There’s something oddly comforting about knowing there’s a little stash of treats waiting for you in the fridge or freezer—especially the kind that feel indulgent and nourishing. These No-Bake Cookie Dough Protein Bites are exactly that. They taste like classic peanut butter cookie dough (mini chocolate chips and all), but they’re made with simple ingredients and no raw eggs in sight.
They’re the kind of snack I reach for mid-afternoon, after dinner when I want “just a bite,” or on busy days when I need something filling without turning on the oven. Sweet, satisfying, and surprisingly powerful for such a small bite.
Why You’ll Love These Protein Bites
- No-bake and freezer-friendly
- Made with just 7 simple ingredients
- Naturally sweetened
- Over 10g of protein per serving
- Vegan-friendly with easy swaps
- Taste like peanut butter cookie dough (the good kind)
Once you make a batch, you’ll want them on constant rotation.
What You’ll Need
These cookie dough protein bites come together with pantry staples and are easy to customize based on what you have on hand.
Peanut Butter
Use a natural, creamy peanut butter made with just peanuts and salt. It gives these bites richness, flavor, and healthy fats that help keep you satisfied. Cashew butter also works beautifully.
Honey
Honey adds natural sweetness and pairs perfectly with peanut butter. If you want to keep these vegan, maple syrup is an easy substitute.
Protein Powder
An unflavored protein powder boosts the protein content and helps bind the bites. Collagen peptides work well, but other unflavored options can be used.
Vanilla Extract
Just a splash brings out that classic cookie dough flavor.
Oat Flour
Oat flour helps absorb moisture so the dough isn’t sticky. It also keeps the texture soft and dough-like.
Flaxseed Meal
Adds fiber and omega-3s while helping the bites hold together.
Chocolate Chips
Mini chocolate chips are ideal—they distribute perfectly and add just enough chocolate in every bite.
Flaky Sea Salt
Optional, but highly recommended. That little salty finish makes everything pop.
Easy Ingredient Swaps
These bites are super forgiving and easy to adapt:
- Different nut butter: Cashew butter, almond butter, or sunflower seed butter all work (just be sure they’re natural and creamy).
- Vegan option: Use maple syrup instead of honey and dairy-free chocolate chips.
- No protein powder? Swap in fine blanched almond flour instead.
- DIY oat flour: Blend rolled oats until finely ground—it takes less than a minute.
How to Make Cookie Dough Protein Bites
1) Mix the “dough”
Add the peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), vanilla, protein powder, oat flour, and flaxseed meal to a bowl. Mix until everything comes together and resembles cookie dough.
If it feels too wet, add a little more oat flour, one tablespoon at a time.
2) Add the chocolate
Fold in the chocolate chips. This is one of those moments where using your hands actually makes things easier.
3) Roll and chill
Use a small cookie scoop to portion the dough and roll into balls (you should get about 10 bites). Place them on a plate, sprinkle lightly with flaky sea salt, and refrigerate for 1 hour before enjoying.
Fun Dessert Upgrade
If you want to take these up a notch, try dipping them in melted chocolate:
- Chill the bites first
- Dip into melted chocolate chips or a chopped chocolate bar
- Chill again until the chocolate sets
They turn into a protein-packed dessert that feels extra special.
Storage and Freezing Tips
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2–3 months
- If frozen solid, let them soften slightly in the fridge or at room temperature before eating
They’re perfect for grab-and-go snacks straight from the freezer.
No-Bake Cookie Dough Protein Bites Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ cup (128g) creamy natural peanut butter or cashew butter
- ¼ cup (80g) honey or pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup (40g) unflavored protein powder
- 3 tablespoons (18g) oat flour, plus more as needed
- 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal
- 3 tablespoons mini chocolate chips
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine all ingredients except the chocolate chips and sea salt. Mix until a thick cookie dough forms. If too wet, add more oat flour, 1 tablespoon at a time.
- Fold in the chocolate chips (hands work great here).
- Scoop and roll dough into balls and place on a plate about 1 inch apart.
- Sprinkle lightly with flaky sea salt, if desired.
- Chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour before serving.
Makes approximately 10 cookie dough protein bites.
These No-Bake Cookie Dough Protein Bites prove that snacks can be practical and joyful. Sweet enough to feel like a treat, filling enough to actually hold you over—and easy enough to make on repeat. 🍪💪