Homemade cookie dough protein bars with only six-ingredients, No-bake, gluten free, dairy free, grain free, and vegan.
Good morning, and happy Friday! Don’t ask me where the week went because I have no idea! I’m SO excited about today because I decided to plan a last-minute trip with my mom. We are staying at a cute bed and breakfast this evening and exploring the gorgeous Biltmore. She’s never been, and it’s been a while since I’ve visited, so it should be a fun time. I can’t wait to share the weekend with you all. I’m already charging my cameras! I haven’t decided if I want to go off the social media grind this weekend, but it’s sounding like a good idea.
I didn’t want to leave this afternoon without posting or go another week without sharing these delicious protein bars, so I figured I’d put this blog together while drinking my morning coffee. The dogs are walked, fed, and sound asleep next to me (trying not to make too much noise) I still have a lot to do this morning, because I procrastinated last night, so let’s get to it!
It’s been several weeks since making these delicious protein bars, but I’ve made so many variations of them since! I’m telling you, they’re amazing. I can’t compare them to any protein bars on the market because they are so unique tasting and too good to stop at one.
If you like cookie dough, you’ll LOVE these. They pack so much protein, great for on the go, and fun to make! I made a batch of these for my Saturday morning tennis, but Kyle ended up taking a bunch to work, my mom snagged a few, and the rest was history.
These protein bars only have six ingredients: plant-based vanilla protein powder (Orgain), dates, almonds, cinnamon, unsweetened almond milk, and no sugar added vegan chocolate chips (Lily’s)
You can customize the ingredients by using a different nut instead of almonds, honey instead of dates, your choice of milk, any type of protein powder you want, chocolate chips or no chocolate chips…and so on! That’s the beauty of this recipe!
I already have a six-ingredient pumpkin spiced cookie dough protein bar planned for the fall! 🍂 
I’m loving my new food processor. I recently got rid of my fancy food processor after two years of never using it. I traded it in for a smaller and less-intimidating one (fewer buttons and blades) with the easier cleanup. This was the best decision I’ve ever made because now I use it for everything. I was a little nervous that it wouldn’t work as well, but this thing is a powerhouse! It’s easy to clean up, and convenient to take out when I want to make some protein bars or protein balls. I also like that it doesn’t take up all my cabinet space.
Grind up all the almonds! 
Add the dates, but make sure they’re pitted! I buy pitted dates, but sometimes a pit will sneak in. I separate all the dates to make sure they have zero pits.
It helps to add a tablespoon of water (or oil) to the food processor with the dates.
Add the dates and almonds into a large mixing bowl. 
Mix the cinnamon, almonds, almond milk, protein powder, and dates together in a large mixing bowl. If it’s too dry, add more almond milk by the tablespoon. If it’s too liquidy, add in more protein powder. It all depends on the ingredients you choose to use.
Give it a taste to see if it needs more protein powder, more cinnamon, or even sea salt! (just try not to eat the whole bowl…it’s a challenge)
Use a 1/4 cup to measure out the protein bars. Roll the dough into a ball, and then form it into a rectangle protein bar shape. You can actually make protein balls instead if you want. I think it would be cute to make little shapes with a cookie cutter if you have kids. 
This recipe will make about 18-20 bars. 
I placed mine in baggies and stored them in the refrigerator. You can keep them in the freezer, on the counter, or in the fridge. 
