Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Protein Bars

These bars taste like classic cookie dough but are made with real, nourishing ingredients you can feel good about. They’re soft, chewy, and perfectly sweet!

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If you’ve ever wanted to eat cookie dough straight from the bowl (and who hasn’t?), this recipe is for you. Most cookie dough isn’t made to support your health goals, though. That’s where this recipe is different. These no-bake cookie dough bars are actually nourishing, protein-rich, dairy-free, egg-free, refined sugar-free, and safe to eat “raw.”

Why You’ll Fall in Love with These Bars

Yummy Cookie Dough Flavor:
You know a healthy recipe is a hit when your spouse and kids are craving it too! This recipe definitely passed the family taste test. In fact, we recommend doubling the recipe to have enough to share! And if you and your family love cookie dough, definitely try out our high-protein Birthday Cake Edible Dough next for a nostalgic cake batter flavor.

Provides an Energy Boost:
Protein powder, nut butter, and oats provide lasting fuel and can help you stay fuller longer. Plus, the fiber helps everything digest smoothly. They’re perfect before a workout or as a mid-afternoon snack when you want something that actually satisfies.

A Quick, No-Bake Recipe:
You don’t need an oven for these. Just mix, press, and chill. They come together fast and are great to keep on hand for a quick grab-and-go snack.

Customizable:
Use whatever nut butter you love most or switch it up each time you make them. You can toss in some chopped nuts, seeds, or a little sprinkle of sea salt on top. (We think the sea salt is a must!) It’s easy to tweak them to your taste and make each batch a little different.

How This Recipe Supports Your Health in Menopause

Protein Powder: Protein becomes even more important as you navigate menopause. As your hormones shift and estrogen decreases, it’s common to experience muscle loss. This can lead to fat accumulation due to a slower metabolism. To reduce some of those effects, eating protein-rich meals throughout the day (to protect muscle and regulate blood sugar) is essential.

Oat Flour (Blended oats): Oats are a gentle, hormone-friendly carbohydrate containing magnesium, manganese, and B vitamins. They’re rich in soluble fiber (beta-glucan), which helps to lower LDL cholesterol, stabilize blood sugar, and increase satiety.

Nut Butter: Peanut or other nut butters, when eaten in moderation, can add healthy unsaturated fats to your diet and extra protein. This helps you feel full and satisfied longer after meals. Vitamin E is another benefit of nuts. Vitamin E helps your skin, heart, and brain.

Dark Chocolate: A little dark chocolate is healthier than you might think. That’s because it’s rich in flavanols, which provide an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect. A Harvard research study has shown that the flavanols consumed in dark chocolate can even lower your risk of diabetes.

Maple Syrup: A drizzle of maple syrup can add a touch of sweetness and make your desserts feel special. Just make sure to use it sparingly: add just enough for flavor and balance it with fiber- and protein-rich ingredients.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Protein Bars

See the full recipe card with measurements and instructions below.

What You’ll Need:

• oat flour (or blend rolled oats until fine)
• vanilla vegan protein powder
• peanut butter
• maple syrup
• unsweetened plant milk
• vanilla extract
• sea salt
• mini vegan chocolate chips (like Enjoy Life)

Optional Chocolate Topping:

• mini vegan chocolate chips
• coconut oil

How to Make this Recipe:

In a medium bowl combine the oat flour, vegan protein powder, and salt.

Add the peanut butter, maple syrup, plant milk, and vanilla to the bowl and mix until a thick dough forms. If it seems too dry, add a bit more plant milk (1 teaspoon at a time).

Fold in the mini chocolate chips.

Press the dough evenly into a parchment-lined 8×4” loaf pan.

For the optional topping: Melt ½ cup vegan chocolate chips with 1 teaspoon coconut oil. (Can be done in the microwave.) Spread chocolate sauce evenly over dough.

Refrigerate for 1–2 hours until firm. Remove from the refrigerator and cut into 8 bars.

Notes & Storage

To Store: These Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Protein Bars can be kept in a container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Optionally, they can be frozen for longer storage for about 3 months. Separate layers of bars with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Allow them to thaw at room temperature or in the fridge before eating.

Make It Your Own:

• Swap peanut butter for almond, cashew, or sunflower seed butter for a different flavor or nut-free version.
• Stir in chopped nuts, hemp seeds, or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt before chilling for extra crunch and minerals.
• Use a chocolate drizzle instead of a full topping if you prefer a lighter option.

Serving Ideas:
These bars are great as an afternoon pick-me-up, a pre- or post-workout snack, or a sweet treat alongside a cup of tea or coffee. Because they’re made with real, nutrient-rich ingredients, a little goes a long way toward satisfying your cravings.