We always have some homemade protein snacks in our house. Not only do they help us hit our protein goals, but they make for some tasty snacks or treats! These oatmeal protein cookies are so delicious and couldn’t be easier to make.
Everything is mixed together in one bowl and they are ready from start to finish in about 25 minutes. I love using oats when baking they make a great binder and contain fiber and complex carbs.
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They also have egg whites and protein powder to help up the protein. Then some applesauce for binding and some sweetness. And the fresh apples add some more texture and a little pop of flavor.
The texture is soft and chewy, almost like baked oatmeal, but in cookie form. They aren’t like your traditional store-bought protein cookie, but to be honest, I never liked those anyways. Enjoy them for a snack, pre or post-workout (protein and carbs plus not too much fat), breakfast, or dessert! And since they are pretty low-calorie, you can have a few of them!
Why we love these oatmeal protein cookies
- they have a protein boost! – each one has 4 grams of protein! While it’s not a ton, they are low-calorie and you can easily eat a few!
- taste like baked oatmeal in a bite-size form
- made in one bowl
- lower carb and lower fat than your typical protein cookie
- super customizable – easily adjust this recipe to change up the flavors each week.
Are protein cookies good for you?
Most protein cookies are full of countless ingredients and even though they might have a little more protein than your standard cookie, some can have a decent amount of carbs, sugar, and fat. For some looking to up their protein, there are much better options. But by making protein cookies at home, you can easily customize them to fit your liking and nutrition goals.
Each one of these oatmeal protein cookies has 63 calories, 10 grams of carbohydrates, 4 grams of protein, 1 gram of fat, and 2 grams of fiber for a balanced snack.
Protein cookie recipe ingredients
- rolled oats
- egg whites – for some added protein
- fresh apple
- apple sauce
- vanilla protein powder – for some protein and adds some sweetness to the recipe.
- cinnamon
- salt – to help bring the flavors together
How to make protein cookies
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make the batter. Add all ingredients to a large mixing bowl and stir to combine. Using a tablespoon, scoop out a heaping scoop of the mixture and place it on a lined baking sheet. Press down and form into a cookie shape if needed.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the mixture is set. Let cool for a few minutes.
- Enjoy! Top with an additional sprinkle of cinnamon and enjoy.
What is a good substitution for protein powder when baking?
The protein powder is what helps give these cookies a protein boost (hence the same protein cookies). I understand that not everyone likes protein powder or uses it. Some substitutions that you can use for protein powder are:
- oats – you can always add more oats to help absorb the liquid
- flour – whole wheat, almond flour, or oat flour would probably work best.
I haven’t tried these, so I am not sure if they work. You will have to play around with it some until you get the consistency you like. Again, just note this will change up the nutritional breakdown and macros and they probably won’t have as much protein.
Storage
- fridge – first, let the cookies cool completely. Add to a sealable airtight container. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to a week. You can also leave them on the counter at room temperature, but only if your house is not too hot. I would only do this for a couple of days.
- to freeze – let cool completely and place individual cookies on a large plate or baking sheet. Place in the freezer and let freeze for 2 hours or until hardened. This will help ensure they freeze individually and won’t stick together. Transfer to a large bag (we love reusable silicone ones) and freeze for up to 3 months. You can defrost them by placing them in the refrigerator and then warming up the microwave if desired.
- reheat – these can be eaten hot or cold! To warm up, pop them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds until warm.
Substitutions and additions
These cookies are pretty straight to the point and you can’t substitute too many things, but here are a few things that might work:
- rolled oats – quick oats will work instead of rolled oats. Steel-cut oats will not work as the texture is different. Use certified gluten-free oats if needed.
- applesauce – mashed banana will work well instead. It will just add banana flavor to them.
- fruit – any kind of diced fruit will work. Some of my favorites to add to oatmeal are strawberries and blueberries.
- eggs – you can use whole eggs instead of egg whites. Usually, 3 tablespoons egg whites equal 1 whole egg, so I suggest 2-3 whole eggs.
