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Peanut Butter Protein Cookies Recipe

These peanut butter protein cookies are the perfect mix of delicious and nutritious! Packed with protein and dipped in chocolate, they’re a guilt-free treat you’ll love!

chocolate chip protein cookies recipe with peanut butter and a glass of milk

Alright, cookie lovers, let’s get real for a second. We all know cookies are life, but what if I told you that you could snack like a queen and fuel your gains at the same time? Enter: Peanut Butter Protein Cookies—the most delicious way to treat yourself and get a little extra protein boost! 

These bad boys are chewy, peanut buttery perfection with a little crunch, a lot of flavor, and a sassy chocolate dip that makes them feel totally indulgent.

Now, I know what you’re thinking. Protein cookies? Are these going to be dense, dry, or taste like chalk? Oh, honey, not today! 

These cookies are soft, packed with peanut butter goodness, and just sweet enough to satisfy your cravings without any of that post-cookie guilt.

Whether you’re sneaking one after a workout, enjoying them with your afternoon coffee, or stashing them in your gym bag, these cookies will have you feeling like you’ve mastered the art of guilt-free snacking. 

​So in saying that, peanut butter lovers are all welcome here! If you like chewy cookies with a rich peanut butter flavor, then this is definitely the recipe for you!

Let’s break it down! 

If you’re like me and love high protein treats, then this recipe is for you! You can also try my Superfood Protein Breakfast Cookies or my Protein Peanut Butter Cups.

top down view of chocolate dipped gluten free peanut butter cookie recipe with peanuts

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THESE PEANUT BUTTER PROTEIN COOKIES

  • Protein-Packed: Thanks to the vanilla protein powder and peanut butter, these cookies aren’t just delicious—they’re also giving you a solid protein boost. Perfect for a post-workout snack or just a tasty way to hit your daily protein goals.
  • Gluten-Free & Fabulous: No gluten, no problem! With gluten-free flour, these cookies are soft, chewy, and perfect for anyone living that gluten-free life.
  • Naturally Sweet: With maple syrup as a natural sweetener, you’re getting just the right amount of sweetness without any refined sugar crashes.
  • Chocolate & Peanut Butter Heaven: Is there any better combo than peanut butter and chocolate? I think not. The melted chocolate dip and crunchy crushed peanuts on top take these cookies to a whole new level of deliciousness.
  • Simple & Quick: This recipe is super easy and comes together in no time. With simple ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have a batch of delicious, protein-packed cookies in under 30 minutes.

INGREDIENTS FOR THE EASY PEANUT BUTTER PROTEIN COOKIES

This peanut butter cookie dough is easily made with every day ingredients you probably have on hand. You will need the following ingredients listed below to make them (the exact measurements, nutrition information and full recipe are in the recipe card below):

  • Ground Flaxseed – with this you will make a flax egg in place of a regular egg.
  • Vanilla Protein Powder – My favourite brand of protein is PEScience (use code BAILEY) and my favourite flavour to bake with is Gourmet Vanilla. They also have a plant based vanilla flavour which is delicious in these cookies too!
  • Gluten-free flour blend – I used bob’s red mill but any 1:1 gluten free flour blend with xanthan gum should work. Just ensure when measuring gluten free flour that you spoon the flour into the measuring cup, as oppose to dunking the measuring cup into the flour package.
  • Baking Soda
  • Salt 
  • Coconut oil – room temperature or melted coconut oil work best
  • Vanilla extract 
  • Natural Peanut Butter – if you wanted a bit of a crunch in the peanut butter cookies you could opt for crunchy peanut butter. You could also sub for other nut butters if you have an allergy to peanut butter, however they will no longer be traditional peanut butter cookies.
  • Pure maple syrup
  • Chocolate – can also use chocolate chips. To take these cookies to the next level I love to dip them into melted chocolate.
  • Peanuts – if you really want to get wild you could also add some melted peanut butter chips in with the melted chocolate.
  • Optional – brown sugar, white sugar, coconut sugar, dark chocolate chips, almond flour, powdered peanut butter, etc.

