Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Protein Bites

Almond flour is the trick here: it's safe to eat raw, and its buttery flavor is what makes these taste like actual cookie dough instead of a protein bar pretending. These are the bites to hand a skeptic.

Ingredients

• 1 cup almond flour
• 2 scoops (about 60g) vanilla protein powder
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 3 tablespoons melted coconut oil or softened butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Whisk the almond flour, protein powder, and salt together in a bowl.
2. Stir in the maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla until a soft dough forms.
3. Taste and adjust: a pinch more salt makes the 'cookie dough' flavor pop.
4. Fold in the chocolate chips, chill 10 minutes, then roll into 14 balls.
5. Keep refrigerated up to 10 days; they're best eaten cold and slightly firm.

Tips

• If the dough is greasy, chill it longer before rolling; coconut oil firms up fast in the fridge.
• A casein or casein-blend powder makes a doughier texture than pure whey.
• Roll them small (tablespoon size) for a dessert tray.

FAQ

Is it safe to eat this dough raw?

Yes. There's no egg and no wheat flour; almond flour doesn't carry the raw-flour risk that regular flour does.

Can I use plant protein?

Yes, but plant powders absorb more liquid, so expect to add 1 to 2 extra tablespoons of maple syrup or a splash of milk.