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    Hummusapien » Recipes » Snacks » Cookie Dough Protein Bars

    ★★★★★ from 26 reviews

    Cookie Dough Protein Bars

    Published Jan 2, 2023 · Modified Jan 3, 2023 · by Alexis Joseph · 86 Comments

    Jump to Recipe

    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!

    stack of bars with coffee

    Ermygerd. Can I just say that this may be my favorite bar recipe ever to have graced this blog? I mean we all love my Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bars and Matcha Protein Bars but I have a soft spot for anything cookie dough.

    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.

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

    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 cookie 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 like to use a pea and rice blend. 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. Use sunflower seed butter for nut-free.
    • 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.
    stack of four protein bats

    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. They're also great with these vanilla collagen peptides.

    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, but they can also be stored at room temperature.

    Can you freeze protein bars?

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

    stack of three bars with gold knife

    More amazing protein bar recipes

    • No-Bake Matcha Protein Bars
    • No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bars
    • No-Bake Raspberry Protein Bars
    • No-Bake Banana Protein Bars

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

    Print
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    Cookie Dough Protein Bars Recipe

    ★★★★★ 5 from 26 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
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    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 oat flour (certified gluten-free if necessary)*
    • ½ cup vanilla plant-based protein powder
    • ¼ tsp fine sea 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
    • 1 tbsp coconut oil
    • Sea salt, for topping bars

    Instructions

    1. Line an 8x8 inch square baking dish with parchment paper going both ways.
    2. Place oat flour, protein powder, salt, and baking soda in a large mixing bowl, stirring to combine.
    3. 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.
    4. 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.
    5. Freeze for at least 2 hours before slicing into 9 bars. Top with a sprinkle of salt and devour!

    Notes

    *You can make your own oat flour by grinding old-fashioned oats in the Nutribullet or a high-speed blender.

    Keywords: cookie dough protein bar

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @hummusapien on Instagram. I love sharing what you make!

    About Alexis Joseph

    Oh HEY there! I'm Alexis Joseph, food writer, blogger, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), new mama, and co-founder of local restaurant group, Alchemy. I use my passion for cooking and wellness as fuel to help others ignite a more freeing and happy relationship with food. Learn more about Alexis!

    5 Secrets to Delish, Healthy Lunches

    Reader Interactions

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      Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

    1. Nikki says

      February 02, 2020 at 3:25 pm

      These are INCREDIBLE! My husband and I like to have protein bars handy for a quick snack and after I made these, he asked why we have ever bought protein bars when I can make these Instead! They’re sooo much better than store bought!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis Joseph says

        February 03, 2020 at 6:46 pm

        YAYYY! Thank you a ton for the love, Nik! I truly appreciate you taking the tine to rate the recipe 🙂

        Reply
    2. amelie says

      January 08, 2020 at 6:26 pm

      Very nice. I made them without protein since I didn't have it and it tastes lovely with the coconut oil. Oats contain proteins anyway.
      Is the idea to leave these in the freezer for conservation or is the fridge enough? I made a batch of 12 with these quantities and I feel that is the perfect amount for that energy boost!

      Reply
      • Alexis Joseph says

        January 09, 2020 at 3:10 am

        Glad you liked them! The fridge is fine 🙂

        Reply
    3. Lana says

      September 07, 2019 at 1:37 pm

      ?? thank you for this recipe! I just made it and the hardest part is to wait now 🙂 how do you store these after cutting them (in the fridge or freezer? )

      Reply
      • Alexis Joseph says

        September 09, 2019 at 1:11 am

        Either one will work!

        Reply
    4. Alexis says

      April 03, 2019 at 7:15 am

      YES! That's fabulous, Jennifer. Be sure to try the Matcha Protein Bars, too!

      Reply
    5. Jennifer C. says

      April 02, 2019 at 6:43 pm

      These are as good as they look! I am addicted to sweets and needed healthy options to satisfy my cravings...these did the trick and beyond!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    6. Alexis says

      March 31, 2019 at 3:27 pm

      It adds a little cookie flavor but you can leave it out!

      Reply
    7. Georgia says

      March 30, 2019 at 10:11 pm

      These look really good! Why do you use baking soda if these are no bake? Thank you!

      Reply
    8. Becca says

      March 01, 2019 at 8:41 am

      These were amazing! I made them as a “congrats” treat for my boyfriend. They look so fancy and decadent, you’d never guess how easy they were to put together. I subbed vanilla almond butter for the cashew butter bc that’s what I had on hand. They remind me of my childhood cafeteria favorite “Buckeye Bars” but without all the garbage. So happy I found this recipe and I will definitely be making it again!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    9. Sarah Tonti says

      February 24, 2019 at 9:33 pm

      THIS. IS. AMAZING.

