If you’ve followed my blog for a while, you know I love trying new protein powders – collagen too! Recently, I tried a variety of Nuzest’s clean lean protein powders and was instantly sold. Every single flavor is off the charts amazing! My favorite, the Nuzest vanilla pea protein, was used in these Vanilla Protein Chocolate Chip Cookies. This pea protein provides a moist texture and sweet vanilla cookie taste.
These grain free Vanilla Protein Chocolate Chip Cookies are free of: gluten, grains, dairy, soy and refined sugar. Seriously, the best healthy, protein-packed cookies.
Why Use Pea Protein?
Lately, Nuzest protein powders have been making a frequent appearance in my recipe testing. Their protein powders are made entirely of European grown and processed Golden Peas, are easily digestible and allergy friendly. Plus, they don’t include any nasty additives, preservatives or chemicals in any of their flavored proteins.
On another random note, the smooth vanilla is the best smelling protein powder! Honestly, opening the jar smells like freshly made vanilla cookie dough. In fact, I’m guessing that’s what inspired me to create these Paleo Vanilla Protein Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Ingredients in Paleo Protein Cookies
These Paleo protein chocolate chip cookies are soft and gooey on the inside but crisp on the outside. Which, is my absolute favorite cookie texture! Anyone else?
They are made with a few simple ingredients:
- Non-hydrogenated shortening
- coconut sugar
- egg
- vanilla extract
- Protein Powder
- blanched almond flour
- baking soda
- salt
- chocolate chips
Ingredient Substitutions for Vanilla Protein Cookies
If you aren’t dairy-free, then substituting the shortening for grass fed butter will produce similar results. However, non-hydrogenated shortening (I use Nutiva
) is an excellent dairy free butter alternative. It contains healthy fats and bakes really well! Whatever you do, please don’t substitute with traditional shortening like Crisco. The ingredients in Crisco are absolutely terrible!
In addition, the coconut sugar can be substituted with any granular sugar. Monk fruit would be my idea alternative.
If you are looking for an egg-free option, using a flax or chia egg will most likely work. However, please know that I have not tried these substitutions and the texture and taste may slightly vary if you aren’t using real eggs.
As far as the protein powder goes, most plant based protein powders should work in place of the one I used. Also, any of the Nuzest protein powders would work instead of the vanilla. For instance, the Nuzest Coconut Coffee MCT protein powder is a swap I’ve been meaning to try. As, a coffee chocolate chip protein cookie sounds fantastic!
These easy-to-make Paleo protein cookies are perfect for a healthy dessert. They are high in protein, contain simple ingredients and satisfy any sweet craving.
Disclaimer: I am an affiliate of Nuzest. If you purchase any products through these links, I get a small commission…at no extra cost to you! Thank you for supporting Bake It Paleo!
Print
Vanilla Protein Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 cookies 1x
Description
Dairy Free cookies packed with protein and perfect for a guilt free, Paleo dessert.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup Non-hydrogenated shortening, room temp
- 1/3 cup coconut sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 scoops Nuzest Smooth Vanilla Protein Powder (28g)*
- 1/2 cup blanched almond flour (55g)
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine shortening and coconut sugar. Mix well.
- Add in egg and vanilla, mix.
- Add in protein powder, almond flour, baking soda and salt. Mix well.
- Fold in chocolate chips.
- Scoop dough (1 heaping Tbsp/cookie) onto baking sheet. Bake in oven at 350 degrees for 7-8 minutes.
- Remove cookies from oven. Cool on baking sheet 1-2 minutes before transferring to cooling rack.
Notes
*Use my affiliate discount code “bakeitpaleo” for 15% off any Nuzest purchase
Keywords: protein cookies, chocolate chip, nuzest, dessert
Do you think just using coconut out would work? Thanks
I haven’t tried subbing with coconut oil so I can’t say for sure. But I don’t think the texture would turn out quite the same. If you try, I’d love to know how they turn out!
I can easily eat an entire batch in one sitting.
★★★★★
Best cookie recipe ever. You are a genius, lovely recipe. All of your recipes have turned out great. This is my new favourite recipe blog. 😁
★★★★★
Oh my goodness! Thank you so much for the sweet comment and review! You just made my weekend 🙂
Hi Katie!
I am trying to cut butter and shortening from my food, and so if I substitute with apple sauce do you think it will work?
Hi! No, I don’t think that will work well in this recipe. But, if you try then please let me know the results 🙂
Flavors are great! Mine spread quite a bit so they were on the thin side and really soft but overall really good. Is that common? I used butter instead of shortening..do you think that’s the problem?? Thank you!!
★★★★
Hi! It’s possible that the butter is what made them spread more. Did you use room temperature butter? The temperature of the butter/shortening and the type of protein powder you use will make a large difference. One thing you can do to help with the spreading is refrigerate the cookie dough for 30-60 minutes prior to baking. Hope this helps!