If you’re anything like me and have an eternal love for cookie dough but want to sneak in some protein, you’ll absolutely adore this High-Protein Cookie Dough Bark Recipe. It’s like your favorite cookie dough got a fit, healthy upgrade without sacrificing that delicious, indulgent vibe. Plus, it’s super simple, takes no baking, and makes for the perfect snack that you can enjoy guilt-free anytime. Stick around — I’m sharing everything I’ve learned to make sure yours comes out absolutely perfect!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast and Fuss-Free: You whip this up in under 10 minutes, no oven needed.
- Protein-Powered: It sneaks in a solid protein boost while feeling indulgent.
- Customizable: Easily tweak the flavors and mix-ins to suit your cravings.
- Kid and Family Friendly: My family gobbles it down every time—no complaints, just happy faces.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this High-Protein Cookie Dough Bark Recipe lies not just in the flavor but in the harmony of its ingredients. Each one plays an important role to boost protein, add creaminess, and keep things grain-free and vegan-friendly.
- Almond Flour: This keeps your bark grain-free and adds a lovely nutty texture.
- Protein Powder (plain or vanilla): Choose your favorite to pump up the protein and tailor the sweetness.
- Organic SunButter: A creamy, nut-free butter alternative that’s perfect if you want allergy-friendly options.
- Maple Syrup: Natural sweetness without the refined sugar crash.
- Vanilla Extract: The secret ingredient that makes the cookie dough taste authentic and rich.
- Salt: Just a pinch balances the flavors and intensifies the sweetness.
- Almond Milk: Use sparingly to get the right dough consistency without making it runny.
- Mini Chocolate Chips (divided): Half folds in; half melts over — double the chocolate-y goodness.
- Coconut Oil: Mixed with chocolate for that luscious, glossy bark topping.
Variations
One of the best things about this High-Protein Cookie Dough Bark Recipe is how flexible it is to your taste and lifestyle. I often change things up depending on what I have on hand or what flavors I’m craving that day—and I encourage you to do the same!
- Use Different Nut Butters: I’ve swapped SunButter for almond or peanut butter with great results—just watch the texture.
- Different Protein Powders: Vanilla adds sweetness, but plain or chocolate protein powders make for fun flavor twists.
- Add a Pinch of Cinnamon or Sea Salt: This can elevate the flavor and give it a little gourmet touch.
- Mix in Nuts or Dried Fruit: For a little crunch or chew, chopped walnuts or dried cherries work beautifully.
How to Make High-Protein Cookie Dough Bark Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Cookie Dough Base
Start by whisking together almond flour, your protein powder, SunButter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. The mixture will be thick — if it’s too dry or crumbly, add 1 or 2 tablespoons of almond milk, a little at a time, until you reach a pliable, dough-like consistency. I like mine just spreadable enough to press out without cracking.
Step 2: Fold in Half the Chocolate Chips
Gently stir in half of the mini chocolate chips to the dough. This adds little pockets of chocolate that surprise you as you bite into the bark. It’s one of my favorite parts of this recipe!
Step 3: Spread the Dough
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, then press the cookie dough mixture evenly into a thin layer. Don’t stress about perfectly smooth edges — rustic looks charming here. Aim for around a quarter-inch thickness so it breaks nicely later.
Step 4: Melt the Chocolate Topping
In a small pan or microwave-safe bowl, gently melt the remaining chocolate chips and coconut oil together until silky and smooth. Stir often to prevent scorching, and watch closely — melted chocolate waits for no one!
Step 5: Pour and Chill
Pour the melted chocolate over the cookie dough layer and spread it out, leaving a small border so it doesn’t spill over. Pop it into the fridge for at least 4 hours—or overnight if you can wait that long (good luck!). The bark sets up firm, ready to break into pieces.
Step 6: Break and Enjoy!
After chilling, remove the bark from the fridge and gently break it into bite-sized pieces. I usually get about a dozen, but if you want smaller bites, go for it! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge to keep them fresh.
Pro Tips for Making High-Protein Cookie Dough Bark Recipe
- Get Your Texture Right: Adding almond milk a tablespoon at a time is key—too much and the dough gets sloppy, too little and it cracks.
- Choose Quality Protein Powder: I found that a good-quality vanilla protein powder really enhances the flavor without a chalky aftertaste.
- Work Quickly When Spreading Chocolate: Melted chocolate sets fast, so spread it evenly but swiftly for a smooth top layer.
- Avoid Over-Chilling: If it chills too long, the bark can get overly hard and tricky to break—4-6 hours is just right.
