Hey there, fellow art and craft enthusiasts! Robert Kline here, and today we’re diving into a different kind of art – the art of baking delicious and healthy treats! As someone with a deep appreciation for all things handmade, I’m also passionate about crafting wholesome goodies in the kitchen.
Since it’s National Peanut Butter Lover’s Day, I thought what better way to celebrate than with a batch of warm, irresistible Peanut Butter Protein Cookies? These cookies aren’t just delicious, they’re also packed with protein and low in sugar, making them the perfect guilt-free indulgence.
After many attempts to create a macro-friendly peanut butter cookie that tastes as good as it looks, I’m excited to share this recipe with you. Trust me, these cookies are the real deal – crispy edges, chewy centers, and bursting with that rich, peanut buttery goodness we all know and love!
Crafting the Perfect Peanut Butter Protein Cookie
Here’s what you’ll need to create these delectable treats:
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (60g) vanilla whey blend protein powder (I recommend Quest brand in Peanut Butter flavor)
- 6 tbsp. (45g) powdered peanut butter
- 3 tbsp. reduced-calorie brown sugar alternative
- 1/4 tsp. baking soda
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 3 tbsp. sugar-free pancake syrup (or honey, maple syrup, or egg – note that using egg will result in a less chewy cookie)
- 1/4 tsp. vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together all dry ingredients (protein powder, powdered peanut butter, brown sugar alternative, baking soda, and salt).
- Add the wet ingredients (creamy peanut butter, sugar-free syrup, and vanilla extract) to the dry ingredients and mix until a thick dough forms. If your dough appears too crumbly, gradually add a teaspoon of water at a time until it comes together.
- Lightly grease a baking sheet with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper.
- Scoop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Using a wetted fork, gently press down on each cookie dough ball in a criss-cross pattern to flatten them slightly.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn a beautiful golden brown. Keep in mind that the cookies will still be slightly soft in the center.
- Once baked, let the cookies cool on a wire rack before indulging.
Tips and Substitutions:
- For that intense peanut butter flavor, I use Quest protein powder in Peanut Butter flavor. You can substitute with vanilla whey blend or any whey blend with casein, or a whey concentrate. However, I would advise against using whey isolate alone as it tends to dry out baked goods. If you must use whey isolate, try a blend of 60% whey isolate and 40% casein.
- Feel free to experiment with the sweetener! I love the warmth and depth of flavor that a brown sugar alternative adds, but you can use any reduced-calorie brown sugar alternative like Lakanto Golden, Sukrin Gold, or Swerve Brown. You can also use half the amount of Truvia Brown Sugar for a similar taste. If you prefer, you can substitute with baking stevia, granulated erythritol, granulated monk fruit, or even coconut sugar. Just be sure to adjust the amount according to the brand’s conversion chart if you’re using stevia extract or drops.
- For added chewiness, I use a quarter cup of creamy natural peanut butter and a touch of sugar-free pancake syrup. You can also swap the pancake syrup with sugar-free caramel syrup (divine!), honey, or maple syrup. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can substitute the syrup with one whole egg and two tablespoons of almond milk. Just keep in mind that this will result in a slightly less chewy cookie, and you might want to increase the brown sugar sweetener by 2-3 tablespoons.
- If you have a peanut allergy, you can certainly try this recipe with cashew butter or tahini (sesame seed butter) for a delicious twist!
Enjoy Your Protein-Packed Peanut Butter Treats!
PEANUT BUTTER PROTEIN COOKIES
PEANUT BUTTER PROTEIN COOKIES
PEANUT BUTTER PROTEIN COOKIES
These Peanut Butter Protein Cookies are not just a treat for your taste buds, but also a great way to sneak in some extra protein. I love enjoying a couple of these cookies with a glass of almond milk for a satisfying and guilt-free dessert or snack.
And the best part? This recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to get creative and add your own personal touch! You can incorporate ingredients like chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruits for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
I hope you enjoy making (and devouring!) these Peanut Butter Protein Cookies as much as I do. Remember, baking, much like crafting, is all about experimentation and finding joy in the process.
Let me know in the comments below if you give this recipe a try. I’d love to hear about your experience and any creative twists you come up with!
And don’t forget to explore Robert Kline Art for more inspiring ideas and unique handmade gifts. Happy baking!