HOW TO MAKE THIS SOFT PEANUT BUTTER COOKIE RECIPE

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, set aside. 
  2. In a small bowl, mix together the 2 tbsp ground flaxseeds with 5 tbsp of water and set aside. 
  3. In a medium bowl, combine the protein powder, flour, baking soda and salt with a wire whisk.
  4. In a separate large bowl, stir peanut butter, coconut oil, vanilla, maple syrup and the flaxseed mixture.
  5. Add the dry ingredients to the peanut butter mixture and mix till fully combined. 
  6. Using a cookie scoop, roll protein cookies into dough balls and add to baking sheet. Using a long fork, flatten the top of the cookies slightly with the back of a fork, then turn fork in the opposite direction and flatten just slightly again (it should create that crisscross pattern).
  7. Bake for for 9-12 minutes until they are golden brown and have crisp edges. 
  8. While baking, melt the chocolate and coconut oil together in 30 second increments in the microwave. Crush up peanuts.
  9. Remove pb cookies from oven, and let cool on sheet pan. Once fully cooled, dip them into the chocolate and sprinkle with crushed peanuts and let sit on wire rack. You’ve just made yourself a healthy protein cookie recipe, enjoy!

Close up of chewy gluten free dessert recipe with chocolate and peanuts on a plate.

HOW TO CHOSE A HEALTHY PEANUT BUTTER FOR THIS PROTEIN COOKIE

Many peanut butter have hydrogenated oils and are loaded with sugar. Stick to brands that only have one ingredient in them (peanuts).

On the other hand, a brand like Fatso Peanut Butter can be amazing as it contains peanuts, chia seeds, coconut oil, and only healthy wholesome ingredients. 

OTHER PROTEIN POWDER COOKIE FLAVOURS YOU COULD TRY

As much as I’m a peanut butter fein, sometimes you just want basic chocolate chip protein cookies recipe. I have linked my Gluten Free Protein Chocolate Chip Cookies here.

Some oatmeal peanut butter protein cookies would also be amazing! You could try substitute some of the all purpose gluten free flour for some oatmeal!

Any protein powder cookie will do the trick if you’ve craving something sweet, but also want to hit your protein goals for the day! 

Side angle of holiday dessert on parchment paper with spoonful of melted chocolate on the side and a glass of milk in background.

HOW TO CHOSE A HEALTHY PEANUT BUTTER FOR THIS PROTEIN COOKIE

Many peanut butter have hydrogenated oils and are loaded with sugar. Stick to brands that only have one ingredient in them (peanuts).

On the other hand, a brand like Fatso Peanut Butter can be amazing as it contains peanuts, chia seeds, coconut oil, and only healthy wholesome ingredients. 

OTHER PROTEIN POWDER COOKIE FLAVOURS YOU COULD TRY

As much as I’m a peanut butter fein, sometimes you just want basic chocolate chip protein cookies recipe. I have linked my Gluten Free Protein Chocolate Chip Cookies here.

Some oatmeal peanut butter protein cookies would also be amazing! You could try substitute some of the all purpose gluten free flour for some oatmeal!

Any protein powder cookie will do the trick if you’ve craving something sweet, but also want to hit your protein goals for the day! 

Close up of gluten free peanut butter cookie recipe with chocolate sauce and peanuts.

HOW TO STORE THE HEALTHY PEANUT BUTTER PROTEIN COOKIES

As soon as the chewy protein cookies are cool, place cookies in an airtight container or resealable bag. They will stay fresh for several days on the counter or in the refrigerator.

Storing gluten free peanut butter cookie recipe in a cookie jar will also work as long as it’s somewhat sealed.

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR BEST RESULTS

  • Chill the Dough: If your dough feels too sticky to handle, pop it in the fridge for about 10-15 minutes. This helps make the dough easier to shape and prevents spreading while baking.
  • Don’t Overbake: For that perfect chewy texture, bake the high protein cookies until they’re just slightly golden around the edges. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool, so avoid overbaking to keep them soft in the center.
  • Use Creamy Peanut Butter: For the smoothest texture, stick with creamy peanut butter. If you prefer crunchy, go for it—but it may change the texture slightly.
  • Adjust the Sweetness: If you like your cookies sweeter, feel free to add a little more maple syrup or a sprinkle of sugar to taste.
  • Double Dip in Chocolate: Want an extra indulgent treat? Dip the cookies in chocolate twice, allowing the first layer to set in the fridge before adding the second coating. More chocolate = more fun!
  • Customize the Protein: Any flavor of protein powder works! Try chocolate for an even richer cookie or stick with vanilla whey protein powder for a classic pairing.
  • Press Down: These cookies don’t spread much, so be sure to gently flatten the dough balls before baking to get that perfect cookie shape.