How to Serve High-Protein Cookie Dough Bark Recipe
Garnishes
I love to sprinkle a few flaky sea salts on top before chilling—it wakes up the chocolate flavor beautifully. You can also add crushed nuts or a tiny drizzle of extra nut butter as a garnish for an extra indulgent touch.
Side Dishes
This bark pairs perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or a chilled glass of almond milk for a simple but satisfying snack. For a power breakfast, try it alongside your favorite smoothie bowl or fresh fruit salad.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or gifts, I like to break the bark into smaller, uniform pieces and then arrange them beautifully in a decorative box or jar lined with parchment. Tied with a ribbon, it’s a thoughtful homemade treat that everyone raves about!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover cookie dough bark in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll keep fresh and firm for up to a week—if it lasts that long! I like to use glass containers with tight lids to avoid any fridge odors mingling with the bark.
Freezing
I’ve frozen leftovers wrapped tightly in parchment paper and placed in a freezer bag, and it freezes wonderfully. Just thaw in the fridge overnight, and it’s almost as good as fresh—still perfect for a quick protein-packed snack.
Reheating
No reheating needed since this is a no-bake recipe! If the chocolate topping gets too firm after chilling, just let pieces sit at room temperature for a few minutes before enjoying to soften the chocolate slightly.
FAQs
-
Can I use different nut butters in this High-Protein Cookie Dough Bark Recipe?
Absolutely! While this recipe uses Organic SunButter for a nut-free option, almond butter, peanut butter, or cashew butter all work well—just keep an eye on the texture and adjust almond milk if needed.
-
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes! This recipe uses plant-based ingredients and no eggs or dairy, making it vegan-friendly. Just be sure to choose a vegan protein powder and chocolate chips without milk ingredients.
-
How long does the High-Protein Cookie Dough Bark last?
Stored in the fridge in an airtight container, it stays fresh for about a week. Freezing can extend shelf life up to a couple of months.
-
Can I make this without protein powder?
While protein powder is key to making this a “high-protein” treat, you could omit it if necessary, but the texture and nutritional profile will be different. Using a protein powder brings that satisfying extra protein kick.
Final Thoughts
This High-Protein Cookie Dough Bark Recipe quickly became a staple in my snack arsenal—it’s the perfect balance of sweet indulgence and wholesome fuel. I love how it satisfies those cookie dough cravings without guilt, and the fact it’s so easy to make means it’s a stress-free go-to whenever I need a pick-me-up. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and see how your family and friends go crazy for it too!
Print
High-Protein Cookie Dough Bark Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 pieces
- Category: Dessert/Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Protein Cookie Dough Bark is a delicious, high-protein, vegan, and grain-free snack that mimics the taste of unbaked cookie dough. Made with simple ingredients like almond flour, protein powder, and SunButter, it’s quick to prepare and perfect for a healthy treat, combining the goodness of protein and the indulgence of chocolate in a convenient bark form.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (56g) almond flour
- 1/2 cup (60g) protein powder (plain or vanilla)
- pinch of salt
- 1 cup (180g) mini chocolate chips (divided)
Wet Ingredients
- 1/4 cup (65g) Organic SunButter
- 1/4 cup (80g) maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1-2 tbsp almond milk as needed
- 2 tsps coconut oil
Instructions
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine almond flour, protein powder, SunButter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir the mixture until everything is well incorporated.
- Adjust Consistency: If the mixture feels too thick or dry, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of almond milk to achieve a soft, pliable dough consistency suitable for spreading.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in 1/2 cup of the mini chocolate chips into the dough mixture evenly.
- Shape the Dough Layer: Press the cookie dough mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spreading it evenly into a thin layer, roughly rectangular or square, depending on preference.
- Melt Remaining Chocolate Chips: In a small pan or microwave-safe bowl, melt the remaining 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips together with 2 teaspoons of coconut oil until smooth and glossy.
- Top the Dough with Melted Chocolate: Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the cookie dough layer and use a spatula to spread it out almost to the edges for an even chocolate topping.
- Refrigerate to Set: Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours to allow the bark to firm up completely.
- Cut and Store: After chilling, break the bark into approximately 12 even-sized pieces. Store the pieces in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Notes
- This recipe is a perfect way to enjoy the taste of unbaked cookie dough in a healthy, high-protein form.
- The bark is vegan, grain-free, and made with natural ingredients, ensuring a clean eating snack.
- Adjust the thickness of the bark based on your preference by spreading the dough thinner or thicker on the baking sheet.
- Keep refrigerated to maintain freshness and texture.
- Feel free to substitute the protein powder flavor to suit your taste preferences.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 128
- Sugar: 7.9 g
- Sodium: 13.5 mg
- Fat: 6.3 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: approximately 4.4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Fiber: 1.3 g
- Protein: 4.2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg