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Peanut Butter Protein Cookies Recipe

4.2 from 20 reviews

These chewy Peanut Butter Protein Cookies are a quick and easy one-bowl recipe perfect for a budget-friendly, guilt-free treat. Made with natural peanut butter, maple syrup, and protein powder, these American comfort-food cookies offer satisfying flavor and protein-packed nutrition in just 25 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup smooth, natural peanut butter (the kind where the oil separates) (250 g)
  • 1/2 cup pure maple syrup or honey (120 ml)
  • 1 large egg (at room temperature)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup vanilla or unflavored protein powder (60 g)
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp fine sea salt

Optional Add-ins

  • 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips (60 g, optional but highly recommended)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Optionally, spray a light coat of cooking spray over the parchment for extra non-stick assurance.
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the well-stirred peanut butter and maple syrup. Whisk vigorously until smooth and glossy, even if it looks separated at first.
  3. Add Egg and Vanilla: Crack in the room-temperature egg and add the vanilla extract. Whisk until fully incorporated and the batter is smooth with a fragrant vanilla aroma.
  4. Fold in Dry Ingredients: Sprinkle the protein powder, baking soda, and salt over the wet mixture. Using a spatula, gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet until no streaks remain. The dough should be thick and slightly sticky.
  5. Add Chocolate Chips: If using, fold in the dark chocolate chips now. Then let the dough rest for 5 minutes to firm up for easier scooping.
  6. Shape Cookies: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion the dough into 12 equal balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Press each ball gently with the back of a fork to create the classic criss-cross pattern.
  7. Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes. The cookies will appear soft and lightly golden on the edges; a slightly underdone center ensures chewiness. Avoid overbaking.
  8. Cool Properly: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for at least 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to set completely. Moving them too soon can cause them to crumble.

Notes

  • Make sure natural peanut butter is well stirred before measuring to incorporate oils and achieve moist texture.
  • Use room-temperature egg to prevent peanut butter from seizing and to promote smooth batter.
  • Choose a whey-casein blend or pea protein powder for best cookie texture; avoid 100% whey isolate to prevent gumminess.
  • Mixing in one bowl minimizes cleanup and speeds preparation.
  • Customize with optional add-ins like chocolate chips, sea salt flakes, or chopped nuts.

Keywords: peanut butter protein cookies, healthy cookies, easy protein cookies, one bowl cookies, chocolate chip cookies, quick baking, protein snacks, homemade cookies, budget-friendly recipe