By Karyl Leavings. Updated February 2025. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ from247 votes.
These Protein Cookie Dough Bites are soft, chewy, no bake, and secretly nutritious. They taste like classic cookie dough but pack a satisfying protein boost, perfect for afternoon cravings or quick energy on the go. Made with wholesome ingredients like oats, protein powder, and nut butter, they come together in minutes with no baking required.
Table of Contents
Protein Cookie Dough Bites (Healthy and No Bake)
- Total Time: 10
- Yield: 16 bites 1x
Description
Soft and chewy no bake protein cookie dough bites made with oat flour, protein powder, and creamy peanut butter for a quick healthy snack.
Ingredients
1 cup (96 g) oat flour
1 half cup (60 g) vanilla or chocolate protein powder
1 half cup (128 g) creamy peanut butter
1 quarter cup (84 g) honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract
Pinch of fine sea salt
1 quarter cup (40 g) mini chocolate chips
1 to 3 tablespoons (15 to 45 ml) milk of choice, as needed
Instructions
1. Whisk oat flour, protein powder, and salt together in a medium mixing bowl until well combined.
2. Stir in peanut butter, honey, and vanilla extract until a thick dough starts to form.
3. Add milk 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough is smooth and rolls easily without cracking or sticking.
4. Fold in mini chocolate chips until evenly distributed through the dough.
5. Roll the dough into 1 inch balls using about 1 tablespoon of dough per bite and place on a parchment lined plate or tray.
6. Chill the bites in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes until firm, then enjoy or transfer to an airtight container for storage.
Notes
Use certified gluten free oats if you need this recipe to be gluten free.
For dairy free bites, choose a plant based protein powder and dairy free mini chocolate chips.
If the dough is too sticky, add a spoonful of oat flour. If it is too dry or crumbly, add a splash of milk or an extra drizzle of honey until it comes together.
Store the protein cookie dough bites in the refrigerator for up to 7 days or freeze for up to 3 months for easy grab and go snacks.
- Prep Time: 10
- Category: Snack
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 115
- Sugar: 7
- Sodium: 55
- Fat: 5.5
- Saturated Fat: 2.5
- Unsaturated Fat: 3
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 1.5
- Protein: 6
- Cholesterol: 2
About This Recipe
Protein Cookie Dough Bites are a chilled, mix and roll style treat that feels indulgent yet aligns beautifully with a balanced lifestyle. The dough comes together in a single bowl, and the texture is soft and creamy with tiny chocolate chip pops. This recipe works because the combination of oat flour and protein powder binds naturally with nut butter, allowing perfect shaping without heat.
Make these anytime you want a quick snack, a portable lunchbox treat, or a healthy dessert. They store well, freeze perfectly, and satisfy cookie cravings without refined ingredients.
Why You Will Love It
- Naturally sweet without refined sugar
- High protein and customizable
- No bake and ready in minutes
- Kid friendly and lunchbox approved
- Soft cookie dough texture with simple pantry ingredients
Key Ingredients and Notes
Oat Flour (96 g or 1 cup)
Oat flour creates the classic doughy structure while keeping the bites tender. You can make your own by blending rolled oats until fine. Certified gluten free oats work great for gluten free versions. Oats are naturally high in fiber, and Healthline explains how they support steady energy. (healthline.com reference used contextually)
Protein Powder (60 g or 1 half cup)
Both whey and plant based protein work well. Vanilla provides warmth and sweetness; chocolate creates a brownie like twist. If using plant based protein, you may need extra milk since plant proteins absorb more moisture. Look for a clean ingredient label without artificial sweeteners for best flavor.
Nut Butter (128 g or 1 half cup)
Use creamy peanut butter for the richest cookie dough flavor. Almond, cashew, or sunflower seed butter are great substitutes. Avoid natural nut butters that separate excessively because they can make the dough crumble. Choose a smooth, well stirred jar for best texture.
Honey or Maple Syrup (84 g or 1 quarter cup)
A minimal amount of natural sweetener balances the protein powder and enhances the doughy softness. For lower sugar, you may use sugar free maple syrup though the texture becomes slightly softer.
Mini Chocolate Chips (40 g or 1 quarter cup)
Optional but delightful. Use regular or dairy free varieties. You can also fold in cacao nibs for a crunchier, less sweet version.
Milk (15 to 45 ml or 1 to 3 tablespoons)
Milk helps adjust the dough to the perfect texture. Add it slowly until your dough rolls smoothly without sticking. Any milk works including oat, almond, or dairy.
