Name: Protein-Packed Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup almond flour; 1/2 cup rolled oats; 1/2 cup protein powder (vanilla or chocolate); 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup; 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips; 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)

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Whip up a batch of these Protein-Packed Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars and let the comfort and joy of homemade take over. With a soft, chewy center and crispy edges, these bars are the ultimate crowd-pleasing treat. The secret? Protein-rich chickpea flour gives them an extra nutritional boost without sacrificing that classic cookie flavor. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dessert or a shareable snack for a gathering, these bars are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and leave you feeling satisfied.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Protein-Packed Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

These Protein-Packed Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are the perfect blend of decadence and nourishment. With a base of wholesome chickpea flour and studded with melty chocolate chips, they offer a guilt-free indulgence that will have you coming back for more. The protein-packed ingredients provide lasting energy, while the comforting, homemade flavors bring a sense of warmth and joy to every bite. Plus, they’re a breeze to whip up, making them an ideal option for busy home bakers. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself, these bars are sure to become a new household favorite. Imperfections are welcome here – the rustic, homemade look is all part of the charm. So embrace your inner home baker and get ready to savor the cozy, satisfying flavor of these protein-packed treats.

Ingredients

The beauty of these Protein-Packed Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars lies in their simple, straightforward ingredient list. You’ll need just a handful of pantry staples, including chickpea flour, brown sugar, butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and, of course, chocolate chips. The chickpea flour provides a protein boost without compromising the classic cookie flavor, while the brown sugar and butter create that irresistible chewy, caramelized texture. With a few easy swaps, you can also make these bars vegan, gluten-free, or nut-free to suit your dietary needs.

1 1/4 cups (150g) – Chickpea flour
1 teaspoon (5g) – Baking soda
1/4 teaspoon (1.25g) – Salt
1/2 cup (113g) – Unsalted butter, softened
1 cup (200g) – Brown sugar
2 (100g) – Large eggs
1 teaspoon (5ml) – Vanilla extract
1 cup (170g) – Semi-sweet chocolate chips

Ingredient Substitutions

Vegan Version: Use plant-based butter or coconut oil and flax or chia eggs.
Gluten-Free Version: Substitute almond flour or oat flour for the chickpea flour.

How to Make Protein-Packed Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang for easy removal later. In a medium bowl, whisk together the chickpea flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 1: Prep Work

Step 2: Main Cooking Process

In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Fold in the chocolate chips.

Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly

Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, using a spatula or your fingers to press it into the corners. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper overhang.

Step 4: Finishing Touches (if needed)

Once cooled, you can drizzle the bars with melted chocolate, sprinkle with a dusting of powdered sugar, or enjoy them as is – the simple, homemade flavors are the true star here. Cut into squares and serve with a glass of cold milk for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Protein Packed Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars 2

Recipe Variations & Tips

Get Creative with Mix-Ins: Try swapping out the chocolate chips for other mix-ins like chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even crushed candy canes for a festive twist.
Experiment with Flours: You can also experiment with different types of flour, such as oat or almond, to create gluten-free or nut-free versions.
Indulge with Toppings: For an extra indulgent treat, try drizzling the cooled bars with melted chocolate or a simple powdered sugar glaze.
Embrace Imperfections: Don’t be afraid to get creative with the shape – you can press the dough into a round cake pan for a more rustic, free-form look or use a muffin tin for individual servings. The most important tip is to trust your instincts and embrace any imperfections.

Serving & Storage

Serve with: a glass of cold milk for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They also freeze beautifully – simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Browse storage ideas on our Pinterest boards.

Reheat: When ready to enjoy, thaw the bars at room temperature or give them a quick zap in the microwave for a warm, melty treat.

Make-Ahead: These protein-packed bars are the perfect make-ahead dessert or snack, so feel free to bake them in advance and enjoy them throughout the week.

Nutrition Information

These Protein-Packed Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are a nutritious twist on a classic dessert. With the addition of protein-rich chickpea flour, each serving provides a satisfying boost of 10 grams of protein. The bars are also a good source of fiber, offering 3 grams per serving. While they do contain a moderate amount of sugar and fat from the butter and chocolate chips, the overall nutritional profile is well-balanced, making them a guilt-free indulgence.

Serving Size: 1 bar (1/16 of the recipe)
Calories: 220 kcal
Protein: 10 g
Carbs: 27 g
Fat: 11 g
Sodium: 135 mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of flour?

Absolutely! The chickpea flour in this recipe can be swapped out for other gluten-free or nut-free flours, such as oat flour or almond flour, to accommodate dietary needs. Just keep in mind that the texture and baking time may vary slightly depending on the flour you choose.

How can I make these bars vegan?

To make these Protein-Packed Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars vegan, simply swap out the butter for a plant-based alternative, like coconut oil or vegan butter. You’ll also need to replace the eggs with a vegan egg replacer, such as flax or chia seeds mixed with water.

Can I add extra mix-ins?

Definitely! These bars are a great canvas for all sorts of delicious add-ins. Try folding in chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even a sprinkle of sea salt for a sweet and salty twist. Just be mindful of the overall texture and baking time when adding more ingredients.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The bars are ready when the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep in mind that every oven is a little different, so you may need to adjust the baking time by a few minutes. The key is to avoid overbaking, which can result in dry, crumbly bars.

Can I freeze these bars?

Absolutely! These Protein-Packed Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars freeze beautifully. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm them up in the microwave for a few seconds.

Protein-Packed Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars