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.

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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.

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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.

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.

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.

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 🙂

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.

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