Are you looking for healthy, homemade protein bars that use simple ingredients? Seriously, look no further than my chocolate chip cookie dough protein bars recipe! It is full of nutrients from whole wheat flour, protein powder, and natural peanut butter. These homemade cookie dough protein bars are packed with 12 grams of protein per serving.
I wanted to create a dessert that provides your body with nourishing foods. As a dietitian, it is important to me to incorporate nutrient-rich foods where I can. Don’t get me wrong, I fully believe in indulging in your favorite foods with no shame or regrets, but I also love to find ways to sneak in nutrients where I can for the health of me, my family, and my readers!
These chocolate chip cookie dough protein bars are perfect for ANY time of the year! I mean, if you have a sweet tooth you can’t just turn it on and off can you!?
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Ingredients Needed
- Whole wheat flour: I used whole wheat flour for the added nutrients but you could also use unbleached white flour, almond flour, coconut flour, or any flour you prefer!
- Vanilla protein powder: I used Vital Performance Vanilla Protein Powder by Vital Proteins. I chose this protein powder because it is NSF-certified - meaning it is third-party tested. To learn more about this certification, check out the NSF website. This is actually not a whey protein powder but a milk protein isolate powder.
- Vanilla baking salt: I love this vanilla baking salt from AM. It is the perfect addition to any sweet that you want to add some salt to!
- Baking soda
- Agave: You could swap for honey or maple syrup but I like how easy it is to mix in!
- Peanut butter: I like to buy the Kirkland organic all-natural peanut butter from Costco. Has minimal sodium and no added sugar. The ingredients are just peanuts and sea salt
- Milk: My preference is to use whole milk but you can use whatever milk you prefer!
- Vanilla extract
- Chocolate chips: Personally I would use semi-sweet chocolate chips so it is not too bitter!
- Coconut oil: I added the coconut oil to help melt the chocolate and to create a smooth finish when it hardens on the bars.
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Protein Bars Recipe
Prep the pan: Line an 8x8 pan with parchment paper.
Mix the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine whole wheat flour, vanilla protein powder, baking soda, and vanilla salt and stir to combine.
Add in the wet ingredients: Add in the agave, peanut butter, milk, and vanilla extract. Stir until well mixed and transfer to the 8x8 pan. Firmly press into one even layer.
Melt the chocolate and coconut oil together: Make the chocolate coating by melting the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and coconut oil in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 20 seconds at a time and mix in between intervals. Repeat until the mixture has melted.
Spread out the melted chocolate: Pour chocolate over the bars and spread evenly using a spatula.
Refrigerate: Place in the refrigerator for a few hours before slicing into 9 bars.
Add more salt: Sprinkle extra vanilla salt on top. Enjoy!
Hint: Place in the freezer if you want the chocolate to harden more quickly!
Substitutions/Variations
Change up the nut butter: Instead of peanut butter you could use almond butter, creamy cashew butter, sunflower seed butter
Change up the chocolate: Instead of semi-sweet mini chocolate chips, you could use dark chocolate chips or white chocolate chips too! My husband actually asked if we could use white chocolate chips in the future - a great idea!
Nutrition
Protein - This cookie dough protein bar recipe is a great way to sneak in some additional protein while having a treat! It has about 12 grams of protein per serving of milk protein isolate.
Fiber - So many health benefits of fiber! Great for digestion and heart health to name just a few things!
Storage Tips
Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you take them out of the refrigerator, the chocolate topping will melt at room temperature.
You can either keep them in their original pan with seran wrap covering them
OR
Place them in a single layer in a large airtight container like a Tupperware or glass container with parchment paper.
Top tip: When microwaving the chocolate and coconut oil, take it out every 30 seconds and give it a good stir. You do not want to burn the chocolate, if you do it won’t go on a smoothly!
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Protein Bar
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cup whole wheat flour
- ½ cup vanilla protein powder
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla baking salt
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ⅓ cup agave
- ½ cup natural peanut butter
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Chocolate Topping
- ¾ cup chocolate chips
- 3 tablespoons natural peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- vanilla baking salt to garnish
Instructions
- Line an 8x8 pan with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine whole wheat flour, vanilla protein powder, baking soda, and vanilla salt and stir to combine.
- Add in the agave, peanut butter, milk, and vanilla extract. Stir until well mixed and transfer to the 8x8 pan. Firmly press into one even layer.
- Make the chocolate coating by melting the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and coconut oil in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 20 seconds at a time and mix in between intervals. Repeat until the mixture has melted.
- Pour chocolate over the bars and spread evenly using a spatula.
- Place in the refrigerator for a few hours before slicing into 9 bars.
- Sprinkle extra vanilla salt on top. Enjoy!
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