These easy no bake protein cookies are rich in chocolate flavor, packed with protein + fiber, and they make for the BEST quick snack, healthy dessert or even make-ahead filling breakfast. 100% vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free and egg-free.
High-protein cookies are one of our favorite snacks! We love to make a batch of these oat and raisin protein cookies ahead of a busy week or this healthy single-serve protein cookie for a late-night sweet snack. And when looking for a no-bake protein snack option, then I usually go for these peanut butter bliss balls. They are quick, flavorful and fuss-free.
And now these no-bake oatmeal chocolate protein cookies are another healthy snack recipe that's packed with amazing flavor, plus they come together easily in one bowl, within 30 minutes and without having to use the oven.
These make for a delicious and nutritious snack for both kids and adults. They're low in sugar, high in fiber, and made without any butter or oil. Instead, they're packed with wholesome ingredients like pea protein powder, peanut butter, chia seeds, and rolled oats. Not only do they taste just as good as store-bought protein cookies, but they're a much healthier option!
Let me know if you give them a try! ❤️
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❤️ Why you will love this recipe
- Easy one-bowl cookie recipe done using simple ingredients
- No-bake cookies, perfect for the warmer weather or when avoiding using the oven
- High protein snack or dessert
- Great for kids and to add to lunch boxes
- Flavorful with a soft yet chewy texture
- 100% vegan, egg-free, dairy-free and gluten-free
🗒 Ingredient notes (+ substitutions)
- Rolled oats: I used old-fashioned rolled oats, which give the cookies plenty of chewiness and a ton of nutrients like fiber. Quick-cooking oats are fine too! Use gluten-free certified oats if necessary.
- Peanut butter: adds healthy fats for a more filling cookie recipe and it helps hold the oats together. Use a natural, unsweetened and drippy peanut butter (the kind that is pourable). If using a peanut butter that's more solid or spreadable, then add a little extra milk if needed.
- Protein powder: I used the chocolate flavored pea protein powder from Orgain, but feel free to use your favorite!
- Cacao powder: or cocoa powder, both work.
- Oat milk: I used the oat milk from the brand Oatly, but use your favorite milk, such as almond milk or soy milk.
⭐️ Full list of ingredients (+ quantities) down below in the recipe card!
📝 Variations
- Nut butter: swap the peanut butter for almond butter, or if looking for a nut-free recipe, then use pumpkin seed butter or sunflower seed butter instead.
- Double chocolate: add a handful of mini chocolate chips.
- No added sugar: swap the maple syrup for mashed bananas. If the dough looks too dry, then add a little more of the banana.
- Mix-ins: add some chopped nuts (walnuts/almonds), dried fruits, spices, shredded coconut and more.
🍽 How to make no bake protein cookies
Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, add the rolled oats, chia seeds, protein powder, cacao powder and salt.
Step 2: Stir to combine.
Step 3: To a small saucepan, add the peanut butter, milk and maple syrup.
Step 3: Whisk until combined and smooth, and warm up until very hot (but not simmering). Then, remove from the heat.
Step 5: Pour the warm sauce over the bowl with the dry ingredients.
Step 6: And stir until combined. The dough should be very sticky.
Step 7: Divide the dough into 8 balls over a tray or small baking sheet covered with parchment paper (I like to use my medium-sized ice cream scoop for that). Gently press over the balls, then transfer to the fridge to chill until set (or for about 1-2 hours).
⭐️ Detailed recipe (+ video) down below in the recipe card!
💡 Helpful tips
- Wet your fingers or hands when manipulating the dough so it does not stick to them.
- The cookies will be very soft and wet once just shaped, they need to be completely chilled for the dough to set. Plan accordingly and allow for 1-2 hours of resting time in the fridge or, even better, make them the night before you need them!
❗️ Storage tips
Keep the cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5-7 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.
❓ FAQs
Yes, you can. In that case, add a little extra rolled oats or oat flour to compensate for the texture.
Yes, I think it should work. If the cookie dough is too dry, then simply add a little extra milk.
🌱 More vegan high-protein dessert recipes you might like
I hope you like this no bake protein cookie recipe as much as we do! If you try it, please leave a comment below and rate the recipe to let me know how it was. Your feedback is so helpful!
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📖 Recipe
No bake Protein Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies (Gluten-free, Vegan)
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Stirring spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ice cream scoop (Optional, to divide the cookie dough)
- Tray or small baking sheet or large plate (To transfer the cookies in the fridge)
- Parchment paper
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ¼ cup chia seeds
- ¼ cup chocolate protein powder (or vanilla flavored) I used the pea protein powder from Orgain
- 1 ½ tablespoon raw cacao powder cocoa powder works too
- ⅙ teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup natural unsweetened peanut butter
- ⅓ cup dairy-free milk I used oat milk from Oatly
- ¼ cup maple syrup
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, add the rolled oats, chia seeds, cacao powder, protein powder and salt. Stir until combined.
- In a small saucepan, add the peanut butter, milk and maple syrup. Whisk to combine and warm up until very hot (but do not simmer). Remove from the heat and immediately pour over the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir until the cookie dough is uniform (it should feel sticky and a little wet).
- Cover a small baking sheet or large plate with parchment paper, use an ice cream scoop to divide the dough into 8 balls and transfer them over the prepared tray as you go. Use your hands/fingers to gently press over the balls of dough to shape them into thick cookies (wet your fingers first if necessary so the dough does not stick).
- Transfer the cookies to the fridge and let them chill for 1-2 hours or until they are set. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
- Wet your fingers or hands when manipulating the dough so it does not stick to them.
- The cookies will be very soft once just shaped, they need to be completely chilled for the dough to set. Plan accordingly and allow for 1-2 hours of resting time in the fridge or, even better, make them the night before you need them!
- Add some chocolate chips, chopped nuts, spices or shredded coconut.
- Storage tips: keep the cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5-7 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.
- Nutrition: please note that the nutritional information is an estimate per serving provided for informational purposes only (calculated by software) and accuracy is not guaranteed. Consult with your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian if you need precise nutrition calculations for health reasons.
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