These homemade birthday cake protein cookies are the perfect treat for your healthy lifestyle! They're soft, melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Plus, they're so easy to make- no mixer required!
These are the best protein cookies, and the perfect way to treat yourself sans the guilt. How do I describe these cookies?
These cookies are:
Soft
Slightly Chewy
Sprinkle Filled
Melt-In-Your-Mouth
Delicious!!
Plus, they're so much healthier than a regular cake cookie. I've replaced some of the flour with protein powder, reduced the fat, and you have the option of using a sugar-free sweetener.
I like to give options for sweeteners because some of my readers prefer to use regular granulated sugar, but others like to use a sugar-free substitute. A blend of regular sugar and a sugar-free granulated sweetener is also a great option. I give a list of acceptable sweeteners in the notes of the recipe box below.
Another great thing about these cookies is that they are super easy to make. You only need about 15 minutes to prep and no mixer is required.
Let's talk ingredients...
Ingredients for birthday cake protein cookies
For homemade birthday cake protein cookies, you will need the following ingredients:
- All-Purpose Flour- You can use all-purpose flour or whole wheat pastry flour if you prefer.
- Vanilla Protein Powder- Baking with protein powder can be a bit tricky, as it's a lot of trial and error. I used this plant-based protein powder . It's a nuts and seeds variety that I absolutely love. I purchased mine through my local Costco. It's available through Amazon as well. I also tested the recipe using a whey protein powder, and I had to make some tweaks because plant-based protein powders are more absorbent than whey. So if you go with a whey protein powder, you will not need to add any milk unless you find that your cookie dough is extremely dry. You don't want your dough too wet or the cookies will spread too much in the oven.
- Granulated sweetener of Choice- You can use regular granulated sugar or a sugar-free granulated sweetener such as monk fruit, which is what I used. Other great options are granulated erythritol or Truvia.
- Baking Powder- Baking powder is needed to give the cookies a slight lift.
- Salt- I find that most desserts need a little salt, as It helps to enhance the other flavors. Any fine grain salt will work.
- Butter- You'll need melted, unsalted butter. I simply melt my butter in the microwave and allow it to cool slightly before proceeding with the recipe.
- Egg- The recipe calls for 1 large egg.
- Milk- You can use any type of milk that you prefer, such as regular dairy milk or almond milk. If you are using a whey protein powder you will not need to add any milk unless you find your dough is extremely dry.
- Vanilla Extract- Pure vanilla extract is best, but imitation works as well.
- Sprinkles- Sprinkles are totally optional, but my inner child demands them.
How to make homemade protein cookies
These cookies are so easy to make!
You simply whisk together the dry ingredients.
Then the wet ingredients.
Then mix the wet and dry. It's that simple!
You will need to let the dough chill for at least 30 minutes, or you can refrigerate overnight. Then simply scoop and bake.
FAQ's
Silicone baking mats work great for this recipe and most cookie recipes. They are worth the investment as you can use them over and over again. If you don't have a silicone mat, I suggest using parchment paper.
I used this plant-based protein powder for this recipe, but I also tested the recipe using a whey protein powder. Plant-based protein powders are much more absorbent than whey. So if you go with a whey protein powder you won't need to add any milk, unless your dough is extremely dry. You don't want your dough to be too wet because the cookies will spread too much during baking.
Your dough was probably too wet, or it was or refrigerated long enough. As I said, whey protein powder is not as absorbent as plant-based powder. So if you use whey, omit the milk. Also, be sure to refrigerate your dough for at least an hour.
Want more high-protein desserts?
Check these out:
Powdered Peanut Butter Mug Cake
Healthy Chocolate Mousse with Collagen
The Best Protein Cupcakes (Healthy)
Please let me know how you like the homemade birthday cake protein cookies in the comments. Your feedback means a lot to me, and your star ratings encourage other readers to give this recipe a try. 🙂
Enjoy!
Crystal
📖 Recipe
Homemade Birthday Cake Protein Cookies
Ingredients
- ⅔ cup all-purpose flour or whole wheat pastry flour
- ⅓ cup vanilla protein powder* see notes
- ½ cup plus 1 tablespoon granulated sweetner of choice* see notes
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 5 tablespoons butter melted
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons milk of choice* see notes
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Sprinkles optional
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, vanilla protein powder, granulated sweetener of choice, baking powder, and salt. Set aside
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the melted butter (cooled slightly), the egg, milk (if using), and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture and stir together with a large spoon or spatula until everything is combined. Stir in the sprinkles if desired. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up until overnight.
