This Strawberry Protein Cookie Dough is a tasty treat that’s good for you! It’s made with fresh strawberries, protein powder, and nut butter, making it both sweet and filling.
I love enjoying this as a quick snack or simple dessert. Plus, no baking means less mess! Who doesn’t love cookie dough that you can actually eat? 🍓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Almond Flour: This gives the cookie dough its base. If you’re allergic to nuts or don’t have it, oat flour is a great alternative. It’s lighter and works well in this recipe.
Protein Powder: Using vanilla protein adds a nice flavor. If you prefer, unflavored will work too, just add a touch more sweetener. For a plant-based option, choose pea or soy protein.
Nut Butter: I love using natural peanut butter, but almond butter can add a wonderful flavor too. You can also try sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option.
Sweetener: Maple syrup gives a lovely taste, but if you want a lower-calorie option, consider using a low-calorie sweetener like stevia or monk fruit, adjusting to your taste.
Fresh Strawberries: Fresh is great for flavor, but in a pinch, you could use freeze-dried strawberries or even other berries like raspberries or blueberries for a fun twist!
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Dough Consistency?
Getting the right consistency for your cookie dough is key! Here’s how to do it:
- Begin with your dry ingredients, mixing the almond flour, protein powder, and salt first.
- Add your nut butter and sweetener, stirring until you see a crumbly texture start to form.
- When adding almond milk, do it slowly—1 tablespoon at a time. Mixing in between helps you gauge the dough’s texture.
- Your goal is a dough that holds together but isn’t sticky. If it’s too dry, add a bit more milk!
- Folding in strawberries and chocolate chips should be gentle to avoid crushing the berries.
With these techniques, you’re sure to create a delicious and satisfying Strawberry Protein Cookie Dough! Enjoy your healthy treat! 🍓
Strawberry Protein Cookie Dough Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup almond flour (or use oat flour for a lighter texture)
- 1/2 cup vanilla or unflavored protein powder
- Pinch of salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup natural peanut butter or almond butter
- 2-3 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-4 tablespoons almond milk (or any milk) as needed for consistency
Add-Ins:
- 1/4 cup fresh strawberries, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips or dark chocolate chips
Estimated Time:
This delightful treat takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 15-30 minutes for chilling in the fridge. In just a short amount of time, you’ll have a delicious snack or dessert ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
Start by taking a medium mixing bowl. Add in the almond flour, protein powder, and a pinch of salt. Mix them together gently until well combined. This will be the base of your cookie dough!
2. Mix in the Wet Ingredients:
Next, add the peanut butter (or almond butter), maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla extract to your dry ingredients. Stir everything together well until a crumbly dough starts to form. Don’t worry if it looks a bit dry; we’ll fix that in the next step!
3. Add Milk for Consistency:
Gradually pour in the almond milk—start with one tablespoon at a time. Mix thoroughly between each addition until the dough holds together nicely but is not sticky. You want a nice, workable texture!
4. Fold in the Fun Stuff:
Gently fold in the chopped strawberries and mini chocolate chips. Be careful not to squish the strawberries too much! This way, they will keep their deliciousness in every bite.
5. Portion the Dough:
Using a small cookie scoop or a spoon, portion the dough into round balls and place them into a bowl. Feel free to make them as big or small as you like!
6. Chill the Cookie Dough:
Now it’s time for a little chill! Cover the bowl with some plastic wrap or a lid and pop it into the refrigerator. Let it chill for about 15-30 minutes. This helps the dough firm up nicely.
7. Serve & Enjoy:
Your Strawberry Protein Cookie Dough is now ready! You can enjoy it straight from the fridge or let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes. Perfect as a snack or a healthy dessert anytime you crave something sweet!
Enjoy your delicious and nutritious Strawberry Protein Cookie Dough! It’s a treat you can feel great about! 🍓
Can I Use Other Fruits Instead of Strawberries?
Absolutely! You can substitute strawberries with other berries like blueberries or raspberries for a different flavor. Just keep in mind that the consistency may vary slightly depending on the fruit’s moisture content.
Can I Make This Vegan?
Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegan by using a plant-based protein powder, substituting maple syrup for honey, and ensuring your nut butter is free of added ingredients. It’s a delicious and healthy option!
How Long Can I Store This Cookie Dough?
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing the dough for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the fridge before enjoying!
Is It Possible to Make This Cookie Dough Without Protein Powder?
Yes! If you prefer not to use protein powder, you can replace it with additional almond flour. Just be aware that the dough might be a bit less nourishing without the protein boost, but it will still taste great!
