Healthy Cookie Dough Protein Bites

I’m pretty sure cookie dough is an athlete favorite. But what about cookie dough that is both delicious and beneficial to your performance on the field? You can’t say no to that! Like many of my pre-workout fuel options, these cookie dough protein bites are a healthy alternative to the classic dessert we have all once scraped from the bowl.

My cookie dough protein bites are filled with protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates – the perfect combination for a satiating snack to fuel you up before training! I love prepping a few of these over the weekend to grab whenever I need a quick fuel up!

Performance Benefits

Oats

Oats are nutritious grain rich in complex carbohydrates and fiber. Just half a cup of oats has 191% of the recommended daily intake of manganese, which is a powerful antioxidant that will help decrease your bodies inflammation. Additionally they contain soluble fiber that promotes gut health and enhances blood flow to the working muscles.

Peanut butter

Rich in anti-inflammatory unsaturated fats, peanut butter can lower inflammation and improve post workout recovery. They also enhance the absorption of fat soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K. Make sure you choose an all-natural peanut butter that includes only nuts and salt.

Chia seeds

Chia seeds are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which decrease again decrease inflammation and may prevent anxiety/ depression. Additionally, chia seeds swell and gel in our stomach helping us stay hydrated and full.

Honey

Honey not only helps bind these protein bites together, but it is also a healthier alternative to sugar. While you should by no means be pouring honey on everything, honey is a fast-releasing carbohydrate that can boost our workouts.

Protein powder

Using a whey protein, provides a complete protein to ensure lean body mass maintenance and enhances muscle recovery. My favorite protein powders are: 

• Bipro – Whey
• Momentous – Plant based

I hope you enjoy this simple and tasty recipe that my soccer girls love. I am excited for you guys to try it, so let me know your what you think about it in the comments below!

Cookie Dough Protein Bites

Reilly Beatty MS, RD

This delicious recipe is the perfect healthy snack when you're craving cookie dough!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Cook Time 5 mins

Course Dessert

Servings 6

Equipment

• microwave

Ingredients

  

• 1 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 2/3 cup all natural peanut butter
• 2/3 cup maple syrup or honey
• 2 tbsp chia seeds
• 1/4 cup chocolate chips
• 1-2 tbsp protein powder

Instructions

 

• Combine honey and peanut butter in a large bowl.
• Heat in the microwave for 30 secs – 1 minute. This helps easily mix the two ingredients together.
• Add dry ingredients into bowl.
• Roll into small balls. Mixture should be able to form balls easily.
• Store in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Notes

You can always add more oats/ PB/ maple syrup to adjust the consistency. If consistency is too dry, do not add milk! It will cause the protein powder to “slime”. Add more honey or nut butter instead.

 

My favorite protein powders are 

• Bipro – Whey
• Momentous – Plant based

Keyword cookie dough protein bites