- When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F and line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Using a cookie scoop (mine is about 1and ½ tablespoons), scoop out balls of cookie dough and place them on your baking sheet, making sure to leave a couple of inches between each cookie.
- Bake for 12-13 minutes or until the centers of the cookies are almost set (they will still be soft but will firm up as they cool. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. The cookies are so much tastier after they've cooled. I know it's hard. 😉
- Enjoy!
Notes
- Vanilla Protein Powder- I used this plant-based protein powder. It's a nuts and seeds variety that I love. I also tested the recipe using a whey protein powder, and I had to make some tweaks because plant-based protein powders are more absorbent than whey. So if you go with a whey protein powder, you will not need to add any milk unless you find that your cookie dough is extremely dry. You don't want your dough to be too wet or the cookies will spread too much in the oven.
- Granulated Sugar of Choice- You can use regular granulated sugar or a sugar-free granulated sweetener such as monk fruit, which is what I used. Other great options are granulated erythritol or Truvia. Please note that granulated erythritol is about 70 percent as sweet as sugar, so may need to add a little more according to your preference. Also, some sweeteners call for only half the amount of sugar, so always read the labels.
- Milk of Choice- You can use regular dairy milk or any plant-based milk. Like I said above you may not need the milk depending on the protein powder that you use.
- These cookies stay fresh covered at room temperature for up to a week.
Nutrition
Want more protein-filled desserts?
Check these out!
Double Chocolate Protein Mug Cake (made with oats)
Healthy Chocolate Mousse with Collagen
Powdered Peanut Butter Mug Cake (4 Ingredients)
Shelby says
One of my daughters' birthdays is next week and these look so cute! Definitely putting them on the list to make.
Bobbie says
I love having a guilt free cookie I can enjoy anytime!
Crystal Yentzen says
Me too!
nancy says
i'm totally making these for my birthday coming up and share these with everyone!
Anaiah says
Love the fun sprinkles on these cookies. It's easy to make, taste great, and is a healthier way to enjoy sweets!
dave says
it was lots of fun to make it with our kid
Crystal Yentzen says
That's so great!
Lucy says
These are such a fun delicious treat, especially perfect for gatherings and parties. These will be a hit with everyone, thank you!
Crystal Yentzen says
You are welcome!
Julie says
I love all of the ingredients, however, I have allergies & celiac. BUTTT I love the formula so much I'm going to try and convert it to plant-based - gluten, dairy, egg-free - using substitutes. Have you tried that? Do you recommend it?
Crystal Yentzen says
Hi Julie! I haven't tried that myself. However, you can try substituting gluten-free flour, melted coconut oil in place of the butter, and a flax egg in place of the egg. Please let me know if you try it! Also, check out my homepage at dessertdonelight.com. I have a vegan tab and a gluten-free tab with tons of great recipes, including some with added protein. Have a great day!
Courtney says
I'm wanting to make these but was wondering if it's possible to use a liquid sweetener instead of granulated? I have honey and maple syrup on hand? could I use either of these instead or not? if so, how much? just curious
Crystal Yentzen says
Hi Courtney! Thanks for your interest in the recipe! I don't recommend using a liquid sweetener because it will mess with the liquid-to-dry ratio. I have some other cookie recipes that use maple syrup or honey such as these Healthy Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Crystal
Elizabeth says
These were absolutely amazing! I used whey protein powder so I omitted the milk and it was still a hit. Thank you!!
Crystal Yentzen says
I'm so happy you like them!
Bob says
there's no way you can call these protein cookies with only two grams of protein per cookie. sorry that's just the truth of the matter every other macro was higher than the protein. they do look good just not protein cookies.
Crystal Yentzen says
Hi Bob. For this recipe, I wanted to create a delicious cookie similar to a sugar cookie (my kid's favorite). A healthier version but also something that tastes like a real cookie. The cookies are small, so I usually enjoy three of them (for only 234 calories), which gives me 6 grams of protein- better than a traditional cookie. If these aren't your cup of tea, I have plenty of other recipes with higher protein content. Check out my healthy protein brownies, which are made with ground oats, or my gluten-free peanut butter protein cookies.
Crystal
Marisa Diliberto says
These are super! I used vanilla whey protein, King Arthur measure for measure gluten free flour, and 2 tbsp unsweetened vanilla almond milk. i refrigerated them over night.They came out chewy and very tasty.
Crystal Yentzen says
I'm so happy you like them!