These delicious banana peanut butter protein cookies are a quick, high protein way to satisfy your sweet tooth. Each cookie is packed with protein and flavor, making them a great option for a high protein breakfast or afternoon snack, and perfect for meal prep.
This simple peanut butter cookie recipe turns a classic flavor combo into a delicious chewy cookie. With no flour, sugar, or eggs, these kid-friendly protein cookies are gluten free, egg free, and have no refined sugar!
These healthy cookies make a great filling breakfast, as do these peanut butter protein waffles, and these peanut butter overnight oats.
If you like these healthy peanut butter banana cookies and enjoy DELICIOUS protein shakes, be sure to check out this indulgent peanut butter and banana protein shake, this banana bread protein shake, and this easy banana protein shake. They are all easy recipes made with the same type of protein powder.
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🍪 Ingredients
The banana peanut butter high protein cookies feature ingredients that provide both flavor and nutrition.
Vanilla Whey Protein Powder
The main source of protein in this recipe, vanilla whey protein powder, ensures the cookies deliver a high-protein punch.
The whey protein powder also helps bind the ingredients together, creating a chewy texture.
I highly recommend whey protein concentrate, as whey isolates tend to bake up dry and rubbery.
Unsweetened Peanut Butter
Natural peanut butter provides healthy fats and protein while keeping the cookies moist and flavorful. It serves as the primary fat source, balancing the texture and adding richness.
Mashed Banana
Ripe or overripe bananas add natural sweetness and moisture, reducing the need for added sugar. Banana also enhances the flavor, making the cookies taste naturally sweet.
Vanilla Extract
A small amount of vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor of the cookies, adding warmth and depth. I like this baking vanilla for its flavor and low alcohol content.
Ground Cinnamon
A dash of ground cinnamon adds a subtle spice, complementing the peanut butter and banana flavors. I prefer Vietnamese cinnamon for its bold flavor.
🥣 Equipment Needed
Kitchen Scale: I highly recommend using a kitchen scale for accurate measurements and easy cleanup.
Cookie Sheet: A quality cookie sheet ensures even baking. I like these Airbake cookie sheets.
Parchment Paper: Parchment paper prevents the cookies from sticking to the cookie sheet and makes cleanup easy.
Mixing Bowl: A medium bowl is needed to mix all the ingredients. I like this mixing bowl set because of the non-slip bottom and smooth inner surface.
Spoon: Use a spoon to mix the ingredients and drop the cookie dough onto the baking sheet.
Oven Thermometer: I never bake without an oven thermometer! You'd be surprised at how often ovens are off temp, and this is important when baking with protein powder. Over-baked protein bakes can be dry and unpalatable.
Cooling rack: Using a cooling rack allows for more even cooling, as the room temperature air can get below the cookies.
👩🏼🍳 Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Use an oven thermometer for best results.
2. Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl until the cookie dough is smooth and well-mixed.
3. Drop spoonfuls of the batter onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
4. Bake for 8-10 minutes or just until the cookies are firm.
Enjoy!
🍪 Substitutions
Peanut Butter: Other types of nut butter would work just as well in place of the peanut butter. Almond butter or cashew butter would be delicious! Sunflower seed butter should work as well.
Banana: Other mashed fruit can work here, just be sure to drain extra moisture so that the mashed fruit has the same consistency as mashed banana. Canned pumpkin can also work here!
Vanilla Whey Protein Powder: This recipe was designed for whey protein concentrate. I don't recommend other types of protein in this recipe. But other flavors of whey concentrate would be great!
🌰 Variations
Enhance these healthy protein cookies with some simple variations:
Chocolate Chip Protein Cookies: Turn these into indulgent chocolate chip cookies by adding dark chocolate chips. I like these sugar-free dark chocolate chips.
Peanut Butter Oatmeal Protein Cookies: Mix in a small amount of quick oats or old-fashioned oats for a heartier texture.
Extra Sweet: Add a tablespoon or two of coconut sugar for a sweeter cookie.
3 Ingredient Cookies: Simplify the recipe by omitting the vanilla and cinnamon. The cookies will still be delicious!
These banana protein cookies are low calories and low fat while still being packed with flavor. And only 3 ingredients!
If you like these recipes, you'll probably love these chewy Chocolate Protein Cookies, these Raspberry Coconut Cookies, and this Banana Peanut Butter Protein Shake.
🥡 Storage
These banana peanut butter cookies can stay at room temperature for the day, but for longer storage I'd keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator (up to a week).
These protein cookies can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap them in plastic wrap and keep them in a freezer-safe airtight container.
FAQ
Whey protein concentrate provides the necessary binding and texture that other protein powders cannot replicate. Different protein powders mix and bake very differently. Read the best protein powders for baking and sign up for my free protein baking cheat sheet to learn more!
A silicone baking mat or lightly greasing the cookie sheet works well if you don’t have parchment paper.
Yes, adding dark chocolate chips or sugar-free chocolate chips is a great way to enhance the flavor.
The protein content depends on the whey protein powder used, and they have 6 grams of protein per cookie with the whey concentrate I used.
Yes! As are all of the recipes on this site. :)
The cookies will be firm to the touch when they are done baking (after 8-10 minutes at 325F).
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, or freeze them for longer storage.
Regular peanut butter works, but it may add extra sugar.
Yes, they store well and make a convenient high protein snack throughout the week.
Recipe
Banana Peanut Butter Protein Cookies (Easy, Healthy)
Ingredients
- ¼ cup vanilla whey protein concentrate 22g
- ¼ cup unsweetened peanut butter 64g
- ½ banana mashed, 60g
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 dash ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325F (163C).
- Mix all ingredients until well combined.
- Drop spoonfuls of batter on a parchment-lined baking tray.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or just until firm.
- Let cool, and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
🍪 More cookie recipes you'll love
We have lots of easy protein cookie recipes with simple ingredients on this site, like these peanut butter and jelly protein cookie sandwiches, and you can find them all here: protein cookie recipes.
Andréa Marchese says
So happy you are enjoying the recipe, Lauren! And thanks for taking the time to leave a comment and rating. :)
Lauren says
Not exactly the same as regular peanut butter cookies, but pretty close! I’m so happy I found this healthier version.
Julie says
These are so good! I had weight loss surgery and have been looking for recipes that have a lot of protein. These are way way better then premade protein cookies. I added a square of Lilly's chocolate bar to the center of each one for a little chocolate hit...Chef's Kiss!!
Andréa says
Hi Emily,
I would store them in the refrigerator for about a week. They can stay out for a day, but for longer storage I'd keep them in the fridge.
Thanks for writing in!
Andréa
Emily says
What is the shelf life of them cookies? Thanks :)
Andréa says
Thank you! :)
Angie says
I love your site!