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    Home Β» Paleo

    Chocolate Chip Protein Cookies (Gluten Free, Dairy Free)

    Published: Mar 1, 2019 Β· by Katie

    Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

    These chocolate chip protein cookies are gluten free and dairy free, made with pea protein and perfect for a healthy dessert. This low carb protein cookie recipe is so good, you'll never guess it contains protein powder.

    vanilla-protein-powder-chocolate-chip-cookies

    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 protein chocolate chip cookies.  This pea protein provides a moist texture and sweet vanilla cookie taste.

    Why You'll Love these Chocolate Chip Protein Cookies

    • gluten free & grain free - made with pea protein and almond flour
    • dairy free - no butter, no whey protein
    • soy free
    • refined sugar free - sweetened with coconut sugar (or monk fruit)
    • low carb - made with almond flour and protein powder
    • easy to make and delicious - no one will guess they contain protein powder

    These are literally the BEST protein chocolate chip cookies. Even my oldest son (who isn't fond of protein powder in recipes) loves these cookies.

    vanilla-protein-powder-cookies-side-view
    top-view-of-Paleo-protein-cookies

    Ingredients

    These chocolate chip cookies with protein powder are made with a few simple ingredients. Here's what you need:

    • Non-hydrogenated shortening (or butter)
    • coconut sugar (or monk fruit sweetener)
    • egg
    • vanilla extract
    • Pea Protein Powder
    • blanched almond flour
    • baking soda
    • salt
    • dark chocolate chips

    Ingredient Substitutions

    Shortening

    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!  

    Sugar

    I used coconut sugar in these healthy protein cookies, but it can be substituted with any granulated sugar.  Monk fruit sweetener would be my top alternative.

    Egg

    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.

    Protein Powder

    As far as the protein powder goes, most plant based protein powders should work in place of the one I used. However, this recipe has only been tested with Nuzest's pea protein. 

    I used Nuzest vanilla pea protein powder because their protein is made entirely of European grown and processed Golden Peas; which are easily digestible and allergy friendly.  Plus, their protein doesn't include any nasty additives, preservatives or flavorings.

    Almond Flour

    These cookies have only been tested with almond flour. However, tigernut flour or ground sunflower seed may work for a nut-free version. Just be aware that I have not tried this substitution myself so cannot guarantee results.

    melty-chocolate-chip-cookies

    How to Make Chocolate Chip Protein Cookies

    These vanilla protein powder cookies are extremely easy and quick to make - no chilling the dough required!

    First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.

    Next, in a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the shortening and coconut sugar. Once well combined, add in the egg and vanilla. Mix in the almond flour, protein powder, baking soda and salt. Lastly, fold the chocolate chips into the dough.

    Use a tablespoon-sized cookie scoop to scoop the dough onto a baking sheet. Each cookie should be one rounded tablespoon of dough, making 12-14 cookies.

    how-to-make-protein-cookies

    Place the cookies in the preheated oven and bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes.

    Then, remove the cookies from the oven, cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire cooling rack.

    chocolate-chip-protein-cookies

    Storage

    These low carb protein cookies are best stored in the fridge or freezer. Personally, I LOVE them straight out of the freezer with a glass of almond milk πŸ™‚

    Place the cookies in an air tight container or baggie in the fridge for up to one week or the freezer up to one month.

    More Protein Cookie Recipes

    • Chocolate Protein Cookies
    • Collagen Chocolate Chip Cookies
    • Hemp Protein Cookies
    Print
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    vanilla-protein-powder-chocolate-chip-cookies

    Chocolate Chip Protein Cookies (Gluten Free, Dairy Free)

    5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 11 reviews
    • Author: Katie
    • Prep Time: 10 minutes
    • Cook Time: 10 minutes
    • Total Time: 20 minutes
    • Yield: 12-14 cookies
    Print Recipe
    Pin Recipe

    Description

    These healthy protein chocolate chip cookies are made with almond flour and pea protein.Β  They're gluten free, dairy free and low carb!


    Ingredients

    Scale
    • β…“ cup Non-hydrogenated shortening, softened (or butter)
    • β…“ cup coconut sugarΒ (or monk fruit sweetener)
    • 1 large egg
    • 1 tsp vanilla extract
    • Β½ cup blanched almond flour (55g)
    • ΒΌ cup Nuzest Vanilla Protein Powder (28g)*
    • Β½ tsp baking soda
    • ΒΌ tsp salt
    • ΒΌ cup chocolate chips


    Instructions

    1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
    2. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine shortening and coconut sugar.Β  Mix well.
    3. Add in egg and vanilla, mix.
    4. Add in almond flour, protein powder, baking soda and salt.Β  Mix well.
    5. Fold chocolate chips into the batter.
    6. Scoop cookie dough (1 rounded tablespoon per cookie) onto baking sheet.Β  Bake in oven at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes.
    7. Remove cookies from oven.Β  Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire cooling rack.
    8. Best stored in fridge or freezer.

    Notes

    *No other protein powders have been tested.Β  Use my affiliate discount code "bakeitpaleo" for 15% off any Nuzest purchase.

    Did you make this recipe?

