PROTEIN PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES (ALMOND FLOUR + WHEY)
A soft, chewy high-protein cookie that’s naturally gluten-free
KEY INFO:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes (including cooling)
Servings: 16 medium cookies
Difficulty: Easy
Dietary: Gluten-free, Low-carb option, High-protein (14g per cookie)
EQUIPMENT NEEDED:
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric mixer (hand or stand)
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone mat
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Alternative: Whisk and strong arm power if no mixer available
INGREDIENTS:
- 1½ cups (150g) almond flour
- ½ cup (45g) vanilla whey protein powder
- 1 cup (250g) natural smooth peanut butter, room temperature
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup (100g) sweetener of choice (brown sugar or erythritol for keto)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: ½ cup dark chocolate chips
METHOD:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
- Line baking sheet with parchment paper
- In a large bowl, cream peanut butter and sweetener until fluffy (about 2 minutes)
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then vanilla extract
- Whisk almond flour, whey protein, baking soda, and salt in separate bowl
- Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined
- Form 16 equal balls (about 2 tablespoons each)
- Place on baking sheet and flatten to ¾-inch thickness
- Bake for 9-12 minutes until edges set and cracks appear on top
- Cool completely on wire rack (at least 15 minutes)
CRUCIAL TIPS:
- Don’t overbake – cookies should look slightly underdone when removed
- Use natural peanut butter without added oils
- Room temperature ingredients mix better
- Cookies will be soft when hot – they firm up while cooling
STORAGE:
- Room temperature: 3 days in airtight container
- Refrigerated: 1 week
- Freezer: 3 months
COMMON MISTAKES:
- Using plant-based protein (makes cookies dry)
- Not allowing cookies to cool completely
- Overbaking (leads to crumbly texture)
VARIATIONS:
- Keto: Use erythritol sweetener
- Extra protein: Add 2 tbsp collagen powder
- Chunky: Add chopped peanuts
- Chocolate lover’s: Add dark chocolate chips
NUTRITION (per cookie):
Calories: 180
Protein: 14g
Carbs: 8g (3g net)
Fat: 12g
