This fun and tasty Strawberry Protein Cookie Dough is a perfect treat! Made with strawberries and protein powder, it’s a sweet way to enjoy a healthy snack without the baking fuss.
Honestly, who doesn’t love eating cookie dough? I can’t resist sneaking bites while prepping! Plus, it’s full of good stuff, so I can feel less guilty about my snacking habits! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Almond flour: This gives a nice nutty flavor and is gluten-free. If you don’t have almond flour, you can use oat flour or even all-purpose flour, but the texture and taste will differ slightly.
Vanilla protein powder: Make sure to choose one you like! If you’re not into protein powder, you can skip it and increase the almond flour a little, though it won’t be as protein-rich.
Natural peanut butter or almond butter: I prefer peanut butter for its classic taste, but almond butter works wonderfully too. If you want a nut-free option, sunflower seed butter is a great substitute.
Maple syrup or honey: Both work for sweetness. I lean towards maple syrup for its unique flavor, but if you’re vegan, stick to maple syrup. Adjust the quantity to match your taste!
Fresh strawberries: They add lovely sweetness and freshness, but you can use other berries, like blueberries or raspberries, if strawberries aren’t in season. Dried fruit like cranberries can work too, just cut back on the syrup.
How Do You Get the Dough to Form Just Right?
Mixing the dough properly is crucial! Here’s how to do it:
- Start with your dry ingredients in a mixing bowl—almond flour, protein powder, and salt.
- Add the peanut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Use a sturdy spoon to mix everything together until it forms a cohesive dough. It might feel dry at first, but keep mixing!
- If the dough seems too crumbly, add a tiny bit of water or almond milk to help bind it. Be careful not to add too much—just enough to help it come together.
This step may take a little elbow grease, but don’t give up! The dough will come together beautifully, ready for those strawberries and chocolate chips!
How to Make Strawberry Protein Cookie Dough
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup vanilla protein powder
- 1/4 cup natural peanut butter or almond butter
- 3 tbsp maple syrup or honey
- 1/4 cup fresh strawberries, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips or chunks
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Strawberry Protein Cookie Dough is super quick to prepare! You’ll need about 10 minutes for preparation, plus an optional 15-20 minute chill time in the refrigerator. In no time, you’ll have a delicious treat ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a mixing bowl, combine the almond flour, vanilla protein powder, and a pinch of salt. This will create a nice base for your cookie dough, so make sure they’re well mixed together.
2. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
Add the natural peanut butter (or almond butter), maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Use a sturdy spoon or spatula to mix it until a dough starts to form. It might look a bit crumbly at first, but keep mixing until it all comes together!
3. Add the Strawberries and Chocolate:
Once your dough is ready, gently fold in the finely chopped fresh strawberries and dark chocolate chips. This adds the yummy flavors we’re looking for, so take your time and make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
4. Shape the Cookie Dough:
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, scoop out small portions of the dough and roll them into balls. Place the dough balls in a bowl. They don’t have to be perfect – the fun is in the homemade look!
5. Chill (Optional):
For a firmer texture, you can chill the cookie dough balls in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes. This is totally optional, but it does help them hold together a bit better!
6. Enjoy!
Now, dig in! You can enjoy these Strawberry Protein Cookie Dough bites right away, or store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They make a great snack or treat anytime you need a little sweetness!
Enjoy your healthy and delicious Strawberry Protein Cookie Dough! Happy snacking!
Can I Use Other Nut Butters?
Absolutely! While almond or peanut butter are great choices, you can also use cashew butter or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option. Just pick one that you enjoy for a pleasant flavor!
Can I Freeze This Cookie Dough?
Yes, you can! Simply scoop the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze them for a couple of hours, then transfer to an airtight container or a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the fridge before enjoying!
How Do I Adjust the Sweetness?
If you prefer a sweeter cookie dough, feel free to add a little more maple syrup or honey! Start with an additional teaspoon and taste as you go to achieve your desired sweetness.
Can I Add Other Mix-ins?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative by adding nuts, seeds, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon. Mix-ins like shredded coconut or dried fruit can also add a fun twist to your cookie dough!
