We always have some homemade protein snacks in our house. Not only do they help us hit our protein goals, but they make for some tasty snacks or treats! These oatmeal protein cookies are so delicious and couldn’t be easier to make.
Everything is mixed together in one bowl and they are ready from start to finish in about 25 minutes. I love using oats when baking they make a great binder and contain fiber and complex carbs.
They also have egg whites and protein powder to help up the protein. Then some applesauce for binding and some sweetness. And the fresh apples add some more texture and a little pop of flavor.
The texture is soft and chewy, almost like baked oatmeal, but in cookie form. They aren’t like your traditional store-bought protein cookie, but to be honest, I never liked those anyways. Enjoy them for a snack, pre or post-workout (protein and carbs plus not too much fat), breakfast, or dessert! And since they are pretty low-calorie, you can have a few of them!
Why we love these oatmeal protein cookies
- they have a protein boost! – each one has 4 grams of protein! While it’s not a ton, they are low-calorie and you can easily eat a few!
- taste like baked oatmeal in a bite-size form
- made in one bowl
- lower carb and lower fat than your typical protein cookie
- super customizable – easily adjust this recipe to change up the flavors each week.
Are protein cookies good for you?
Most protein cookies are full of countless ingredients and even though they might have a little more protein than your standard cookie, some can have a decent amount of carbs, sugar, and fat. For some looking to up their protein, there are much better options. But by making protein cookies at home, you can easily customize them to fit your liking and nutrition goals.
Each one of these oatmeal protein cookies has 63 calories, 10 grams of carbohydrates, 4 grams of protein, 1 gram of fat, and 2 grams of fiber for a balanced snack.
Protein cookie recipe ingredients
- rolled oats
- egg whites – for some added protein
- fresh apple
- apple sauce
- vanilla protein powder – for some protein and adds some sweetness to the recipe.
- cinnamon
- salt – to help bring the flavors together
How to make protein cookies
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make the batter. Add all ingredients to a large mixing bowl and stir to combine. Using a tablespoon, scoop out a heaping scoop of the mixture and place it on a lined baking sheet. Press down and form into a cookie shape if needed.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the mixture is set. Let cool for a few minutes.
- Enjoy! Top with an additional sprinkle of cinnamon and enjoy.
What is a good substitution for protein powder when baking?
The protein powder is what helps give these cookies a protein boost (hence the same protein cookies). I understand that not everyone likes protein powder or uses it. Some substitutions that you can use for protein powder are:
- oats – you can always add more oats to help absorb the liquid
- flour – whole wheat, almond flour, or oat flour would probably work best.
I haven’t tried these, so I am not sure if they work. You will have to play around with it some until you get the consistency you like. Again, just note this will change up the nutritional breakdown and macros and they probably won’t have as much protein.
Storage
- fridge – first, let the cookies cool completely. Add to a sealable airtight container. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to a week. You can also leave them on the counter at room temperature, but only if your house is not too hot. I would only do this for a couple of days.
- to freeze – let cool completely and place individual cookies on a large plate or baking sheet. Place in the freezer and let freeze for 2 hours or until hardened. This will help ensure they freeze individually and won’t stick together. Transfer to a large bag (we love reusable silicone ones) and freeze for up to 3 months. You can defrost them by placing them in the refrigerator and then warming up the microwave if desired.
- reheat – these can be eaten hot or cold! To warm up, pop them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds until warm.
Substitutions and additions
These cookies are pretty straight to the point and you can’t substitute too many things, but here are a few things that might work:
- rolled oats – quick oats will work instead of rolled oats. Steel-cut oats will not work as the texture is different. Use certified gluten-free oats if needed.
- applesauce – mashed banana will work well instead. It will just add banana flavor to them.
- fruit – any kind of diced fruit will work. Some of my favorites to add to oatmeal are strawberries and blueberries.
- eggs – you can use whole eggs instead of egg whites. Usually, 3 tablespoons egg whites equal 1 whole egg, so I suggest 2-3 whole eggs.
