Easy and healthy chocolate peanut butter no bake protein cookies made with oats, peanut butter, chocolate protein powder, and bananas. Perfect for a quick and healthy dessert, snack, breakfast, or even pre and post-workout option. Vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free!
Last updated on April 3, 2020.
What’s better than a no bake cookie? A no bake protein cookie!! Chocolate peanut butter no bake cookies to be exact 🤗
I am definitely not a baker. Baking is like a science – exact measurements and ratios and special techniques. I am more of a throw some things together, try it and see how it is, and adjust from there. This makes baking kind of hard for me.
Enter the oatmeal no bake cookie! It’s pretty much the best of both worlds – you get something sweet while not having to even turn on the oven. And while I love a good old fashioned cookie, I love having healthier treats on hand during the week when a craving hits.
It is still a treat, but made with real wholesome ingredients that I know will make me feel good. Chocolate and peanut butter usually always does the trick for me so I figured let’s combine the two!
I love using protein powder in treats as it adds protein, which helps increase satiety. The peanut butter also adds some protein, while adding some healthy fats to also helps with satiety and serves as a slow source of energy for our body. The oats add some carbs and fiber, making them a really well balanced cookie!
Healthy no bake protein cookies
These vegan protein cookies are super easy to make – only 4 ingredients that you probably already have on hand and everything is just thrown together in one bowl and then formed and chilled. They work great for snacking, pre or post workout (protein and carbs plus not too much fat), breakfast, or dessert!
Here is what you need:
- brown or spotted bananas
- rolled oats
- chocolate protein powder – I used Ka’Chava Chocolate – use that link for 15% off!
- peanut butter
- salt
First, start off by mashing your bananas. You want a pretty smooth consistency, but it’s okay if you have a few lumps in there. Then you just add the rest! Stir in the oats, chocolate protein powder, peanut butter, and salt (if using) and mix well to combine.
The batter will be a little sticky, but just let it sit for a few minutes to firm up some. Then, using a tablespoon as a scoop, take a heaping scoop and form into a cookie shape. The batter will be a little sticky, but after you put them in the fridge, they will harden up. If need, you can wet your hands with a little water to help the stickiness.
Finally, place on either a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let chill in the fridge for 2 hours. I like to sprinkle mine with a little flakey salt once they are done, but it’s that simple!
Bonus! Want to know something cool about these no bake chocolate peanut butter oatmeal cookies? You can actually bake them! When I was testing the recipe, I tried it both ways. They were both good, but when I asked y’all on Instagram, you wanted no bake. But if you do want something warm, go for it!
Substitutions and additions for no bake protein cookies
These no bake chocolate peanut butter oatmeal cookies are pretty straight to the point and you can’t substitute too many things, but here are a few things that might work:
- protein powder – any protein powder will work. I used Ka’Chava which is a plant based protein that has a thicker consistency. If using another kind, I would probably use a little less than recommended and add more if needed based on the consistency.
- nut butter – any nut butter will work or even sunbutter or tahini for nut free
- oats – you can use quick cooking oats, but steel cut oats will not work for this recipe
Here are some additions to add to them if you like:
- chocolate chips
- cinnamon
- coconut flakes or shredded coconut
- nuts or seeds
- vanilla extract
What is a good substitution for protein powder
The protein powder is what helps give these cookies a protein boost. Ka’Chava, the protein I used also has carbs and fat, so if you don’t want that, you can use whatever kind you like. Just note it will change up the nutritional break down and macros some.
I understand that not everyone likes protein powder or uses it. Some substitutions that you can use for protein powder are:
- flour – coconut, whole wheat, almond, oat flour, or whatever kind you like!
- oats – you can always add more oats to help absorb the liquid
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 macros.
More healthy protein snacks
Apple Cinnamon Protein Cookies
No Bake Chocolate Walnut Protein Brownies
Sweet Potato Blueberry Protein Muffins
Healthy No Bake Protein Cookies (Vegan)
ingredients
- 2 small-medium spotted or brown bananas, mashed (170 grams/about heaping 1/2 cup)
- 1 cup rolled oats (110 grams)*
- 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons peanut butter (96 grams) (you can use smooth or chunky)
- 2 scoops, packed Ka'Chava Chocolate Protein Powder (1/2 cup, packed/64 grams)
- pinch of salt (optional)
- for topping: flakey sea salt (optional)
instructions
- Line a plate or baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Add bananas to a medium bowl and mash with a fork until no or little lumps remain. Add in remaining ingredients and mix well to combine. Batter should be a little sticky. Let sit for a few minutes to firm up if needed.
- Scoop out 1 heaping tablespoon of mixture, form into a cookie shape, and place on a baking sheet. If needed, wet hands with some water to help with sticking. Repeat with the remaining mixture. You should get about 15 cookies.
- Place in the fridge for 1-2 hours until firm. If desired, sprinkle with a little flakey sea salt. Store in the fridge and enjoy!
notes
nutrition
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Gina says
This is one of my favorite recipes from your site. They’re so easy to make, customizable based on what I have on hand, and absolutely delicious. When I run out of chocolate Kachava, I use vanilla + cacao powder.
Kelly says
Love to hear it Gina! Thanks for trying them!