I have a recipe for delicious, protein-packed bars that taste like real cookie dough but are made with wholesome ingredients. They’re gluten-free, vegan and would make an awesome post-workout snack. Put down the pre-packaged bar and make these ASAP.
But before we jump into cookie dough heaven, happy Friday! I hope you have had a fabulous week. Mine has been really busy, but busy with goodness so I really can’t complain. Long hours at my day job, along with training for my new part-time gig (more on this soon!), getting my workouts in each morning (miracle) and cranking out blog posts all with a Chemistry test cherry-on-top makes for one hectic week. I am certainly more than ready for the weekend!
Now that we’re all caught up, let’s talk about cookie dough bars. I’ve been teasing these on Instagram all week long, mainly because I was excited they turned out so well. Last week I was having a major cookie dough craving, and came up with a little protein-powder based concoction that tasted like the real-deal. I knew I had something on my hands that had to be shared.
- ½ Cup Vanilla Brown Rice Protein (I used Perfect Fit Protein. Don't use whey. You'll be sad.)
- ⅓ Cup of Oats
- ⅓ Cup of Drippy Almond Butter
- ¼ Cup Coconut Oil Melted, + ½ Tablespoon Divided
- 2 Tablespoons Maple Syrup
- ½ Cup Chocolate Chips, Divided (I used Enjoy Life brand)
- Prepare an 8x8 pan with parchment paper.
- In a food processor, pulse oats until they are coarsely ground.
- Add oats to a large bowl along with protein powder, Almond Butter, ¼ Cup of coconut oil, maple syrup and ¼ cup of chocolate chips. Stir well until combined. Mixture may be a bit thick - keep stirring!
- Carefully transfer mixture into the 8x8 pan, and firmly press into one even layer.
- Place in the fridge to set (takes about 45 minutes).
- Once the bars are set, cut into ~8 bars. Make the chocolate drizzle by melting the chocolate chips and remaining coconut oil (I did this using 15 second increments in the microwave).
- Carefully drizzle the chocolate mixture over the bars, and place back in the fridge for another 10-15 minutes to set.
- Store sealed in the fridge for up to one week.
These would also be delicious rolled into balls. I normally prefer bars because it’s easier for me to control my portions that way. I can eat one bar and be satisfied, but if I have a bunch of little cookie dough bites…I’d get carried away pretty quickly 😉 But if you prefer protein balls, go for it. Let me know if you give these a try!
Do you have any fun weekend plans, or are you laying low?
What are your favorite protein-packed snacks?
xoxo,
Les
Hi! I just stumbled upon your site and just wanted to say hello. I am currently a dietetic student (graduating in April!), so we are in the same boat. I’ve enjoyed your blog. Good luck on the dietetic road…it’s a difficult yet super exciting one!!
Thank you so much – and congratulations on graduating so soon!
Could you let us know the caloric info?
Thanks!
Heather
Hi Heather – thanks so much for stopping by! The calories will vary depending on what kind of protein you use. For my ingredients they were around 200 calories per bar.
I don’t have protein powder. What can I use as a substitute?
Hi there! You could try using more oat flour to get the same consistency…however they won’t really be “protein bars” without the protein powder element! Just tasty cookie dough-esque bars 🙂
OMG i have to try these!! I want to make my own instead of quest bars, did you ever eat chocolate cookie dough quest bars?? if so, did you find that these are similar?
xx
Hey girl! To be honest, I’m not a big Quest bar fan – they hurt my stomach and I don’t love the texture. These are more like genuine cookie dough, and I actually like them better 🙂 I hope you like!
These were so yummy… and the perfect amount! Thank you!!
So glad you liked them! 🙂