Are you an eat the cookie dough straight from the bowl kind of person or do you prefer it baked? I’m definitely a cookie dough person all the way. Although, since raw eggs are a no-no as well as all of those unhealthy fats and sugars, I guess I’ve always been more of a cookie dough dreamer.

Until now…

What do you get when you cross creamy peanut butter with protein and the sweetest little dairy-free chocolate chips? A magical thing I like to call Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Protein Bites! These no-bake treats are the perfect combo of flavors to satisfy that cookie dough urge while packing in a nutritional component. So, no more guilty, empty calorie snacking but rather a wholesome, protein packed indulgence you can feel good about eating!

Plus, these bites are so easy to whip up on the fly and can be enjoyed straight away for a rich and creamy taste or you can pop them in the fridge or freezer if you prefer a bit firmer texture.

What you’ll need to make a batch:

• unflavored vegan protein powered (I prefer unflavored so I can control the amount of sweetness and flavoring)
• creamy natural peanut butter (go for the unsalted and no added sugars- it’s called peanut butter so it should be JUST PEANUTS!)
• collagen peptides (this is optional but adds some healthy benefits for joints, skin, improves digestion, builds muscle, etc.)
• raw honey (raw honey is loaded with phytonutrients which are responsible for its antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. It’s been shown that these things help boost immune power and fight off disease.)
• mini dairy-free chocolate chips (cause what’s cookie dough without chocolate chips?! Choose dairy-free, non-gmo, and minimal ingredients when possible. My rule of thumb- if you can’t pronounce it you probably don’t need to be eating it.)
• vanilla extract (choose one that’s pure vanilla and preferably organic to avoid unwanted chemicals and a funny aftertaste.)
• pink Himalayan sea salt (I could go on about the pros of this one forever but in a nutshell; it creates a balance in pH and electrolyte levels, regulates water and hydration, aids in metabolic function, strengthens bones, and lowers blood pressure.)

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Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Bites

Author: The Hungry Happy Mama

Gluten-free/Dairy-free/Oil-free/Soy-free

Makes: 15 bites

Prep time: 10 minutes 

INGREDIENTS

• 2/3 c unflavored vegan protein powder (can also sub for vanilla through flavor/texture will change a bit)
• 2 scoops of collagen peptides (omit to make vegan)
• 2/3 c creamy peanut butter
• 1/4 c raw honey
• 1 tbsp coconut oil
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• pinch of pink sea salt
• 1/3 c dairy-free chocolate

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a mixing bowl combine all of the ingredients except the chocolate chips and mix until you achieve a moldable batter*. (Note: you can warm your peanut butter/honey to make it softer for easier mixing.)
2. Fold in the chocolate.
3. Scoop out the batter (a couple of tablespoons per bite) and place on a lined cookie sheet. I used a small cookie scoop for this step but you can also use a tablespoon.
4. Repeat until all of the batter is used.
5. Enjoy immediately or pop the bites in the fridge to set for at least one hour if you prefer them a bit firmer.

Storing: I keep these bites in a tightly sealed container in the fridge for up to a week, although they generally don’t last that long! You can also store in the freezer for a longer shelf life just take out and let thaw a bit before enjoying.

Nutrition: (per bite) 119 calories/7g fat/9.5g carbs/5g protein/7g sugar

*Note: some protein powders are drier than others. If your mixture is too crumbly add one tablespoon of water.

* (use code THEAPPYHUNGRYYOGI10 for a discount on Furtherfood Collagen!)

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