FAQS

HOW MANY GRAMS OF PROTEIN ARE IN THESE EASY PROTEIN COOKIES?

The amount of protein will depend on the brand of protein powder you use, but with a good quality protein powder like whey protein isolate or Quest protein powder, you can expect each cookie to have around 8-10 grams of protein.

CAN I USE A DIFFERENT SWEETENER?

Of course! You can use any low sugar or sugar-free option, like stevia or monk fruit, depending on your preference and dietary needs.

CAN I MAKE THIS SIMPLE RECIPE IN ADVANCE?

Yes! You can bake them in batches and store them in an airtight container. These cookies keep well for up to a week, making them an easy recipe for meal prep.

ARE THESE COOKIE FOR A SWEET TOOTH?

​Definitely! These easy protein cookies are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without the guilt. Plus, they’re packed with healthy fats and protein to keep you full.

Other Healthy High Protein Recipes You May Like To Try!

Yield: 10 cookies

Protein Peanut Butter Cookies

close up of chewy peanut butter cookies with chocolate and peanuts on a plate

This gluten free peanut butter cookie recipe takes less than 20 minutes to make, and only requires 10 ingredients! These gluten free cookies are chewy, soft, and taste like a regular "unhealthy" peanut butter cookie! 

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 9 minutes
Total Time 24 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp ground flaxseed
  • 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (approx 32g)
  • 1/4 cup all purpose 1:1 gluten free flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • pinch of salt
  • 1 tbsp coconut oil
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup peanut butter
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 1/3 cup chocolate, + 1 tbsp coconut oil (for dipping cookies)
  • 3 tbsp peanuts, crushed, for topping

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, set aside.
  2. In a small bowl, mix together the 2 tbsp ground flaxseeds with 5 tbsp of water and set aside.
  3. In a medium size bowl, combine the protein powder, flour, baking soda and salt with a wire whisk.
  4. In a separate bowl, combine the coconut oil, vanilla, peanut butter, maple syrup and the flaxseed mixture.
  5. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix till fully combined.
  6. Roll cookies into balls and add to baking sheet. Using a long fork, flatten cookies slightly, then turn fork in the opposite direction and flatten just slightly again (it should create that criss cross pattern).
  7. Bake for 9-12 minutes.
  8. While baking, melt the chocolate and coconut oil together in 30 second increments in the microwave. Crush up peanuts.
  9. Remove cookies from oven, and let cool. Once fully cooled, dip them into the chocolate and sprinkle with crushed peanuts. Enjoy!

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

10

Serving Size:

1 grams

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 231Total Fat: 13gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 2mgSodium: 160mgCarbohydrates: 23gFiber: 2gSugar: 9gProtein: 8g

The nutrition information provided is calculated based on industry-standard software and should be used as a general guide only. The information may vary depending on ingredient substitutions, cooking techniques, and individual serving sizes. It is the responsibility of the reader to ensure the accuracy and appropriateness of the nutritional information provided. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized medical or nutritional advice.

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Instagram

IF YOU TRIED THESE PEANUT BUTTER CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT AND STAR RATING. I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR CREATIONS! YOU CAN PIN THESE HEALTHY COOKIES ON PINTEREST OR SHARE ON INSTAGRAM BY TAGGING @basicswithbails and #basicswithbails

bailey

About Bailey

I love to bake, cook, exercise, and document all of the above. Nutrition is not low fat. It is not low calorie. It’s not feeling deprived or being hungry all the time. It’s nourishing your body with real, whole foods so that you are consistently satisfied and energized to live your life to the fullest! Read more…

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