- protein powder – any flavor of protein powder will work! I suggest a flavored one as it adds some sweetness. Also, a plant-based protein works the best as consistency works well to help absorb the liquid. I am not sure if whey protein powder or collagen will work.
If you want to spice them up, here are a few additions:
- raisins – for some chewiness and natural sweetness.
- spices – ginger, nutmeg, cloves, or cardamom would all work well.
- nut butter – peanut butter, almond butter, or cashew butter would all be delicious. If you are nut-free, try tahini or sunflower seed butter.
- sweetener – if you prefer them sweeter, you can add in some honey or maple syrup.
- vanilla extract – for some more vanilla flavor.
- shredded coconut – to add a little more healthy fat and natural sweetness.
- chopped nuts – walnuts, peanuts, or pecans would be great.
More healthy protein snacks
- homemade perfect bar recipe
- pumpkin chocolate chip protein muffins
- chocolate protein balls
- birthday cake protein bars
- protein baked oatmeal
If you love quick and easy meals and want to learn how to build a balanced plate, check out our FREE How to Build a Balanced Plate Guide!
Apple Cinnamon Protein Cookies
ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups rolled oats (125 grams)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened apple sauce (122 grams)
- 1/2 cup egg whites
- 1/2 packed cup vanilla protein powder (60 grams)*
- 1 1/2 cups diced apple (160 grams)
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- pinch of salt
instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make the batter. Add all ingredients to a bowl and stir to combine. Using a tablespoon, scoop out a heaping scoop of the mixture and place it on a lined baking sheet. Press down and form into a cookie shape if needed.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes or until the mixture is set. Let cool for a few minutes.
- Enjoy! Top with an additional sprinkle of cinnamon and enjoy.
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7 ingredients rolled into a sweet treat that’s not a cheat! These were so simple yet so good! I agree, they can be eaten at any point during the day to curb a sweet tooth and give an energy boost! Saving this recipe in my cookbook for sure! Thanks!!
Yes, anytime of the day haha!! Thank you for trying them and glad you liked them Meredith!
This recipe is awesome. I made them this morning for my sister, her husband, and two neices. They are like apple crisp cookies… perfect for fall and breakfast. Also, the kids loved them and choose them over cinnamon rolls. I am going to make them for myself when I get home for the week. Thanks for an amazing recipe!! I also was thinking that I may try them with pumpkin. Yum!
Heck yes! Love hearing the kids liked them as well! And pumpkin is an amazing idea! Let me know how that goes it you do. Thanks Liz!
Great recipe for quick grab and go. Staple ingredients that I normally always have which is extra nice. I have made them many times and shared the recipe tons. Every time I take them somewhere people love them and want to know how I made them !
Can’t wait to make!
Let me know if you do!
Yay, so happy to hear that Lauren! Thank you so much for trying them and glad you love them!
So easy and yummy!!! Great recipe.
Thanks Candy! Happy to hear you liked them!
I count macros and would LOVE to have these cookies for pre workout.
Do you happen to know how many grams each cookie should weigh in that scoop??
I love them for pre workout! I actually don’t know how much each one weights, but I used a tablespoon for each scoop and it made 18 cookies. I will make them again this week and let you know! Also, the macros might change a little depending on what protein powder you use.
what can you sub for apple sauce? don’t have any on hand
I would say mashed banana might work, or something of that similar consistency. The flavor will be changed slightly though. Let me know if you try them and it works Allyse!
these look so good kelly! (so do the photos in this post – seriously!!) in my book there’s NOTHING wrong with a healthy cookie =)
Thank you Jess!! Your photography is amazing and inspires me every day! And totally agree about the cookies 🙂
Where do you get the quantities of the different ingredients
Hey Geraldine! The recipe is in the recipe card at the bottom of the post – should be a little before the comments!
I think apple cinnamon may be one of my very favorite flavors; I really love cookies that you can eat for breakfast, lunch, dinner or snack.
YES me too!! The combo is so good. Cookies are always good too 🙂