Protein is a crucial macronutrient that plays a significant role in various bodily functions, including muscle repair, immune system support, and hormone production. While it’s often associated with savory dishes and muscle-building diets, protein can also be a valuable component in desserts. In this context, high-protein desserts have gained popularity as a nutritious and satisfying way to indulge your sweet tooth while promoting weight management.
We spoke with Mary Sabat, MS, RDN, LD, to learn about two high-protein cookie recipes which could help you slim down. Sabat shared that almond butter protein cookies and chickpea protein cookies are the recipes you should try!
Almond Butter Protein Cookies
Almond butter protein cookies are a delightful treat that not only satisfy your sweet cravings but also offer a potential link to slimming down. These cookies are typically made with almond butter, which is a good source of healthy fats and protein.
"Almond butter provides healthy monounsaturated fats, which can help control appetite and promote weight loss. These cookies don't rely heavily on refined flour, reducing the impact on blood sugar levels and preventing sugar crashes that can lead to overeating," Sabat says.
The recipe for these cookies are quite simple:
Ingredients: 1 cup almond butter (or any nut butter of your choice), 1/2 cup whey protein powder (vanilla or chocolate flavor), 1 tsp. NOW Organic Stevia for sweetener, 1 egg, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1/2 tsp baking soda, pinch of salt, 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (optional).
Instructions: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a mixing bowl, combine the almond butter, protein powder, stevia, egg, vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt. Mix until well combined. If desired, fold in the dark chocolate chips. Scoop out spoonfuls of dough and place them on the baking sheet. Flatten each cookie slightly with a fork. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Chickpea Protein Cookies
Chickpea protein cookies are a tasty and innovative way to incorporate a protein-rich ingredient into your diet while working towards slimming down. Chickpeas, a primary component of these cookies, provide a plant-based source of protein and fiber, both of which contribute to increased satiety and reduced snacking.
"These cookies are generally lower in calories compared to traditional cookies, making them a more weight-conscious choice and provide both protein and fiber," Sabat notes.
To prepare chickpea protein cookies, you'll need the following ingredients: 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed, 1/2 cup natural peanut butter or almond butter, 1 tsp. NOW Organic Stevia, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1/2 tsp baking powder, a pinch of salt, 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional).
Instructions: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a food processor, combine chickpeas, peanut or almond butter, stevia, vanilla extract, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth. If desired, fold in the chocolate chips. Scoop out spoonfuls of dough and place them on the baking sheet. Flatten each cookie slightly with a fork. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges start to turn golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
