Chewy Protein Chocolate Chip

Featured in: Sweet Clever Treats

These soft, chewy delights combine the richness of semisweet chocolate chips with a generous boost of protein powder. Made with a blend of all-purpose flour, melted butter, brown and granulated sugars, and enhanced by vanilla extract, these cookies offer a balanced sweetness and texture. The optional walnuts or pecans add a delightful crunch. Baking at a moderate temperature ensures a tender center with set edges. Perfectly suited for those seeking a satisfying, protein-rich treat that doesn't compromise on flavor or texture.

Updated on Sun, 23 Nov 2025 11:21:00 GMT
Golden-brown chewy protein chocolate chip cookies, fresh from the oven, with melting chocolate chips. Pin it
Golden-brown chewy protein chocolate chip cookies, fresh from the oven, with melting chocolate chips. | smartyskitchen.com

Soft, chewy cookies packed with protein and studded with rich chocolate chips—perfect for a post-workout treat or a wholesome snack.

This recipe has quickly become my favorite post-gym snack because it balances indulgence with nutrition perfectly.

Ingredients

  • Dry Ingredients: 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour, 1 cup (100 g) vanilla or chocolate protein powder (whey or plant-based), 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/4 tsp salt
  • Wet Ingredients: 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter melted and cooled, 1/4 cup (60 ml) milk (dairy or plant-based), 1/2 cup (100 g) light brown sugar packed, 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • Add-Ins: 1 cup (170 g) semisweet chocolate chips, 1/2 cup (50 g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2:
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, protein powder, baking soda, and salt.
Step 3:
In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, milk, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
Step 4:
Add eggs and vanilla extract to the wet mixture, whisking until combined.
Step 5:
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
Step 6:
Fold in chocolate chips and nuts (if using).
Step 7:
Scoop dough onto prepared baking sheets using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, spacing about 2 inches apart.
Step 8:
Bake for 9–11 minutes, until edges are set but centers are soft do not overbake.
Step 9:
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Warm, gooey chewy protein chocolate chip cookies with a delicious, soft interior, served on a plate. Pin it
Warm, gooey chewy protein chocolate chip cookies with a delicious, soft interior, served on a plate. | smartyskitchen.com

These cookies always bring smiles to my family's faces after a long day and have become a weekend baking tradition.

Notes

Swap chocolate chips for dark chocolate chunks for a richer flavor Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days

Required Tools

Mixing bowls Whisk Cookie scoop or tablespoon Baking sheets Parchment paper Cooling rack

Allergen Information

Contains Eggs Milk Wheat (gluten) Soy (if using soy-based protein powder) Tree Nuts (if using walnuts/pecans) Check all ingredient labels if sensitive to allergens

Close-up of a stack of chewy protein chocolate chip cookies; a perfect, healthy dessert choice. Pin it
Close-up of a stack of chewy protein chocolate chip cookies; a perfect, healthy dessert choice. | smartyskitchen.com

Enjoy these protein-packed cookies as a guilt-free snack anytime you need a tasty energy boost.

Recipe Questions & Answers

How can I make these chewier?

Slightly underbake the cookies by removing them when edges are set but centers remain soft to retain chewiness.

Can I substitute the protein powder?

Yes, both whey and plant-based protein powders work well with this mix, adjusting flavor subtly.

Are nuts necessary in the cookie mix?

Nuts are optional and can be omitted or replaced with preferred add-ins without affecting texture significantly.

What baking tools do I need?

Mixing bowls, a whisk, cookie scoop or tablespoon, baking sheets, parchment paper, and a cooling rack are required for best results.

Can this be made gluten-free?

Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour and use certified gluten-free protein powder to fit gluten-free needs.

Chewy Protein Chocolate Chip

Soft and chewy sweet bites rich with chocolate chips and protein, ideal for a nourishing snack.

Prep Time
15 min
Time to Cook
10 min
Overall Time
25 min
Created by Emily Scott


Skill Level Easy

Culinary Roots American

Makes 16 Portions

Diet Details Vegetarian-Friendly

What You'll Need

Dry Ingredients

01 1 cup all-purpose flour
02 1 cup vanilla or chocolate protein powder (whey or plant-based)
03 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
04 1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

01 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
02 1/4 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
03 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
04 1/4 cup granulated sugar
05 2 large eggs
06 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Add-Ins

01 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
02 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Directions

Step 01

Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 02

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, protein powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly mixed.

Step 03

Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk melted butter, milk, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and combined.

Step 04

Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Add eggs and vanilla extract to the wet mixture, whisking thoroughly until fully incorporated.

Step 05

Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overmixing.

Step 06

Add Chocolate Chips and Nuts: Gently fold in the semisweet chocolate chips and chopped nuts if using.

Step 07

Portion Dough: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop dough onto prepared baking sheets spaced about 2 inches apart.

Step 08

Bake: Bake for 9 to 11 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft. Avoid overbaking to maintain chewiness.

Step 09

Cool Cookies: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tools You'll Need

  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Cookie scoop or tablespoon
  • Baking sheets
  • Parchment paper
  • Cooling rack

Allergy Info

Review each item for allergens and reach out to a healthcare provider if unsure.
  • Contains eggs, milk, wheat (gluten), soy (if using soy-based protein powder), tree nuts (if using walnuts or pecans). Check ingredient labels for allergens.

Nutrition Info (per portion)

Info for reference only. Always check with your doctor for health guidance.
  • Energy (Calories): 160
  • Fats: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 16 g
  • Proteins: 8 g