthy?

Healthier than classic cookies, 100%. They’re made with whole ingredients, lower-GI coconut sugar, high-fibre oats, and healthy fats. We always love cookie recipes where we know what we put in.

Can I replace almond flour with regular flour?

Not 1:1. Almond flour is higher in fat and moisture. If you swap for regular flour, the cookies will be drier. Use extra oat flour for a healthier swap.

Are these cookies gluten free?

They’re gluten-friendly. Use certified gluten free oats to make them fully GF.

Does coconut sugar taste different from white sugar?

It has a caramel vibe (like brown sugar). It’s not as sweet, which is ideal for a balanced, not overwhelming cookie.

Can I add protein powder to these cookies?

Yes, If you want extra gains! You can add up to 2 tbsp of vanilla or unflavoured protein powder and add 1 to 2 tsp extra coconut oil if the dough feels dry. 

Do oat flour cookies taste like oatmeal?

Nope, the blend of almond flour and coconut oil creates a classic cookie texture with a slightly nuttier flavour.

PS. Before you go

Want more healthy, high protein cookie recipes without the junk?

Join the Maybelle Cookie Club. We send one delicious, wholesome recipe every week.

PPS: All cookie recipes are developed in the Maybelle kitchen, where every recipe is tested multiple times for taste, texture, and better nutrition. We also work with our in-house doctor and nutrition expert to validate all our health claims!