Nutrition Notes

Are Protein Cookies Good for You?

These cookies can add to your nutrition bottom line, for sure! Spelt is an ancient grain, and its flour is a whole grain, offering all the benefits of whole grains—including fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. These cookies also offer a nice boost of protein. The combination of protein and whole grains means these cookies are less likely to spike blood sugar levels as much as most other cookies.

Is This Recipe Vegetarian?

Yes, as long as you eat eggs and dairy products, this recipe fits nicely into a vegetarian lifestyle.

Tips from the Test Kitchen

What Is Spelt Flour? Is There a Substitute?

Spelt flour is made from spelt, a type of cereal grain related to wheat. It has a mild, slightly sweet nutty flavor. If you can’t find spelt flour, you can use whole-wheat flour as a substitute.

Can I Swap in a Different Nut Butter?

Yes, you can! We recommend using nut butters made with just nuts and salt (or no salt).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make Chocolate-Peanut Butter Protein Cookies Ahead?

Absolutely! You can bake the cookies ahead and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Additional reporting by Carrie Myers and Jan Valdez

Ingredients

3/4 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup spelt flour
1/4 cup cocoa powder
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
3/4 cup smooth natural peanut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

Directions

Position oven racks in top third and lower third; preheat to 375°F. Line 2 large rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper.
Whisk all-purpose flour, spelt flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt together in a medium bowl. Beat brown sugar and butter in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed until slightly lighter in color, about 3 minutes. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating until combined, about 30 seconds per egg. Add peanut butter and vanilla; beat until combined, stopping to scrape down sides as needed, about 30 seconds.

Photographer: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster
Reduce mixer speed to low. Gradually beat in the flour mixture until combined, about 30 seconds. Fold in chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
Shape the dough into 24 balls (about 1 1/2 tablespoons each); arrange 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Press the tops lightly to flatten.

Photographer: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster
Bake until browned and edges are set, 10 to 12 minutes, rotating the baking sheets between upper and lower racks halfway through. Let cool on the pans for 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, about 30 minutes.

Photographer: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster

To make ahead

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Equipment

Parchment paper

EatingWell.com, November 2023

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

289	Calories
17g	Fat
29g	Carbs
8g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 12
Serving Size 2 cookies
Calories 289
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 29g	11%
Dietary Fiber 3g	12%
Total Sugars 12g
Protein 8g	16%
Total Fat 17g	21%
Saturated Fat 6g	30%
Cholesterol 44mg	15%
Vitamin A 54Âµg
Vitamin C 0mg	0%
Vitamin D 0Âµg
Vitamin E 1mg	8%
Folate 39Âµg
Vitamin K 1Âµg
Sodium 199mg	9%
Calcium 30mg	2%
Iron 2mg	13%
Magnesium 57mg	14%
Potassium 215mg	5%
Zinc 1mg	10%
Vitamin B12 0Âµg
Omega 3 0g

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.