If you have overripe bananas sitting on your counter, don’t make banana bread—make these cookies. Hailed as “The BEST Protein Cookies,” they combine the moist sweetness of banana bread with the nutritional profile of a protein bar. They are soft, cakey, and studded with walnuts and dark chocolate, making them taste like a decadent bakery treat.
What makes them the “best” is their texture. Often, protein cookies can be dry, chalky, or rubbery. By using banana as the primary moisture source and binder, we achieve a soft-baked texture that stays tender for days. They are naturally gluten-free (if using GF oats) and can be made vegan easily.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
3-Ingredient Base
At their core, these cookies are just Bananas, Oats, and Protein Powder. Everything else (cinnamon, nuts, chips) is just a bonus. This simplicity means you likely have everything you need in your kitchen right now.
Pre-Workout Fuel
Bananas are nature’s energy bar, providing potassium and easily digestible carbs. Combined with protein powder, these cookies are the perfect snack 30 minutes before a gym session to fuel your muscles without weighing you down.
Ingredients
- 2 large ripe bananas, mashed
- 1.5 cups rolled oats
- 2 scoops vanilla protein powder
- 0.5 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Mash bananas thoroughly.
- Stir in protein powder, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt.
- Fold in oats and walnuts. Let sit for 5 mins.
- Scoop and flatten onto baking sheet.
- Bake 12-15 mins until firm. Cool completely.
Ingredient Highlights & Substitutions
Essential Ingredients
Ripe Bananas: They must be spotty/brown. Yellow bananas won’t be sweet enough.
Rolled Oats: Provides structure and chew.
Vanilla Protein Powder: Adds the protein boost and sweet vanilla flavor.
Walnuts: Adds a crucial crunch and healthy omega-3 fats.
Cinnamon: Gives it that “Banana Bread” aroma.
Smart Substitutions
You can use quick oats for a softer, more uniform texture. Peanut butter can be added for extra richness (and calories/protein). Chocolate protein powder turns these into “Chunky Monkey” cookies. If you hate walnuts, pecans or pumpkin seeds work great.
If you are looking for a simple sweet treat, try these 5-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies (Note: Link to closest dessert/snack match).
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep Phase
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Peel and mash the bananas in a bowl until they are almost liquid.
Mixing Phase
Stir the protein powder and cinnamon into the mashed banana until smooth.
Add the oats and chopped walnuts (and chocolate chips if using). Stir until everything is coated. The batter will be wet and sticky—this is normal. Let it sit for 5 minutes so the oats absorb some moisture.
Baking Phase
Scoop dough onto the baking sheet. Use a fork or spoon to flatten them into cookie rounds (they do not spread in the oven).
Bake for 12-15 minutes. They should feel firm to the touch but still soft.
Cool on a wire rack. They taste even better once fully cooled and the flavors meld.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
Technique Secrets
Let the Batter Rest: This is the secret. If you bake immediately, the oats might be tough. Letting the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes allows the oats to hydrate, resulting in a softer cookie.
Choose the Right Protein: A whey/casein blend usually bakes best. Pure whey can sometimes be sticky. Plant-based proteins absorb a lot of liquid, so if using plant-based, you might need slightly less oats or a splash of almond milk.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making them too big. Because they are dense, smaller cookies cook more evenly. Stick to about 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie.
| Metric | Banana Bread Slice | Banana Protein Cookie |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | ~300+ | ~100 |
| Protein | 3g | 8g |
| Added Sugar | High | None/Low |
| Portability | Low | High |
Serving Ideas & Pairings
Presentation & Plating
Serve warm with a smear of almond butter on top for extra luxury.
Pairing Suggestions
A glass of cold milk (dairy or almond) is the classic partner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these chewy or cakey?
Definitely cakey. Think “muffin top” texture.
Can I freeze them?
Yes, they freeze great. A perfect grab-and-go breakfast.
Conclusion
The BEST Protein Cookies (Banana!) are the ultimate solution for utilizing ripe bananas in a healthy way. They transform fruit and oats into a protein-packed snack that tastes like comfort food.
