Protein Cookies are a delightful treat for those looking to reduce their carbs, add protein all without sacrificing flavor. These protein cookies have a nice balance of crispness on the outside, while staying soft and chewy in the middle!

If you are like me, I am always looking for easy ways to add protein to my diet. Protein is having a moment right now and for good reason!

These crispy protein cookies are high-protein, crunchy treats that offer a healthier alternative to traditional cookies. They are great as a post-workout snack, a high-protein dessert, or a healthy alternative to traditional cookies.

If you like these you will also love these Chocolate Chip Zucchini Cookies, Chocolate Brownie Cookies, Almond Flour Thumbprint Cookies and definitely these Keto Butter Cookies!

Also, my cookbooks are both on sale now and would make a great gift! The Everything Wheat Free Diet Cookbook and The Greek Yogurt Cookbook are both the lowest prices I have seen!

Why You Should Make These Protein Cookies

As a nutritionist, I am always telling clients, friends, families- really anyone that will listen- how important protein is for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Many people feel overwhelmed by even trying to add more protein.

I am sure most people think of chicken, eggs or beef when they think of protein, how about a light, crispy cookie?

These protein cookies are low carb, gluten free, high in protein and fiber and delicious. They check all the boxes in a nutritious snack or treat.

I love to make a double batch and freeze some for whenever those cookie cravings. They defrost in no time and help prevent overeating (it's not easy to eat too many frozen cookies!)

Why You Should Add More Protein To Your Diet

Protein is essential for building and maintaining muscle growth. Quite literally, protein is the building block of muscles.
Protein helps keep you feel full longer which in turn helps to prevent overeating and mindless eating. As a result, eating adequate amounts of protein can help reduce your appetite and overall hunger.
Protein helps to maintain bone density and helsp tp reduce the risk of osteoporosis. This is even more crucial for all of my perimenopause/menopause friends since we lose bone density as we get older.
Eating high protein helps to lower blood pressure. Hypertension -aka high blood pressure- is a leading cause of strokes and heart disease.

How Much Protein Should You Be Eating

As a rule of thumb, most doctors, nurses and nutritionists will tell you you should eat between 1.6-2.2 grams of protein per kg of body weight for most adults. Ok, so how do we figure out how much we need?

*Divide your weight in pounds by 2.2

Example: 120 lbs divided by 2.2= 54.5 kgs

*Multiply your weight in kgs by the protein range

Example: 54.5 x 2.2= 119.9 grams of protein

Follow this as a general guide to figure out how much protein to consume daily. As shown above, it's crucial to maintaining a healthy lifestyle and this is just another reason to enjoy these protein cookies!

Recipe Ingredients in These Protein Cookies

Flax seeds - Due to its high fiber content, flax seeds have shown to improve digestive health and may relieve constipation. Flax can also lower cholesterol levels. I use these flax seeds .
Superfine almond flour - I use superfine almond flour in these cookies which is a grain free, almond flour made from whole, skinless almonds.
Coconut flour - This is light, naturally sugar free and low in carbs and I use this coconut flour. I love baking with both almond and coconut flour for the perfect texture.
Coconut oil - Is a plant based oil and is filled with healthy fats. I use refined coconut oil which has very little coconut taste. Refined coconut oil has less antioxidants and vitamins than the virgin coconut oil (as well as a higher smoke points which is good to remember for baked goods) so if you like the taste of coconut, then you can easily use virgin coconut oil.
Monk Fruit - I use this one which is the liquid form. You can also substitute with the sugar free alternative of your choice.
Sugar free chocolate chips - I use sugar free Lily's chocolate chips that are sugar free and sweetened only with stevia and erythritol.
Protein powder - It's very important to not only the nutrition information like calories, protein, fat and carbohydrates, but also read the ingredient list. I use Orgain Protein Powder which is vegan, soy free, gluten free, dairy free, sugar free and non-GMO.
Pecans - Raw, unsalted pecans work best in this recipe but you can also use salted pecans. Just make sure you read the ingredients if your pecans are roasted -they may add unnecessary oils and other ingredients.
Cinnamon - My favorite spice! Cinnamon is so versatile and I use it for most of my sweet recipes and baked goods.
Pure vanilla extract - I use pure vanilla extract which doesn't contain any artificial flavors or additives, it's just pure vanilla made from alcohol. I use this one.
Unsweetened coconut flakes - Pure shredded coconut flakes with no added sugar. It isn't always easy to find but make sure you read the ingredient labels. I use these coconut flakes.
Baking powder and Baking soda - I use a GMO-FREE, aluminum free baking powder like this one and this baking soda in all of my baked goods.

How To Make These Protein Cookies

In a separate bowl, mix ground flaxseeds and water creating a "flax egg". Set aside.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Place coconut flakes on a baking sheet or baking dish and bake in the oven for about 5 minutes to toast them.

Place all ingredients as well as the flax egg in a large bowl. Mix until combined.

Ingredients mixed together in a large bowl.

Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop into balls onto ungreased baking sheet. Flatten down a bit.

Finally, bake for 10-12 minutes in preheated oven. Allow to cool on backing rack for at least 10 minutes. Enjoy these delicious protein cookies once cooled!