      Thank you, Alexis! 🙂

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    10. Danielle Liszka says

      February 13, 2019 at 10:55 am

      Great healthier alternative to a protein bar! Love the sweetness. I have made this recipe once with cashew butter and once with almond butter, personally I enjoy the almond butter version better but both delicious! Love trying hummusapien recipes, keep creating Alexis! 🙂

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis says

        February 14, 2019 at 8:16 am

        Yayyy one of my favorites!!

        Reply
    11. Alexis says

      January 18, 2019 at 8:37 am

      What a wonderful story! Thank you, Toni 🙂

      Reply
    12. Toni says

      January 17, 2019 at 9:09 pm

      I was looking for a healthy bar to make for my daughter to take this weekend’s surf carnival. The girls on her rowing team need to keep up their strength in between races and so are encouraged to eat snacks constantly.
      I used the plant protein powder I had and Brazil nut butter (which I had just made) instead of the cashew butter and used up all the left over baby Easter eggs I had left over!
      These are delicious and fit the bill perfectly and I know they are going to love them....now to work out how to keep them cold at the beach on a long hot Australian Summer’s day! ?

      Reply
    13. Malak says

      December 05, 2018 at 5:08 am

      Soooooooooooo good but mine was too sticky and was hard to spread but still I enjoyed every bite

      Reply
    14. Krissy says

      December 02, 2018 at 2:14 pm

      These are insane!!!! I have made these multiple times, and my whole family is now hooked on them!! So easy to make and so perfect for satisfying my sweet fix after meals

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis says

        December 02, 2018 at 7:36 pm

        Yayyy thank you so much, Krissy! SUPER glad you liked them.

        Reply
    15. Jocelyn Rick says

      August 17, 2018 at 10:41 am

      Made with peanut butter. Delicious!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis says

        August 17, 2018 at 9:11 pm

        Love that, yum!

        Reply
    16. Alexis says

      April 27, 2018 at 7:54 am

      I’ve never been to any of those grocery stores, sorry! You can grind old fashioned oats if you can’t find oat flour. I get protein powder on Amazon. Hope that helps!

      Reply
    17. Ashley says

      April 26, 2018 at 10:28 pm

      Where can I find all the ingredients for this could I find them at Hannafords , Shaw's price Chopper ect

      Reply
    18. Sarah Kamounah says

      March 13, 2018 at 5:00 pm

      Hi.
      Can I use soy protein instead?

      Reply
      • Alexis says

        March 14, 2018 at 12:24 am

        I haven’t tried them with soy protein so I can’t verify the results, sorry! They’re best with a sweetened, vanilla protein powder versus a plain unflavored kind.

        Reply
    19. Mica says

      March 08, 2018 at 11:42 am

      Any suggestions on what to replace the cashew butter with as I am allergic to nuts! 🙁

      Reply
    20. Alexis says

      March 08, 2018 at 12:18 pm

      Sunbutter!

      Reply
    21. Alexis says

      February 19, 2018 at 8:46 am

      Awww I’m so glad you love them!!

      Reply
    22. Natalie E. says

      February 18, 2018 at 12:59 pm

      I just wanted to let you know that I make a double batch of these EVERY WEEK! They’re my favorite and an absolute staple because they’re so delicious.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    23. Taylor says

      January 04, 2018 at 4:51 pm

      I purchased a pea protein powder that I'm not crazy about drinking. I recently saw your instagram story featuring these bars and thought it would be a great way to use the powder. WOAH, these are absolutely delicious! I top them with maldon sea salt flakes and they are just devine!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    24. lauren says

      January 02, 2018 at 5:12 pm

      do you have to store in the freezer, or can you store them in the pantry (after they freeze initially, of course) 🙂 thanks in advance!!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    25. Courtney Glausi says

      September 19, 2017 at 4:13 pm

      Update: these are the best things EVER!!!!!!!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    26. Courtney Glausi says

      August 31, 2017 at 12:54 pm

      I can't wait to try these! What kind of protein powder do you recommend? Anything that isn't super expensive? 🙂 Thanks!

      Reply
    27. Angelina says

      August 21, 2017 at 8:59 pm

      These sound amazing! Can you use coconut flour instead of oat?

      Reply
    28. Samantha says

      July 29, 2017 at 3:35 pm

      Hi! These look great. I'm wondering what the oat flour can be subbed for? My husband has Celiac disease and is allergic to oats as well.

      Any suggestions?

      Reply
    29. priya says

      July 28, 2017 at 7:57 pm

      omg THIS is the recipe for the cookie dough bites served at Alchemy?! bless you. those are little bites of heaven!

      how do you think these would be with vega vanilla? (the regular, not the sport)

      Reply
    30. Dionna says

      July 27, 2017 at 8:35 pm

      Okay, I was typing hummus into my search bar so I could tell my son what ingredients are in it. I hit enter and your website popped up. Boy, the universe has a funny way of putting people in your life. I have only seen this cookie dough recipe but CONVINCED we need to be besties cuz you're speaking my language! Beautiful website and recipes! Would you mind if I shared some on my Facebook page?

