The best homemade Cookie Dough Protein Bars packed with cookie flavor! Made with whole grain oat flour, cashew butter, and vanilla plant protein with a silky smooth chocolate coating. 10g protein per bar!

Ermygerd. Can I just say that this may be my favorite recipe ever to have graced this blog?

A super serious statement, I know.

There are 176 reasons why this recipe is superb, but the sheer ease of it tops the list. Simply combine everything in a mixing bowl, press dough into a pan, top with chocolate coating, freeze, cut, and devour while pondering how life could be so darn beautiful.

How to make cookie dough protein bars

Making homemade protein bars is super simple and super affordable versus buying store bought! Pssst--they're quicker to make than you'd think.

Whisk together oat flour, protein powder, salt and baking soda in a mixing bowl.
Add cashew butter, maple syrup, cashew butter and vanilla.
Melt chocolate chips and coconut oil. Pour silky chocolate coating over bars. Freeze, slice, EAT!

What makes these protein bars PERFECT

you don't have to bake them
they're made with healthy, plant based ingredients
they taste amazing and double as dessert!

Ingredient tips and substitutions

Oat flour: Lotsa oats for texture, nutrition, and cooke flavor. You can make your own by blending oats into a fine powder. Use certified gluten free if needed.
Vanilla plant protein: For a protein boost and extra sweetness. I have not tried these with whey. If you don't have protein powder, you should be able to sub any combo of oats, ground flax or almond flour, but they will be less sweet.
Cashew butter: Even more cookie flavor plus healthy fats for mouthfeel and optimal texture. You can use almond butter but they'll be darker and strong in flavor. Peanut butter is a bit more dry and will give a strong peanut flavor.
Maple syrup: For a hint of extra sweetness. Honey syrup or agave will also work.
Almond milk: a splash to bring the batter together. Any milk will do.
Vanilla extract: For authentic vanilla cookie flavor!
Baking soda: Purely for cookie flavor; you can totally omit if you'd like.
Chocolate chips: To get that thick layer or chocolate on top.

What kind of protein powder is best?

I always go with plant-based protein powder that's a blend of pea and rice because I love plants! I haven't tried these with whey since I don't cook with it. This and this are my favorite plant-based protein powders.

You want one that's sweetened versus unflavored, as that contributes to the overall taste of these bars. If less sweet bars are your jam, feel free to try unsweetened protein.

If you don’t have protein powder, you can try swapping it out for more oats, or even throw some ground flaxseed in there!

How to store bars

I like to store my bars in fridge for up to a week.

Can you freeze protein bars?

Yes! You can freeze them for up to three months. They're delish right out of the freezer, too!

More amazing protein bar recipes

THE SEA SALT ON TOP. Don't you skip it. That would legit be tragic.

Cookie Dough Protein Bars Recipe

★★★★★ 5 from 52 reviews

Author: Alexis Joseph
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 0 min
Total Time: 20 mins
Yield: 9 bars 1x
Category: Snack
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

The BEST no-bake homemade Cookie Dough Protein Bar recipe that tastes just like a cookie! Made with oat flour, cashew butter, and vanilla plant protein with a silky smooth chocolate coating. 10g protein per bar! Vegan and gluten-free.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the bars:

1 ¾ cups oats flour (certified gluten-free if necessary)
½ cup vanilla plant-based protein powder
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp baking soda (optional for cookie flavor)
⅓ cup pure maple syrup
½ cup cashew butter (can sub almond butter)
¼ cup almond milk
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the chocolate topping:

½ cup chocolate chips (dairy-free if necessary)
2 tbsp cashew butter
Sea salt, for topping bars

Instructions

Line an 8x8 inch square baking dish with parchment paper going both ways.
Place oat flour, protein powder, salt, and baking soda in a large mixing bowl, stirring to combine.
Add maple syrup, cashew butter, almond milk, and vanilla. Stir until you have a ball of "dough." Using wet hands, press evenly into prepared baking dish.
Make chocolate coating by placing chocolate chips, coconut oil, and cashew butter in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 20-second intervals for about a minute, or until melted, stirring each time. Pour chocolate over bars and use a spatula to spread evenly.
Freeze for at least 2 hours before slicing into 9 bars. Top with a sprinkle of salt and devour!

Keywords: cookie dough protein bar