- protein powder – any flavor of protein powder will work! I suggest a flavored one as it adds some sweetness. Also, a plant-based protein works the best as consistency works well to help absorb the liquid. I am not sure if whey protein powder or collagen will work.
If you want to spice them up, here are a few additions:
- raisins – for some chewiness and natural sweetness.
- spices – ginger, nutmeg, cloves, or cardamom would all work well.
- nut butter – peanut butter, almond butter, or cashew butter would all be delicious. If you are nut-free, try tahini or sunflower seed butter.
- sweetener – if you prefer them sweeter, you can add in some honey or maple syrup.
- vanilla extract – for some more vanilla flavor.
- shredded coconut – to add a little more healthy fat and natural sweetness.
- chopped nuts – walnuts, peanuts, or pecans would be great.
More healthy protein snacks
- homemade perfect bar recipe
- pumpkin chocolate chip protein muffins
- chocolate protein balls
- birthday cake protein bars
- protein baked oatmeal
If you love quick and easy meals and want to learn how to build a balanced plate, check out our FREE How to Build a Balanced Plate Guide!
Apple Cinnamon Protein Cookies
ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups rolled oats (125 grams)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened apple sauce (122 grams)
- 1/2 cup egg whites
- 1/2 packed cup vanilla protein powder (60 grams)*
- 1 1/2 cups diced apple (160 grams)
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- pinch of salt
instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make the batter. Add all ingredients to a bowl and stir to combine. Using a tablespoon, scoop out a heaping scoop of the mixture and place it on a lined baking sheet. Press down and form into a cookie shape if needed.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes or until the mixture is set. Let cool for a few minutes.
- Enjoy! Top with an additional sprinkle of cinnamon and enjoy.
Red says
These cookies stay nicely moist and a bit crumbly. A bit of salt enhances the flavor. I refrigerated after cooled, then I add a sprinkle of fresh cinnamon right before eating. I might try blueberries!
Kelly says
Oh love the blueberry idea! Glad you liked them Red!
Joan Entwistle says
Do they freeze well?
Kelly says
I haven’t tried it, but I would imagine they would be fine to freeze. Then you can just defrost and heat up in the microwave for a couple seconds to warm through. Let me know if you try them Joan!
Jessica says
Love this recipe!!!I made them and they are delicious! I used vanilla protein powder and vanilla but if you want extra sweetness honey or raisins would be good. The whole point is to have cookie that’s healthier and less sweet though so these definitely do the trick!
Kelly says
So happy to hear that Jessica and glad you liked them! I love the addition of honey or raisins too! Thank you for trying them 🙂
Michelle H. says
These cookies taste so good and are done in under 20 mins., making them a perfect weeknight bake, This is definitely a recipe I will make over and over again. I also love that these can be altered by using different mix ins,
Kelly says
Thanks Michelle, so glad you liked them! I agree, it’s so easy to change up the flavors. Thanks for trying them!
Ashley says
These are so delicious! I used Muscle Milk vanilla creme protein powder because it was on-hand. Still very tasty and super easy to make! My 10-year-old really likes them too! Not sure they will last until morning 😉
Kelly says
Yum, that sounds delicious! So glad the kid liked them too! My husband ate them up before I even got any haha!
Michelle H. says
These turned out so good and were done, start to finish, in less than 20 mins. I will for sure make these cookies again and again. It is also one of those recipes that can be altered with different mix ins. My only addition to this recipe is I added a teaspoon of vanilla. SO good.
Kelly says
Love the addition of vanilla, that was probably so good! Glad you liked them Michelle!
Dad says
They look good
Kelly says
You guys would love them, especially mom!
Sarah says
Made these on Sunday night for weekday morning meal prep and I couldn’t help but dig into one as soon as they came out of the oven. SO easy to make and super tasty also! Would highly recommend.
Kelly says
Yay, so happy to hear that Sarah! A favorite in our house too! Thanks for trying them and glad you enjoyed!