These protein bars are great for busy mornings, a to-go post-workout treat, or for dessert! They’re high protein, low carb, low sugar, and super inexpensive compared to the protein bars out there on the market. It’ always nice to know what goes into your protein bars! Plus, making them is so much cooler 😎
(18 BARS) 1/4 CUP-SIZED
PER BAR: 110 CALORIES, 7G FAT, 10G CARBS, 3G FIBER, 9G PROTEIN, 4G SUGAR
When it gets cooler, I’m going to make my brother a giant batch and ship these to him. He’s all the way out in L.A., so they’d melt, but I know he’d love them! I just need to create a cute packaging to wrap them in. You know, like they do on the Food Network 😉 Actually, these would probably be great to pack and bring on a trip to L.A. with me…🤔
Homemade Cookie Dough Protein Bars
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 Cups Raw Almonds
- 7-8 Medium Pitted Dates
- 1/3 Cup Unsweetened Almond Milk
- 1 Cup Vanilla Plant-Based Protein Powder (Orgain)
- 2 Tsps Ground Cinnamon
- 1/3 Cup Dark Chocolate No added Sugar Chocolate Chips (Lily's)
Instructions
- Add raw almonds to the food processor. Once they're ground, add dates and combine.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine dates, almonds, milk, cinnamon, and protein powder together. *if it's too liquidy, add more protein.*if it's too dry, add more almond milk.
- Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Roll 1/4 cup of the dough into balls, and then form into rectangle bars.
I hope you find the time to make these this weekend! If you do, make sure to tag me in your pics so I can share! Now, I need to go get ready for my trip! Have a great weekend, everyone!
Questions for you!
- What flavor protein bar should I make next?
- Have you ever made your own protein bars?
- When you’re searching for protein bars at the store, what is the first thing you look for on the package?
Delicious recipe as always, Taralynn! Can’t wait to try them! 🙂
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Thanks, Charmaine!!
Yum!! Do you think this recipe would work with coconut flour or any other kind of non-nut flour?
I haven’t tried it like that, but you could certainly try! I’m sure it would, but you’d have to play around with the almond milk/protein amount!
I love the font you used in this image! What style is it called, if I may ask? 🙂
There were all kinds of fonts used! Which one?
Oh my gosh.. stop!! Just when I thought I couldnt love you anymore you go ahead and surprise me with the best sounding & looking recipe! I LOVEEE cookie dough so I am for sure making these this weekend !!!!! I am so excited. I cant wait to try it out. I also love how it’s minimal ingredients and easy! Have a great Friday & weekend!
XO, Katie | http://www.meshkomoments.com
Awwwww thanks, Katie!!!!! I can’t wait to see how yours turn out!!!! 😊 have a great weekend
Your food photography is great! Could I make this without the chocolate?
Thank you, Lanie!
You certainly can!!
These look so good! I’d like to try a maple walnut one!
ohhhh yum!
I made these this morning! They were delicious. I’m excited to make my own protein bars from now on after trying out this recipe.
I’m so happy to hear that, Kara!!
I cannot wait to make these! I’ve never made my own protein bars before.
I vote cranberry orange!
ohhhhh what a fun and unique flavor! Great idea!
Wow, these look fantastic!
Thanks, Sara!
These bars are easy to make and taste great! Thank you.
I cannot wait to make more of your protein recipes.
Yay!! So happy to hear that 😊
Could I use something over than almonds?
Cashews!
These look so good! I’ve made my own protein bars before and was pleasantly surprised, can’t wait to try this recipe. The first thing I look at is sugar content, it’s shocking how much sugar is in some protein bars, and it isn’t always natural sugars either! Some of the ones on the market seem worse than a candy bar. I think a chocolate peanut butter or caramel one would be good!
I agree with you! Why eat a protein bar filled with sugar? I’m excited for you to try this recipe out!!
Peanut butter is a great choice!
Hi Taralynn!
These look SCRUMPTIOUS! I can’t wait to try them! Do you think one could use almond flour instead of raw almonds? I don’t have any on hand, and honestly am too impatient to wait for a grocery store trip haha
Maxi
Yes!! You can totally!
Looks awesome! Pinning this one for later!
We have made these four times! I have to agree with other commenters and say my kids love them.
Ahhh! Yay 🙂 Thank you for sharing your feedback!
I recently made a batch of these and my kids think they are the most delicious thing in the world. Thank you for the great recipe. I will make this over and over again.
That puts a huge smile on my face! I’m so happy to hear that, Tara!
We used chocolate protein and white chocolate chips! The kids love them.
That is amazing! I need to make those!
I don’t have enough almonds on hand right now, but I do have almond flour. Would I still use 1 3/4 cup of almond flour?