Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make with simple ingredients
- High in protein and fiber for a filling snack
- Naturally sweetened with healthier alternatives
- Customizable with add-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit
- Great for meal prep and stays fresh for days
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Rolled oats
- Protein powder (vanilla or chocolate)
- Ripe bananas (or another natural sweetener)
- Peanut butter (or almond butter)
- Honey or maple syrup
- Egg
- Baking powder
- Vanilla extract
- Cinnamon (optional)
- Chocolate chips or nuts (optional)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mash the bananas until smooth.
- Add peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), egg, and vanilla extract, and mix well.
- Stir in the protein powder, oats, baking powder, and cinnamon (if using). Mix until combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips or nuts if desired.
- Scoop spoonfuls of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet and flatten slightly.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- Enjoy warm or store for later.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: About 12 cookies
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
Variations
- Nut-Free Option: Use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut or almond butter.
- Vegan Version: Replace the egg with a flax egg and use a plant-based protein powder.
- Gluten-Free: Ensure your oats and protein powder are certified gluten-free.
- Extra Crunch: Add chopped nuts or seeds for added texture.
- Sweeter Cookies: Increase honey or maple syrup for a sweeter taste.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge for up to a week for extra freshness.
- Freezing: Freeze the cookies in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before eating.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds if you prefer a softer texture.
FAQs
How much protein is in each cookie?
The protein content varies depending on the protein powder used, but each cookie typically contains around 5-7 grams of protein.
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes, but the texture will be slightly different. Rolled oats provide a chewier consistency, while quick oats make the cookies softer.
What type of protein powder works best?
Vanilla or chocolate whey protein powder works great, but plant-based options also work well. Choose one with a good flavor and minimal additives.
Can I make these cookies without bananas?
Yes, you can replace bananas with unsweetened applesauce, mashed sweet potatoes, or Greek yogurt.
How can I make the cookies crispier?
Bake them a little longer, around 14-15 minutes, or reduce the banana content slightly for a firmer texture.
Are these cookies suitable for kids?
Yes, they are a great healthy snack for kids. You can reduce the protein powder amount if needed.
Can I add other flavors?
Absolutely! Try adding cocoa powder, coconut flakes, or spices like nutmeg for different flavors.
Are these cookies keto-friendly?
Not as written, but you can modify them by using almond flour instead of oats and a keto-friendly sweetener.
What can I use instead of peanut butter?
Almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter are great alternatives.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, store the dough in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
Conclusion
Simple Oatmeal Protein Cookies are an easy, healthy, and delicious snack that you can enjoy anytime. Whether you need a post-workout boost, a quick breakfast, or a healthy dessert, these cookies are the perfect choice. With so many variations, you can customize them to fit your dietary needs and preferences. Try them today and enjoy a tasty, protein-packed treat.
Simple Oatmeal Protein Cookies
These Simple Oatmeal Protein Cookies are a delicious, healthy snack packed with protein and fiber. Made with oats, protein powder, and natural sweeteners, they’re perfect for post-workout fuel or a quick breakfast on the go.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 10-12 cookies
- Category: Snacks, Healthy Treats
- Method: Baking
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ½ cup vanilla protein powder
- ½ cup almond flour
- ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp nut butter (almond or peanut)
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ cup dark chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- reheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix oats, protein powder, almond flour, cinnamon, and baking soda.
- In another bowl, whisk together egg, nut butter, honey (or maple syrup), applesauce, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until well combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips (if using).
- Scoop dough onto the baking sheet and slightly flatten each cookie.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden brown.
- Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- Use your favorite protein powder flavor for variety.
- For a vegan option, substitute the egg with a flax egg and use plant-based protein powder.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for later.
