Protein Packed Cookie Dough Brownies Recipe
These Protein Packed Cookie Dough Brownies are a delicious and nutritious treat that combines a chewy, date-sweetened brownie base with a creamy, protein-rich cookie dough topping studded with mini chocolate chips. Perfect for a guilt-free indulgence, this recipe offers a balanced mix of healthy fats, fiber, and protein, making it an ideal snack or dessert for those looking to fuel their day without compromising on taste.
- Author: Victoria
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 squares 1x
- Category: Snack, Dessert
- Method: No-bake, Freezing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Brownie Base
- 8 whole Medjool Dates
- 1/2 cup Almond Flour
- 4 Tbsp Chocolate Protein Powder
- 2 Tbsp Cocoa Powder
- 2 Tbsp Pure Maple Syrup
- 1 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup Cottage Cheese (4% or 2%)
- 1/2 cup Vanilla Protein Powder
- 1 1/4 cup Almond Flour
- 2 Tbsp Pure Maple Syrup
- 2 Tbsp Cashew Butter
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1/3 cup Mini Chocolate Chips (Semi-Sweet)
- Prepare the Brownie Base: If your Medjool dates are not soft, soak them in hot water for 5 minutes to soften. Then, process dates, almond flour, chocolate protein powder, cocoa powder, maple syrup, and vanilla extract together in a food processor until a cohesive dough forms.
- Press Brownie Layer: Line a 9×5 loaf tin with parchment paper. Press the brownie dough evenly into the bottom of the tin to create the base layer. Place the tin in the freezer to firm up while preparing the cookie dough.
- Blend Cookie Dough: Combine cottage cheese, vanilla protein powder, almond flour, maple syrup, cashew butter, and vanilla extract in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and thick, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold the mini semi-sweet chocolate chips into the cookie dough mixture to evenly distribute them without breaking them up.
- Assemble the Layers: Remove the brownie base from the freezer and press the cookie dough evenly over the brownie layer using a spatula lightly sprayed with nonstick spray for easier smoothing.
- Freeze to Set: Place the assembled brownies back into the freezer for at least 1 hour to firm up completely.
- Slice and Serve: Once set, slice into squares and enjoy immediately. Store any leftovers in the fridge or freezer to maintain freshness and texture.
Notes
- Softening the dates makes them easier to blend into a smooth brownie base.
- You can use either 2% or 4% cottage cheese depending on your preference for creaminess and fat content.
- Using parchment paper prevents sticking and makes it easier to remove the brownies from the loaf tin.
- Storing the brownies in the freezer helps maintain their firm texture; thaw slightly before serving if desired.
- For a nut-free version, try substituting almond flour and cashew butter with oat flour and sunflower seed butter respectively, though texture and taste may vary.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (approx. 1.5 x 1.5 inch)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: protein brownies, cookie dough, healthy dessert, no bake brownies, protein snack, almond flour brownies, cottage cheese dessert