These Greek yogurt protein cookies are a tasty treat packed with protein! They’re soft, chewy, and great for a quick snack or a post-workout boost.
Plus, they’re super easy to make! I love knowing I can whip these up in no time and satisfy my sweet tooth without the guilt. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Greek Yogurt: This is the star ingredient, adding moisture and protein. You can use plain full-fat or low-fat yogurt. If you need a dairy-free option, try using coconut yogurt.
Vanilla Protein Powder: This boosts the protein content. If you don’t have this, you can substitute it with an equal amount of more flour, but the protein amount will decrease. Chocolate protein powder would also work for a different flavor.
Coconut Oil or Butter: Both add richness, but coconut oil gives a slight coconut taste. For a vegan option, use refined coconut oil, which has less coconut flavor, or stick to a plant-based butter.
Chocolate Chips: You can swap these for raisins or dried fruit for a healthier twist. Dark chocolate or even white chocolate chips can be fun alternatives too!
How Do You Ensure Your Cookies Turn Out Soft and Chewy?
To keep your cookies soft and chewy, the key is not to overmix the dough once the wet and dry ingredients are combined. Overmixing can create tough cookies. Also, make sure you remove the cookies from the oven while they still look slightly underbaked. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.
- Preheat the oven to the right temperature and use parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Don’t skip cooling on the baking sheet for a few minutes. This helps maintain their shape.
How to Make Greek Yogurt Protein Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (plain, full-fat or low-fat)
- 1/4 cup coconut oil or unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup brown sugar or coconut sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and another 10-12 minutes to bake. After baking, let the cookies cool for about 5 minutes, and then they’re ready to enjoy! In total, you’re looking at around 30 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the cookies bake evenly. While the oven is heating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper so the cookies don’t stick.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium-sized bowl, add the all-purpose flour, vanilla protein powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk these together until they are well mixed. This helps the cookies rise perfectly!
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, melted coconut oil (or butter), brown sugar, vanilla extract, and egg. Mix these together until you have a smooth, creamy mixture. It should feel nice and light!
4. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Now, take the dry mixture and gradually add it to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until everything is combined. Make sure not to overmix, as you want your cookies to stay soft and chewy!
5. Add the Chocolate Chips:
Carefully fold in the chocolate chips using a spatula or spoon. This is where the fun gets real, adding those little delicious surprises!
6. Scoop the Dough:
Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, drop dollops of cookie dough (about 2 tablespoons each) onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave about 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading.
7. Bake the Cookies:
Pop your baking sheet in the oven and let the cookies bake for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them! They should be golden around the edges but still soft in the center. Don’t worry if they look a little underbaked; they will firm up as they cool.
8. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, take your cookies out of the oven and let them cool on the sheet for 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these delicious, protein-packed cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite drink!
Happy baking!
Can I Use Greek Yogurt Substitutes?
Yes! If you don’t have Greek yogurt, you can use regular plain yogurt or even cottage cheese blended until smooth. For a dairy-free option, coconut yogurt works well too!
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness?
If you prefer a less sweet cookie, you can reduce the brown sugar to 2 tablespoons. Alternatively, try using a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol, adjusting the quantity to taste.
How to Store Leftover Cookies?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for about a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage—just make sure they are wrapped well to prevent freezer burn!
Can I Add Other Mix-ins?
Absolutely! You can add nuts, dried fruit, or even shredded coconut for added flavor and texture. Just keep the total mix-ins to about 1 cup to maintain the recipe balance.
