These high-protein, gluten-free flourless cookies have quickly become a small obsession in my kitchen… and honestly, in my heart. Thank you so much for being here today—sharing this recipe feels like passing along a warm plate of cookies straight from my home to yours.
My partner took one bite of these and said, “These are way better than those sugar-loaded ones from the shop.” And he wasn’t kidding! They’re soft, chewy, beautifully peanut-buttery, dipped in chocolate, and sprinkled with flaky salt. I mean… what more could a cookie-lover want?
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Overview of Recipe Content
These flourless cookies are the perfect little treat when you want something sweet but also nourishing. They fit beautifully into meal prep, weeknight baking, lunchbox treats, or even a post-gym snack thanks to their high-protein profile.
Why You’ll Love These Cookies
- They’re naturally gluten-free & flourless
- Packed with protein from peanut butter + protein powder
- Made with only a handful of ingredients
- No mixers, no fuss
- They bake in just 8–10 minutes
- Chewy, soft, chocolate-dipped goodness!
What They Taste Like
Imagine the love child of a classic peanut butter cookie and a Reese’s cup.
Soft in the center, lightly crisp around the edges, with that magical salty-sweet balance thanks to the chocolate dip and flaky sea salt.
Health & Seasonal Benefits
- High in healthy fats and protein
- Low in sugar (you can customize sweetness)
- Gluten-free, grain-free
- Perfect year-round, but especially great for holiday cookie boxes and summer no-bake snack cravings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy natural peanut butter
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup coconut sugar (or brown sugar)
- ½ cup vanilla protein powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips (for dipping)
- Flaky sea salt (optional but HIGHLY recommended)
Tools You’ll Need
- 1 mixing bowl
- Cookie scoop (optional but helpful)
- Fork (for that classic crisscross pattern)
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Microwave-safe bowl for the chocolate
Possible Substitutions
- Peanut butter → almond or cashew butter
- Coconut sugar → monk fruit sweetener, maple sugar, brown sugar
- Vanilla protein powder → chocolate or unflavored
- Egg → flax egg (for vegan version, though slightly softer texture)
How to Make High-Protein, Gluten-Free Flourless Cookies
This recipe is truly as simple as it gets. If you can stir and scoop, you can make these cookies!
Step 1: Mix the Dough
In a medium bowl, combine the peanut butter, egg, coconut sugar, protein powder, vanilla, baking soda, and salt.
The dough will be thick and sticky—exactly how it should be.
(The smell at this point? Pure paradise.)
Step 2: Shape the Cookies
Scoop tablespoon-sized balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Flatten them gently and press the tops using a fork in a crisscross pattern.
It gives that beautiful peanut-buttery nostalgia.
Step 3: Bake
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes.
They should look slightly underbaked—that’s the secret to keeping them soft.
Step 4: Dip in Chocolate
Once cooled, dip half of each cookie into melted dark chocolate.
Lay them back on the parchment and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
Step 5: Let Them Set
Pop them into the fridge for 10 minutes until the chocolate hardens…
If you can wait that long.
What to Serve With These Cookies
These cookies pair beautifully with:
- A cold glass of almond or oat milk
- Hot coffee (my personal fave!)
- A scoop of vanilla yogurt for a protein-packed snack
- A cozy evening movie marathon
- A dessert board with berries, nuts, and chocolate
Tips for Making Them Perfect
- Don’t overbake! They firm up as they cool.
- Use runny peanut butter—the thick, dry kind won’t mix well.
- Want thicker cookies? Chill the dough for 10 minutes before baking.
- Make them prettier: dip diagonally in chocolate and sprinkle salt right away.
- Store at room temperature for softness, refrigerate for a firmer bite.
Storage Instructions
- Room temperature: 4–5 days in an airtight container
- Refrigerator: up to 10 days
- Freezer: up to 3 months
- For freezing: layer cookies with parchment to prevent sticking
General Information
Flourless peanut butter cookies are an American classic, but turning them high-protein and chocolate-dipped adds a modern twist. They make fantastic gifts, bake-sale treats, and lunchbox additions.
They’re also kid-approved and adult-obsessed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these vegan?
Yes! Replace the egg with a flax egg. The cookies will be softer but still delicious.
Which protein powder is best?
Whey or plant-based both work. Avoid collagen—it won’t provide structure.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes. You can cut coconut sugar to ⅓ cup or replace with monk fruit sweetener.
Can I make them without chocolate?
Of course. But the chocolate dip? Magical.
Why are my cookies crumbly?
This usually means your nut butter was too dry. Add 1–2 tsp of milk to the dough.
Conclusion
These high-protein, gluten-free flourless cookies are everything I love in a treat: simple, quick, chocolatey, and made with wholesome pantry ingredients.
If you adore peanut butter–based treats, you might also love these recipes from my site (internal links as requested):
Thank you truly for baking with me today. It warms my kitchen—and my heart.
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Interactive Elements
If you make these, leave a review below—I read every single one!
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I LOVE seeing your kitchen creations.
Nutritional Information (Approx. per cookie)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 160 |
| Protein | 8g |
| Carbs | 12g |
| Sugar | 7g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 70mg |
Irresistibly Delicious High-Protein Flourless Cookies (Gluten-Free!)
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 16 cookies 1x
Description
Soft, chewy, high-protein flourless cookies dipped in dark chocolate with a sprinkle of flaky salt. Naturally gluten-free and incredibly easy to make.
Ingredients
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 large egg
1/2 cup coconut sugar
1/2 cup vanilla protein powder
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp baking soda
Pinch of salt
1 cup dark chocolate chips
Flaky sea salt
Instructions
1. Mix all ingredients except chocolate and flaky salt.
2. Scoop dough onto lined baking sheet and press with a fork.
3. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes.
4. Dip cooled cookies in melted chocolate.
5. Sprinkle with flaky salt and let set.
Notes
Use runny natural peanut butter for best texture.
Don’t overbake—cookies continue firming as they cool.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
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Gianna Poulef
I’m Gianna Poulef from Poulef Recipes. I love sharing perfected dishes from my kitchen. I’m sure they’ll earn a spot in your heart. Let’s savor this journey together!.
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