Nut-Free Funfetti Protein Cookies

These Nut-Free Funfetti Protein Cookies are a healthier version of your favourite dessert with no flour – all you need are five ingredients!

Ingredients and substitutions

• Sunflower butter – feel free to use creamy peanut butter if you’d prefer. Almond butter might work as well, but the thicker and coarser texture may result in dry cookies.
• Protein powder – use your favourite variety, as long as it doesn’t have added flavour.
• Honey – replace with an equal amount of pure maple syrup or agave syrup.
• Egg – swap out for ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce or 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of warm water.
• Sprinkles – sprinkle sanding sugar on top or leave these out altogether.

How to make protein cookies

1. Assemble all your ingredients.
2. Mix everything together.
3. Form the dough into balls.
4. Flatten the cookies.
5. Bake for 8-10 minutes.
6. Pull out of the oven and dig in!

What type of protein powder is best?

While whey is the most common and beneficial type of protein, there are a variety of other animal and plant sources and they come in different forms.

• Concentrates: This is the most common and contains a high amount of protein compared to carbs and fats.
• Isolates: An extra filtering process removes fat and carbs for a higher concentration of protein.
• Hydrolysates: Heat is used to break the bonds between the amino acids, which means your body will absorb the protein faster.

Choosing a powder will depend on the health benefits you are looking for, as well as any dietary allergies or concerns. Whey concentrates will meet the needs of most people, but other forms may work better for building muscle or reducing appetite. Plant-based options are great for meat-free diets and contain more fibre, which keeps your digestive system healthy and helps you feel full longer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Storing these cookies

Keep these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. If you’re making a larger batch, store them in the refrigerator to extend their shelf life.

Freezing this recipe

Freezing baked cookies

Place the baked cookies in a large freezer-safe storage bag and store them in the freezer for up to 6 months. You could also use a sturdier container and add parchment or wax paper between each layer.

Let one or two cookies warm up on the counter at room temperature as needed, or thaw the entire bag in the refrigerator.

Freezing the dough

Form the dough into a log or flattened disc and wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. Then, wrap it in another layer of foil or place it inside a freezer-safe Ziploc bag. You can store it in the freezer for up to 12 months! When you’re ready to make your cookies, thaw the dough in the refrigerator then slice the dough log into rounds or tear off portions and roll them into balls before baking.

More protein powder recipes

• Protein Shakes
• Protein Balls
• Protein Pancakes

Meal prep tools for this recipe

• You can order sunflower butter online (this is the brand I use).
• This is the brand of protein powder I use.