Vegan Protein Cookies Recipe
Picture this: It’s a lazy Sunday afternoon, and I’m about to whip up a batch of these irresistible vegan almond butter cookies that are so easy to make, even my cat could probably do it (minus the oven part, obviously).
I really enjoy making these vegan protein cookies because they are a wonderfully nutritious treat that fits perfectly into my healthy lifestyle. They are completely gluten-free and super filling.
They do use a fair amount of almond flour, and almond butter, and you have to mix in a good amount of protein powder. But honestly, when you eat one (or two), you feel like you just downed a healthy, nutty-flavored, vegan version of a protein bar.
Vegan Protein Cookies Recipe Ingredients
- Almond Flour: Rich in healthy fats and protein, adds a nutty flavor.
- Rolled Oats: High in fiber, contributes a chewy texture, supports heart health.
- Vegan Protein Powder: Boosts protein content, aids muscle recovery, plant-based.
- Maple Syrup: Natural sweetener, adds warmth, rich in minerals.
- Almond Butter: Creamy texture, high in protein and healthy fats, enhances flavor.
- Dairy-Free Chocolate Chips: Optional treat, adds sweetness and delightful texture.
Vegan Protein Cookies Recipe Ingredient Quantities
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup vegan protein powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup almond butter
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup dairy-free chocolate chips (optional)
How to Make this Vegan Protein Cookies Recipe
1. Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, incorporate the almond flour, rolled oats, vegan protein powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir until everything is mixed evenly.
3. In another bowl, combine the almond butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract and mix until smooth.
4. Combine the liquid ingredients with the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
5. Mix in the chocolate chips that are dairy-free, if you’re using them, so that they are evenly incorporated into the dough.
6. Scoop large spoonfuls of dough and roll them into balls; then place them on a baking sheet that is prepared, leaving around 2 inches between each cookie.
7. Slightly flatten each ball using the back of a spoon or your palm so that it assumes the shape of a cookie.
8. In the oven that has been preheated, bake for a duration of 10-12 minutes. This is necessary to satisfy two requirements: the edges must turn golden, and the insides must set. Otherwise, the baked goods may not live up to their name. The edges will turn from pale to a beautiful golden color in this time. But I have no idea what exactly is happening inside the oven.
9. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes; then move them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Save cookies in an airtight container. Store them at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze.
Vegan Protein Cookies Recipe Equipment Needed
1. Oven
2. Baking sheet
3. Parchment paper
4. Large mixing bowl
5. Medium mixing bowl
6. Measuring cups
7. Measuring spoons
8. Mixing spoon or spatula
9. Spoon or cookie scoop
10. Wire rack
FAQ
- What type of vegan protein powder is best for these cookies?Any protein powder derived from plants works just fine. But powders that are flavored with vanilla or that are unflavored in any way generally give the best outcome without overwhelming the other flavors.
- Can I substitute the almond flour for another type of flour?These cookies are kept moist and tender with almond flour, but you could use oat flour or a gluten-free blend. Experiment and see what happens. They may be slightly different in the end.
- Are the chocolate chips necessary?The chocolate chips are not necessary. They contribute an appealing sweetness, but you can leave them out or replace them with dried fruits or nuts.
- How should I store these cookies?Keep the cookies in a sealed container at room temperature for up to one week. To maintain freshness and texture, refrigerate.
- Can I make this recipe without almond butter?Certainly! You can swap out almond butter for any other nut or seed butter. This includes but is not limited to: peanut butter, sunflower seed butter, and any nut butter of your choice. Just keep it coconut-free, and the vibe is intact!
- Is it possible to make these cookies nut-free?Certainly, simply exchange the almond flour for oat flour and select a seed butter such as sunflower seed butter.
- How many cookies does this recipe yield?This recipe typically makes approximately 12 medium cookies, depending on how you define medium. So there’s no need to worry about that at all.
Vegan Protein Cookies Recipe Substitutions and Variations
Almond flour: Replace with oat flour or coconut flour (remember that coconut flour might need extra moisture).
Oats that are rolled: Use quick oats or quinoa flakes in their place.
Vegan protein powder: Replace with either pea protein powder or hemp protein powder.
Almond butter can be substituted with either peanut butter or sunflower seed butter.
Substitute with agave syrup or brown rice syrup for maple syrup.
Pro Tips
1. Roasting the Oats: Before using the rolled oats, try lightly toasting them in a dry pan over medium heat until they become fragrant. This step will enhance their nutty flavor and add a deeper layer to the final cookies.
2. Smooth Dough Consistency: If the dough seems too crumbly when you’re trying to form it, add a tablespoon of almond milk (or other plant-based milk) at a time until you reach the desired consistency. This will help bind the ingredients without altering the flavor significantly.
3. Chilling the Dough: For cookies with a slightly firmer texture, consider chilling the dough in the refrigerator for about 20-30 minutes before shaping and baking. This can help the cookies maintain their shape better while baking.
4. Add-In Flexibility: Feel free to add a handful of chopped nuts, seeds, or dried fruit like cranberries for extra texture and flavor. These can be mixed in along with the chocolate chips or as a substitute.
5. Baking Sheet Consideration: If you have a dark-colored baking sheet, consider reducing the baking time by a minute or so, as dark sheets tend to brown cookies faster. Conversely, if you’re using a light-colored sheet, you might need the full baking time to achieve the golden edges.
Vegan Protein Cookies Recipe
My favorite Vegan Protein Cookies Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Oven
2. Baking sheet
3. Parchment paper
4. Large mixing bowl
5. Medium mixing bowl
6. Measuring cups
7. Measuring spoons
8. Mixing spoon or spatula
9. Spoon or cookie scoop
10. Wire rack
Ingredients:
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup vegan protein powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup almond butter
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup dairy-free chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, incorporate the almond flour, rolled oats, vegan protein powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir until everything is mixed evenly.
3. In another bowl, combine the almond butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract and mix until smooth.
4. Combine the liquid ingredients with the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
5. Mix in the chocolate chips that are dairy-free, if you’re using them, so that they are evenly incorporated into the dough.
6. Scoop large spoonfuls of dough and roll them into balls; then place them on a baking sheet that is prepared, leaving around 2 inches between each cookie.
7. Slightly flatten each ball using the back of a spoon or your palm so that it assumes the shape of a cookie.
8. In the oven that has been preheated, bake for a duration of 10-12 minutes. This is necessary to satisfy two requirements: the edges must turn golden, and the insides must set. Otherwise, the baked goods may not live up to their name. The edges will turn from pale to a beautiful golden color in this time. But I have no idea what exactly is happening inside the oven.
9. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes; then move them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Save cookies in an airtight container. Store them at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze.