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    Home > Blog > Protein Desserts > Protein Cookies

    Banana Peanut Butter Protein Cookies (Easy, Healthy) 

    Updated: Jan 30, 2025 · Published: Feb 25, 2014 · By Andréa Marchese · This post may contain affiliate links · 7 Comments

    Jump to Recipe

    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. 

    4 halves of banana peanut butter protein cookies stacked on a white plate with crumbs in front.

    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.

    Jump to:
    • 🍪 Ingredients
    • 🥣 Equipment Needed
    • 👩🏼‍🍳 Instructions
    • 🍪 Substitutions
    • 🌰 Variations
    • 🥡 Storage
    • FAQ
    • Recipe
    • 🍪 More cookie recipes you'll love

    🍪 Ingredients

    The banana peanut butter high protein cookies feature ingredients that provide both flavor and nutrition.

    labeled ingredients for banana peanut butter protein cookies.

    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.

    glass mixing bowl with mashed banana and a fork.
    glass mixing bowl with peanut butter banana protein cookie dough and a fork, next to a rubber spatula.

    3. Drop spoonfuls of the batter onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.

    six unbaked banana peanut butter protein cookies on a parchment lined baking sheet

    4. Bake for 8-10 minutes or just until the cookies are firm.

    6 baked peanut butter banana protein cookies on a parchment lined cookie sheet.

    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

    Why does this recipe only work with whey protein powder?

    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!

    What can I use instead of parchment paper? 

    A silicone baking mat or lightly greasing the cookie sheet works well if you don’t have parchment paper.

    Can I add chocolate chips? 

    Yes, adding dark chocolate chips or sugar-free chocolate chips is a great way to enhance the flavor.

    How many grams of protein are in each cookie? 

    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.

    Are these cookies gluten-free? 

    Yes! As are all of the recipes on this site. :)

    How do I know when the cookies are done? 

    The cookies will be firm to the touch when they are done baking (after 8-10 minutes at 325F).

    How should I store these cookies?

    Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, or freeze them for longer storage.

    Can I use regular peanut butter?

    Regular peanut butter works, but it may add extra sugar.

    Are these cookies good for meal prep?

    Yes, they store well and make a convenient high protein snack throughout the week.

    Recipe

    4 halves of banana peanut butter protein cookies stacked on a white plate with crumbs in front.

    Banana Peanut Butter Protein Cookies (Easy, Healthy)

    Andréa Marchese
    This easy, kid-friendly banana peanut butter protein cookie recipe is perfect for a high protein breakfast or snack. Egg free, gluten free, and delicious!
    5 from 8 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 10 minutes mins
    Total Time 15 minutes mins
    Servings 6 cookies

    Equipment

    • oven thermometer
    • kitchen scale
    • cookie sheet
    • parchment paper
    • mixing bowl
    • spoon
    • cooling rack

    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

    🍪 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! 
    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.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1cookie | Calories: 94kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 6g | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Net Carbohydrates: 3g
    Tried this recipe?Please consider leaving a review!

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    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. 

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    Comments

    1. Andréa Marchese says

      March 22, 2024 at 4:31 pm

      So happy you are enjoying the recipe, Lauren! And thanks for taking the time to leave a comment and rating. :)

    2. Lauren says

      February 20, 2024 at 12:06 am

      5 stars
      Not exactly the same as regular peanut butter cookies, but pretty close! I’m so happy I found this healthier version.

    3. Julie says

      September 10, 2023 at 10:12 am

      5 stars
      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!!

    4. Andréa says

      April 23, 2016 at 2:53 pm

      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

    5. Emily says

      April 23, 2016 at 11:11 am

      What is the shelf life of them cookies? Thanks :)

    6. Andréa says

      January 23, 2016 at 10:25 pm

      Thank you! :)

    7. Angie says

      January 23, 2016 at 1:59 pm

      5 stars
      I love your site!

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    andrea at the gym holding cupcakes

    Hi, I'm Andréa! I’ve been baking with protein powder since 2013, and I can give you all the top tips for creating delicious high protein snacks, desserts, and more.

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