Vegan Chocolate Chip Protein Cookies

Prep: 10 minCook: 10 min12 cookiesmediumAmerican
Chocolate Chip Protein Cookies with Peanut Butter and Oats

Soft, chewy protein cookies made with peanut butter, oat flour, and coconut sugar. These wholesome treats pack protein powder and rolled oats for a satisfying texture, while dark chocolate chips add rich sweetness. Perfect for post-workout snacks or healthier dessert options, they stay tender for days and freeze beautifully for meal prep.

Ingredients

Yield: 12 cookies
  • 8 ½ tbsp smooth runny peanut butter
    almond butter1:1nut-freepeanuts-freeadds dairy

    use sunflower seed butter instead

    Full guide →
  • cups coconut sugar
    brown sugar1:1conventional

    regular sugar works fine

    Full guide →
  • 6 tbsp plant-based milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cups oat flour
    almond flour1:1grain-free

    may need extra binding

    Full guide →
  • ½ cups rolled oats
  • 1 ½ oz protein powder, plain or vanilla
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 2 ¾ oz dark chocolate chips
  • extra chocolate chips, for topping(optional)
  • flaky salt, for topping(optional)

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 160Fan/350°F and line baking trays with parchment paper

  2. 2

    Whisk together peanut butter, coconut sugar, plant milk and vanilla until smooth

  3. 3

    Add oat flour, rolled oats and sift in protein powder

  4. 4

    Add baking powder, baking soda and salt, stir to sticky dough

  5. 5

    Fold in chocolate chips and divide into 12 equal balls

  6. 6

    Press cookie dough onto trays in circles with ¾" gaps

  7. 7

    Bake for 5 minutes, turn tray 180 degrees and bake 5 minutes more

  8. 8

    Remove from oven and add extra chocolate chips and flaky salt if desired

  9. 9

    Cool for 20 minutes before moving

Tips

Tip 1

Press cookies into circles rather than leaving as balls for even baking and better texture.

Tip 2

Don't skip the 20-minute cooling time as cookies need to set before handling.

Tip 3

Turn the baking tray halfway through for uniform browning and prevent hot spots.

Good to Know

Storage

Store in sealed container for 3-5 days at room temperature.

Make Ahead

Freeze wrapped cookies for up to 1 month, defrost before serving.

Serve With

Enjoy warm from oven or at room temperature.

Common Mistakes

Watch

Don't move cookies too early to avoid breaking while still soft.

Watch

Don't overbake to keep cookies soft and chewy rather than crispy.

Substitutions

Nut-Free Alternatives

peanut butter
almond butter1:1nut-freepeanuts-freeadds dairy

use sunflower seed butter instead

Full guide →

General Alternatives

coconut sugar
brown sugar1:1conventional

regular sugar works fine

Full guide →
plant milk
dairy milk1:1vegetarian

any milk works

Full guide →
oat flour
almond flour1:1grain-free

may need extra binding

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I make these without protein powder?

Yes, replace with equal amount of oat flour, though cookies will be less protein-rich and may spread more.

How long do these cookies keep?

Store in airtight container for 3-5 days at room temperature, or freeze for up to 1 month.

Can I use different chocolate chips?

Absolutely, use any chocolate chips or chunks you prefer - milk, white, or sugar-free varieties all work well.