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    31. Bethany says

      July 25, 2017 at 6:42 am

      These would be amazing with my morning coffee!

      Reply
      • Alexis says

        July 25, 2017 at 10:48 pm

        Indeed!! I know from experience 😉

        Reply
    32. Eliza says

      July 23, 2017 at 11:00 pm

      So I made these and can vouch for the fact that they are 100% amazing. That chocolate topping! Ahhh. Oh my goodness, they actually might be one of my favorite things I've ever made! Seriously. The texture is absolutely perfect. I had one for dessert tonight! I made a few substitutions with ingredients that I had/didn't have on hand and they still turned out beautifully. Peanut butter instead of cashew butter, warm water instead of almond milk, baking powder instead of soda, and for the protein powder, I used a vegan protein powder from the bulk bin section at my co-op. Dang. Off to make more of your recipes:)

      Reply
      • Alexis says

        July 24, 2017 at 8:41 am

        OMG yay!! I was hoping someone would make them with PB and report back. So glad all your subs worked! Thanks so much for letting me know 🙂

        Reply
    33. Maureen Saxe says

      July 23, 2017 at 10:41 pm

      Thanks Alexis!!

      Reply
    34. Karly says

      July 21, 2017 at 9:11 pm

      Really!? These are actually healthy!? They look almost too good to be true! I'm in love over here.

      Reply
    35. Maureen Saxe says

      July 21, 2017 at 12:58 pm

      These look nice but I'm wondering why the baking soda if they are no-bake? Does it add a salt element or somehow still add leavening power?

      Reply
      • Alexis says

        July 21, 2017 at 5:51 pm

        Hey Maureen, I explained in the post that it just adds more of that cookie flavor 🙂

        Reply
    36. rachel says

      July 20, 2017 at 3:54 pm

      These look delicious!! Especially the chocolate + salt on top! I need to get my hands on some cashew butter, I don't have any at the moment but feel like your right about that being the best to get the cookie doughness right. I went to look at getting that $10 sample pack and they're already sold out- been looking for a plant-based protein powder to try out.

      Reply
    37. Alexis says

      July 20, 2017 at 4:37 pm

      It's so so so good! If you make them, let me know what you think 🙂

      Reply
    38. Alexis says

      July 20, 2017 at 4:36 pm

      Wait you're gonna dieeeeeee.

      Reply
    39. Alexis says

      July 20, 2017 at 4:36 pm

      Hey Kynthia! Unfortunately I don't calculate nutrition info but feel free to enter it into an online recipe calculator like Spark Recipes 🙂

      Reply
    40. Alexis says

      July 20, 2017 at 4:35 pm

      I can't wait for you to try them!! Eeeeeeee!

      Reply
    41. Alexis says

      July 20, 2017 at 4:34 pm

      Hey Janet, I know a lot of people like their protein to have some sweetness but if you want a natural unsweetened one, try Plant Fusion Natural: https://rstyle.me/n/cqmqh8b82r7. Most protein powder companies have a natural variety 🙂

      Reply
    42. Juliette | Namastay Traveling says

      July 20, 2017 at 11:26 am

      Ah any protein bar I confuse with dessert is a win! Looks amazing!

      Reply
    43. Janet says

      July 20, 2017 at 11:10 am

      I don't know why all these protein powders have to add stevia. It's so sickeningly overly sweet. If I want sweet, I will add my own, thank you. Doesn't anyone make just a plain unsweetened protein powder?

      Reply
    44. Robyn Coale says

      July 20, 2017 at 10:45 am

      PURE MAGIC

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    45. Meah Konstanzer says

      July 20, 2017 at 10:03 am

      OMG yasss finally someone who gets the chocolate coating balance!!! I'm always down for chocolate, but when the coating just breaks and falls off, it's a little sad haha. This one looks perfectly melt-in-your-mouth! And sea salt on top. You know it girl! Totally whipping up a batch to store in my freezer.

      xxMeah

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis says

        July 20, 2017 at 4:35 pm

        Right? I'm always so bummed when it crumbles everywhere because I want every last crumb in my mouth 🙂

        Reply
    46. Kynthia Droesch says

      July 20, 2017 at 9:23 am

      Can you please provide calorie and fat count per bar?

      Reply
    47. Emilie @ Emilie Eats says

      July 20, 2017 at 8:33 am

      Ya I'm going to need these in my mouth asap

      Reply
    48. Carrie this fit chick says

      July 20, 2017 at 8:27 am

      Oh hello, count me in! These sound incredible. That's a new to me protein powder too!

      Reply
    49. Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says

      July 20, 2017 at 6:08 am

      I never thought I'd see cookie dough in homemade protein bar form! Gotta try it!

      Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
      https://charmainenyw.com

      Reply
    50. Dylan says

      July 20, 2017 at 5:31 am

      I don't think these could be anymore delicious! ?✨

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis says

        July 20, 2017 at 4:37 pm

        You would know! So glad that it worked so well in a loaf pan, too.

        Reply
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