In our family, staying active and eating well go hand in hand, and we’re always on the hunt for simple, healthy snacks that fit our lifestyle. These protein cookies have become a go-to—whether it’s for a post-workout bite, our afternoon “tea time,” or a long road trip. In this post, I’ll share how these cookies came to be, why they’re perfect for busy, active days, and the little details that make them special
A Snack That Fits Our Lifestyle
With a family full of athletes, hikers, and outdoor lovers, snacks that fuel us without weighing us down are a must. My oldest son has recently started tracking his nutrition for his workouts, so we wanted something that packed in protein without going overboard on extras. My daughter Emma took on the challenge and created this recipe, making it both tasty and functional for everyone.
Perfect for Afternoon Tea
Time Every day around three o’clock, we have a little “tea time” where we gather for a small snack or a smoothie. These cookies fit right in—they’re quick to grab, satisfy hunger, and pair perfectly with a glass of milk. They’ve become a regular part of our afternoon routine, making that time together even more enjoyable.
Road Trip and Hiking Essential
Before a recent trip to Colorado, we baked a batch for the drive, and they turned out to be the best travel snack. They kept us full, didn’t crumble into a mess, and were easy to eat in the car. We even had some left over for the drive home. Now, we take them on hikes and climbing trips—especially since Emma has gotten into rock climbing. They’re light to carry, and one cookie is surprisingly filling.
Quick and Easy to Make
One of the best things about these cookies is how simple they are to prepare. The ingredients are pantry staples, the dough mixes up fast, and they bake in just 10 to 15 minutes. The dough is softer than typical cookie dough, so it naturally forms into a perfect cookie shape on the pan. The result is a soft, slightly cakey texture that still looks like a classic cookie.
Options for Everyone
Since my son can’t have oats or gluten, Emma also came up with a gluten-free, oat-free version so no one in the family misses out. Both versions taste great, and it’s nice to have a snack that works for everyone, regardless of dietary needs.
Always Creating in the Kitchen
We’re not a family that keeps a lot of packaged snacks around, so making our own treats is part of our routine. From sourdough crackers to protein smoothies and now these protein cookies, we love coming up with healthy, homemade options. It’s fun, creative, and ensures we always have something wholesome on hand.
Conclusion: These protein cookies have become more than just a recipe—they’re part of our daily rhythm and family adventures. They’re quick to make, easy to pack, and adaptable for different diets. Whether you enjoy them after a workout, during a road trip, or with your afternoon tea, I think you’ll love them just as much as we do.
Ingredients
Recipe
Gluten Free Protein Cookies
Delicious and soft protein cookies!
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Gluten Free Flour
- 2 Cup Rolled Oats
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
- 4 Tbs Chia Seeds
- ½ Cup Vanilla Protein Powder
- 2 Bananas
- 4 Eggs
- ½ Cup Maple Syrup
- 3 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- ½ Cup Peanut Butter
- 1 ½ Cup Chocolate Chips
- ½ Cup Nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: gluten-free flour, baking soda, cinnamon, protein powder, and chia seeds.
- Add the wet ingredients: bananas, eggs, maple syrup, vanilla, and peanut butter. Mix until well combined.
- Gently fold in the chocolate chips and nuts.
- Scoop dough with an ice cream scoop (or pour) and place onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 10–15 minutes, depending on cookie size.
- Cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Depending on the size of cookies you might have to leave them in the oven for a few more minutes.
Always let your cookies cool off! This helps them reach a firmer consistency so they wont crumble in your hands.
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