These strawberry cookies are a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth with a boost of protein (7 grams per serving!). They’re filled with nutrient-dense additions like protein powder, freeze dried strawberries, and chocolate chips of your choice. Plus, this recipe comes together in just 20 minutes.
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Are these strawberry cookies healthy?
These cookies do contain indulgent ingredients like butter and sugar, but they can still have a place in a balanced diet. My suggestion is to be mindful of portion sizes and enjoy around 2 cookies in one sitting. By keeping the portions in check, you can still satisfy your sweet tooth without going overboard. Remember, moderation is key!
These cookies also use freeze dried strawberries filled with fiber and vitamin C. Plus, in the flour mixture we’re adding protein powder for a boost of protein. In fact, a serving of 2 small cookies packs in 7+ grams of protein depending on what protein powder you use.
Why is protein important?
Adding protein powder to recipes like smoothies, mug cakes, and cookies can boost potential health benefits. Here are some of the benefits of higher protein cookies:
Increased satiety
Adding high protein ingredients to cookies can increase satiety and help reduce overall calorie intake. This can be particularly helpful for those looking to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.
Improved muscle health
Protein is essential for building and maintaining muscle mass. Enjoying protein powder in a variety of different recipes is a convenient way to boost your protein intake.
Better blood sugar control
Protein can help regulate blood sugar levels by slowing down the absorption of carbohydrates. Adding high protein ingredients to cookies may help prevent the blood sugar from spiking.
How do you make strawberry cookies?
These higher protein strawberry cookies come together in no time. Feel free to use a stand mixer, hand mixer, or food processor to blend.
1. Gather your ingredients
For this recipe, we’re using ingredients such as butter, sugar, flour, vanilla extract, protein powder, freeze-dried strawberries, and chocolate chips.
2. Cream butter and sugar
Start by creaming together softened butter and sugar until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. This creates a luscious base for your cookies.
3. Add in rest of ingredients
Next, incorporate the remaining ingredients, including flour, vanilla extract, protein powder, crushed freeze-dried strawberries, and your choice of chocolate chips. Mix everything together until a thick dough forms.
4. Roll into balls and bake
Take the dough and roll it into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown. Let them cool slightly before enjoying.
Tips and tricks
- Strawberry option: We don’t recommend using fresh strawberries. For the best results, use freeze dried strawberries. You can find these in the dried fruit or snack aisle.
- Softening the butter: To easily soften the butter, leave it at room temperature for about 30 minutes or overnight before starting the recipe. Alternatively, you can microwave the butter in short intervals, checking frequently to ensure it softens without melting.
- Baking time and temperature: Keep a close eye on the cookies while they bake. Oven temperatures may vary, so start checking at around 10 minutes. The cookies are done when the edges turn golden brown. Avoid overbaking to maintain a soft and chewy texture.
Can you bake cookies in an air fryer?
Yes! If you prefer not to use your oven or need to make a smaller batch of cookies, the air fryer is a great alternative. Simply line your air fryer basket with parchment paper that fits properly, then air fry the cookies at 300ºF for 6-8 minutes until the edges turn golden brown. This method allows for quick and efficient baking in the air fryer while still achieving delicious results.
Can you turn these into strawberry cookie bars?
If you’re not in the mood to scoop the dough into individual cookies, I have tested making this batch of dough into cookies bars too. Follow the same instructions for making the dough. Then, press the dough into an 8×8 square baking pan. Bake at the same temperature of 350ºF (175°C) for about 18-20 minutes until just lightly golden brown around the edges. Be cautious of overbaking as it can cause try dry cookie bars.
Customize it your way
Like all of my other recipes, these strawberry cookies are completely customizable.
- Chocolate chips of your choice – You get to choose any chocolate chips you want to use. We personally love using dark chocolate chips for extra antioxidants. You can also use white chocolate chips or milk chocolate chips. Any flavor pairs great with the strawberries!
- Sugar substitute – If you’re looking to lower to sugar content, feel free to replace the sugar for a 1:1 substitute such as Purecane or monk fruit.
- Flour – If you follow a gluten-free diet, feel free to use a gluten-free flour in place of regular flour.
Perfect for picnics
These strawberry cookies are perfect for spring picnics and entertaining. Their soft and chewy texture, combined with the flavors of freeze-dried strawberries and chocolate chips, make them a delightful treat to enjoy outdoors.
Want more picnic recipes? Try these:
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Higher Protein Strawberry Cookies
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup 1 stick unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup white sugar or 1:1 sugar substitute
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder
- 1 cup white whole wheat flour or regular white flour (or 1:1 gluten-free flour blend)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup freeze-dried strawberries
- ½ cup chocolate chips of your choice (white chocolate, milk chocolate, or dark chocolate)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sweetener until well combined and creamy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the bowl. Beat the mixture until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the protein powder, flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the mixing bowl. Stir until a thick dough forms. Gently blend in strawberries and choc chips until incorporated.
- Use a 1-inch cookie scooper or spoon to roll the dough into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.*
- Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Store any extra cookies at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Notes
Nutrition
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