Vanilla and Salt
Just a touch to round out the comforting cookie dough flavor.
If you enjoy high protein treats, these bites fit beautifully alongside our No Bake Peanut Butter Yogurt Cups, Coconut Chocolate Energy Squares, or Chocolate Chip Protein Cookies for a full snack rotation.
How to Make Protein Cookie Dough Bites
1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the oat flour, protein powder, and a pinch of salt. Make sure everything is evenly combined so the dough hydrates uniformly. The texture should resemble soft sand.
2. Add Nut Butter, Honey, and Vanilla
Stir in the creamy nut butter, honey, and vanilla extract. Switch to a spatula or clean hands once it begins to form dough. The mixture will look crumbly at first then gradually come together.
3. Adjust with Milk
Add milk one tablespoon at a time until the dough becomes smooth and pliable. You want a texture that holds shape without cracking but is not sticky. Visual cue: if it rolls cleanly between your palms, the dough is ready.
4. Fold in Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips. Distribute them evenly for perfect bite distribution.
5. Shape the Bites
Roll dough into 1 inch balls using about one tablespoon per bite. Place each on a parchment lined baking sheet. You should get 12 to 16 bites depending on size.
6. Chill
Refrigerate the bites for at least 20 minutes so they firm into their classic cookie dough texture. After chilling, they become creamy, soft and perfectly scoopable.
Pro Tips for Success
- Warm your nut butter slightly for easier mixing.
- Blend rolled oats into a superfine powder for the smoothest dough.
- Add milk sparingly because too much will make the dough sticky.
- If dough crumbles, add one half tablespoon honey or milk to rebalance.
- For ultra smooth bites, pulse the final dough briefly in a food processor.
- Chill before serving for ideal texture and clean rolling.
- For extra protein, stir in one tablespoon chia seeds or collagen powder.
Variations and Substitutions
Flavor Variations
- Brownie Batter: Use chocolate protein powder and add 1 tablespoon cocoa powder.
- Birthday Cake: Use vanilla protein powder and fold in rainbow sprinkles.
- Salted Caramel: Add a drizzle of date syrup and flaky salt.
- Mocha: Add 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder.
Dietary Options
- Nut free: Sunflower seed butter works and creates a mild flavor.
- Gluten free: Use certified GF oats.
- Low sugar: Replace honey with sugar free maple syrup.
- Dairy free: Choose plant based protein powder and dairy free chips.
If you love no bake snacks, you will also enjoy our Greek Yogurt Protein Cups and No Bake Peanut Butter Oat Bars which pair perfectly with these bites.
Serving and Storage
Refrigeration
Store the bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. They retain softness without drying out.
Freezing
Freeze on a baking sheet then transfer to a freezer safe bag. They keep well for up to three months. Thaw for just five minutes before enjoying.
Reheating
These are a chilled treat and do not require reheating but if you prefer a softer bite, warm for five seconds in the microwave.
Shelf Life
Five to seven days in the fridge or three months in the freezer.
FAQs
How do I fix dough that is too dry?
Dry dough simply needs more moisture. Add one teaspoon of milk at a time until the dough becomes smooth and pliable. You can also add a bit of nut butter for richness. Protein powders vary in absorbency which is why the liquid adjustment is flexible.
Can I make these without protein powder?
Yes. Replace the protein powder with one half cup additional oat flour and add a little extra honey or milk to compensate. The flavor becomes more like traditional cookie dough and less like a high protein snack. The texture remains soft and chewy.
Are these safe for kids?
Absolutely. These bites contain no raw eggs and no raw flour. Oat flour is safe raw and family friendly. Mini chips may be swapped for raisins or chopped berries for young eaters.
Can I use steel cut oats?
Steel cut oats do not blend into a soft flour easily and will create a gritty texture. For best results use rolled oats or quick oats. King Arthur Baking has helpful notes about oat flour texture which support this recommendation.
How many bites equal a standard snack?
Two to three bites create a satisfying mini meal with balanced carbs, healthy fats, and protein. They work beautifully as a pre workout or mid afternoon energy boost.
Conclusion
These Protein Cookie Dough Bites are everything you want in a healthy treat: creamy, chewy, no bake, and ready in minutes. If you make them, please leave a star rating, drop a comment, and share a photo. I love seeing your kitchen creations. If you enjoy no bake treats, be sure to join the Flavor and Recipes newsletter for weekly fresh ideas.
