No Bake Cookie Dough Protein Bars
The ultimate energy boost in a bite! These No Bake Cookie Dough Protein Bars are not just delicious but also packed with nutrients. With a perfect balance of protein and sweetness, they make a great snack for any time of the day. Try making them tonight!
Equipment
- Food Processor
Ingredients
- 2 cups medjool dates pitted
- 1 cup protein powder or more almond flour
- 1 cup finely ground almond flour or 2/3 cup quick oats
- ½ cup unsweetened almond butter
- 2 Tbsp hemp seeds
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ¼ cup water
- 1 ⅓ cups chocolate chips
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter or coconut oil
Instructions
- Start by adding all of the ingredients for the cookie dough layer—medjool dates, protein powder, almond flour, almond butter, hemp seeds, vanilla extract, cinnamon, sea salt, and water—to a food processor. Blend everything until a crumbly dough forms. You may need to pause several times to scrape down the sides with a rubber spatula to ensure everything blends nicely.
- The mixture should resemble a dry cookie dough but should hold together when you pinch it. If it's too crumbly, add one to two additional tablespoons of water until you achieve the right consistency.
- Next, line an 8-inch or 9-inch square pan with parchment paper for easy removal. Transfer the cookie dough mixture to the pan and press it down evenly with your hands. Make sure it’s compact.
- Now for the best part: melt the chocolate chips and butter (or coconut oil) in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it in 20-second intervals, stirring between each interval until it’s fully melted and smooth.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the cookie dough layer and spread it evenly, making sure every bite is chocolatey!
- Refrigerate the bars for 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until the chocolate has hardened completely.
- Once hardened, pull on the edges of the parchment paper to remove the entire batch from the pan. Transfer it to a cutting board.
- Finally, use a sharp knife to cut them into squares or bars, and there you have it—your very own No Bake Cookie Dough Protein Bars!
Notes
If you’re omitting the protein powder and using more almond flour, reduce the water to 2 tablespoons unless more water is needed for blending.