Protein Cookie Dough — Over 30 Grams of Protein (Single-Serve)
If you want a safe-to-eat cookie dough that doubles as a high-protein snack, this single-serve protein cookie dough delivers more than 30 grams of protein with minimal fuss. It’s thick, scoopable, and customizable for allergies and flavor preferences. If you’re building a full day of high-protein meals, check out this roundup of 50 high-protein low-calorie meals for more ideas that pair well with this treat.
Why this works
- Whey isolate (or another concentrated protein powder) provides the bulk of protein without adding a lot of carbs or fat.
- Powdered peanut butter (or cottage cheese / Greek yogurt) boosts protein and improves texture.
- Oat flour or quick oats add body so the dough holds together.
Ingredients (single serving)
- 1 scoop (30 g) whey protein isolate — vanilla or chocolate (≈25 g protein)
- 2 tbsp powdered peanut butter (PB2) mixed with 1–2 tbsp water OR 2 tbsp natural peanut butter (≈6–8 g protein for PB2)
- 2 tbsp oat flour or 3 tbsp quick oats, lightly ground
- 2–3 tbsp nonfat Greek yogurt or 2 tbsp low-fat cottage cheese (optional, for creaminess)
- 1–2 tsp sweetener (maple syrup, honey, or zero-calorie sweetener)
- 1–2 tbsp milk or unsweetened almond milk (to reach desired consistency)
- Pinch of salt and 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional mix-ins: mini dark chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or cinnamon
Estimated nutrition (approximate)
- Protein: 30–35 g
- Carbs: 18–25 g (depends on oats and sweetener)
- Fat: 6–10 g (varies with peanut product)
- Calories: ~300–360
Instructions
- Combine dry ingredients: In a small bowl, stir the protein powder, oat flour (or ground oats), and a pinch of salt.
- Add peanut butter base: If using PB2, mix the powder with 1–2 tbsp water first until it’s a spread-like consistency. If using natural peanut butter, just measure it.
- Mix wet ingredients: Add the peanut butter, Greek yogurt (or cottage cheese, if using), vanilla, and sweetener to the dry mix.
- Adjust consistency: Add milk a little at a time until you reach a thick, scoopable cookie-dough texture. If it’s too runny, sprinkle in a bit more protein powder or oats.
- Fold in mix-ins gently: Stir in up to 1 tbsp of mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts.
- Taste and tweak: Adjust sweetener or salt to preference.
Edible cookie dough vs baked cookies
- To eat raw: This recipe is designed to be safe raw (no eggs). Use heat-treated flour or oats if you’re concerned—simply pulse oats in a blender for a few seconds or bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes and cool.
- To bake: Scoop dough onto a lined baking sheet and flatten slightly; bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes for a soft cookie. Baking may reduce some protein bioavailability slightly, but flavor and texture change nicely.
Variations and swaps
- Vegan: Use a plant-based protein powder (pea or soy) and swap Greek yogurt for blended silken tofu or extra nut butter. Add a flax "egg" (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water) if baking.
- Lower carb: Replace oats with almond flour (note: texture will be different) and choose a low-carb sweetener.
- Higher protein: Stir in 2 tbsp nonfat dry milk powder or replace some oats with extra protein powder, but beware of dryness—add more yogurt/milk.
Serving ideas
- Eat straight from the bowl with a spoon.
- Scoop onto apple slices or rice cakes.
- Use as a dip for strawberries or banana slices.
- Spread between two small baked protein cookies to make an icebox sandwich.
Storage
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
- Freeze in portioned scoops (on a tray, then bagged) for up to 1 month; thaw briefly at room temperature before eating.
Troubleshooting
- Too dry: Add a teaspoon or two of milk or Greek yogurt.
- Too sweet or chalky: Use less protein powder next batch, or add more peanut butter and a pinch of salt.
- Not holding together: Add more oat flour or chill the dough 10–15 minutes in the fridge.
Further dessert pairing
If you enjoy protein-forward desserts, you might also like a chocolate protein pudding recipe as a lighter, scoopable option that pairs well with small spoonfuls of cookie dough for a decadent but balanced treat.
Conclusion
For an easy, high-protein snack that tastes like dessert but fuels your goals, try this single-serve protein cookie dough. If you want a ready-made version or inspiration for a one-serving baked alternative, check out Single Serve Protein Cookies (30g protein!).