    Share a photo and tag us β€” we can't wait to see what you've made!

    vanilla-protein-powder-chocolate-chip-cookie-recipe-pinterest-image
    « Superfood Energy Bites (Paleo, Vegan)
    Chocolate Cassava Pancakes (Paleo, Vegan, Nut Free) »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Jill savin

      March 01, 2019 at 5:46 pm

      Do you think just using coconut out would work? Thanks

      Reply
      • Katie

        March 03, 2019 at 6:33 am

        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!

        Reply
    2. Eric

      May 14, 2020 at 4:15 pm

      I can easily eat an entire batch in one sitting.

      Reply
    3. Frida

      June 05, 2020 at 1:47 pm

      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. 😁

      Reply
      • Katie

        June 06, 2020 at 11:27 am

        Oh my goodness! Thank you so much for the sweet comment and review! You just made my weekend πŸ™‚

        Reply
        • Belinda

          December 11, 2022 at 5:21 pm

          Any idea of how much protein per cookie?

    4. Basma

      June 10, 2020 at 10:28 pm

      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?

      Reply
      • Katie

        June 11, 2020 at 7:55 am

        Hi! No, I don't think that will work well in this recipe. But, if you try then please let me know the results πŸ™‚

        Reply
    5. Jamie

      July 25, 2020 at 9:50 am

      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!!

      Reply
      • Katie

        July 26, 2020 at 5:29 am

        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!

        Reply
    6. steph

      August 18, 2020 at 1:41 pm

      do you have the nutrition facts for these cookies?

      Reply
    7. Tammy

      October 25, 2020 at 3:52 pm

      I made these with coconut oil and monk fruit sweetener and they were perfect! My boyfriend and I tore them up and they tasted like real deal chocolate chip cookies!!! Can’t wait to try this with other flavors of protein powder!

      Reply
      • Katie

        October 26, 2020 at 7:07 am

        Wonderful! So happy that you both enjoyed the recipe πŸ™‚ Thank you for sharing!

        Reply
    8. Anna

      February 06, 2021 at 11:57 am

      Hi thanks for the great recipe! Making this tonight, although I’ve been craving an oatmeal protein Cookie, do you think I could sub out half the almond flour for oats?

      Reply
      • Katie

        February 06, 2021 at 12:19 pm

        Hi! I'm guessing that would work, but I haven't tried the substitution myself so can't say for sure.

        Reply
    9. Lizzy

      March 15, 2022 at 8:34 am

      roughly how much protein does each cookie have?

      Reply
    10. Liz

      June 05, 2022 at 8:40 pm

      I doctored it a little, I used bob Mills 1-1 gluten free flour, butter and hemp seed protein powder. I read Someone’s spread using butter so I chilled My dough for 30 minutes and they came out perfectly. Thanks so much for the recipe!!’ Will be making again (tomorrow) 😁❀️

      Reply
      • Katie

        June 06, 2022 at 5:59 am

        I'm so glad you liked them! Thank you for sharing your substitutions and leaving a review πŸ™‚

        Reply
    11. Michele

      December 27, 2022 at 12:24 pm

      Do you have the nutrition info for this recipe?

      Reply
    12. Michelle V

      May 27, 2023 at 9:32 pm

      For some reason mine look nothing like the picture... Mine look flat like pancakes; however, they're really yummy! I keep trying to make low carb or healthy desserts and most if not all of them were fails until this one. I think im just not willing to compromise on taste- and these cookies are full taste/flavor AWESOMENESS!

      Thanks. Will be trying more recipes from you bc obviously u know what time it is!

      Reply
      • Katie

        May 28, 2023 at 8:52 am

        I'm so glad you like them! Thank you for leaving a review πŸ™‚

        Reply
    13. Stephanie

      September 12, 2023 at 7:58 pm

      I used coconut oil, maple syrup for the sweetener and had to add some extra almond flour to get the consistency right. Very good and they came out exactly like the picture πŸ‘ Trying to make my evening cookies n’ iced coffee habit more nutritionally relevant πŸ˜‚ thanks for the recipe!

      Reply
      • Katie

        September 13, 2023 at 10:25 am

        Your tweaks sound wonderful! Thank you for leaving a review πŸ™‚

        Reply
    14. Laurie de Leonne

      February 20, 2024 at 4:23 pm

      Yom!

      Would love nutritional information please!

      Reply
    15. Laurie de Leonne

      February 20, 2024 at 4:57 pm

      I have nutrition information!

      Plugged this into my nutrition app and arrived at the following:

      For a 1 tbsp cookie (monk fruit option)
      108 calories
      8.6 g fat
      10.4 g carbs (.6 g fiber, 2.7 g sugars)
      3.2 g protein

      Reply
    16. Beth Towle

      October 06, 2024 at 4:36 pm

      I made these treasures tonight! I used real butter and granulated white sugar and also TB12 chocolate pea protein! I also chilled for about and hour! They came out great after baking and sticking in the fridge! My husband said these are fantastic! Thank you!

      Reply
      • Katie

        October 07, 2024 at 12:36 pm

        Wonderful! So glad you all loved them!

        Reply

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    Hi there!

    I'm Katie and I have a passion for baking healthy treats using real, whole food ingredients. On my blog you'll find a variety of sweet and savory recipes, all gluten free and dairy free. My mission is to make baking nutritious, delicious, simple and family friendly.

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