Oatmeal Raisin Protein Cookies
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Published Jan 13, 2020, Updated Feb 08, 2023
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Made without any processed sugar or flour, these oatmeal raisin protein cookies are gluten-free, portable and healthy enough to eat for breakfast.
Oatmeal cookies have always been one of my favorites. The funny thing is that before I knew much about healthy eating I thought they were a healthy treat. Raisins = healthy, right? Kind of similar to the high-school me thinking that tortilla chips where healthier than potato chips. I’ve come a long way folks!
That said, I still crave oatmeal raisin cookies every once in a while and I have found that you can indeed make them healthier just by swapping a few ingredients. And that’s exactly what I did to come up with this recipe for oatmeal raisin protein cookies.
Are Healthy Cookies a Thing?
If you know me, you know that I’m all about making healthy cookies and fully support the idea that cookies can be healthy enough to have for breakfast. I’ve shared everything from sweet potato cookies to chia cookies and now these healthy protein cookies!
These little guys have all the flavor of regular oatmeal raisin cookies, but without any processed sugar or flour. They also have a scoop of protein powder to amp up the protein. They’re vegan, gluten-free, portable and healthy enough to eat for breakfast.
Are Protein Cookies Good for Weight Loss?
When people ask about certain foods or recipes being “healthy” the follow up question is “will this food help me lose weight”? In general, I don’t think there are foods that should be designated as weight loss foods. Having said that, following a balanced diet with high protein and plenty of fiber generally does help with weight loss. If you’re craving a cookie and trying to lose weight, this is definitely the cookie to reach for!
How to Make Cinnamon Raisin Protein Cookies
These cookies are super easy to make.
Mix Ingredients – You’ll start by mixing the dry ingredients in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, mix the wet ingredients (the melted coconut oil, mashed banana, applesauce and vanilla). Pour the wet ingredients over the dry and stir until well combined. Gently stir in your raisins and then it’s cookie making time!
Shape Cookies – Use your hands to shape the dough into a cookie shape.
Bake – Bake for 18-20 minutes or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown.
Serve – Let cool completely and enjoy! Store in an airtight container for up to a week or freeze for up to a month.
Want More Protein-Packed Recipes? Try These
- Protein Balls
- Protein Cookie Dough
- Protein Oatmeal
- Strawberry Protein Muffins
- Double Chocolate Protein Muffins
- Blueberry Protein Muffins
- Blueberry Protein Pancakes
More Healthy Cookie Recipes to Try
- Protein Cookies
- Healthy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Coconut Flour Cookies
- Healthy No-Bake Cookies
- Peanut Butter Granola Cookies
- Healthy Oatmeal Cookies
- SunButter Cookies
- Pumpkin Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Healthy Chocolate Chip Cookies
Oatmeal Raisin Protein Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups old fashioned rolled oats
- 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup vanilla protein powder
- 1/2 Tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup unrefined melted coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, shredded coconut, protein powder, chia seeds, cinnamon and salt. Stir until everything is evenly mixed.
- In another bowl, combine coconut oil, mashed banana, applesauce and vanilla. Pour wet ingredients over dry ingredients and stir until well combined. Stir in raisins.
- Use your hands to form the cookie dough into balls and flatten slightly into a cookie shape.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown. Let cool and enjoy!
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Oh, yum! These look so incredible! Perfect for those days when you need that extra energy boost!
Oh yum! These look delicious. A great healthier treat – would be great since i’m always on the go!
These look so delicious! I love finding ways to incorporate protein powder into baking, it can be a really versatile ingredient! What kind of protein powder do you generally use?
Thanks Greta! I tend to use vegan brown rice protein powder. Here’s a post I wrote about the two brands I like: https://www.eatingbirdfood.com/2012/07/the-best-protein-powder/
Those look delicious 🙂
These look great! You come up with the best healthy dessert creations!
Awww. Thank you Lauren. 🙂
Yummy! I needed a new post workout snack with some protein 🙂 I’ll definitely check out this recipe!
Woo-hoo. Thank you Melissa! Let me know what you think if you try the recipe.
I love that Protein POWder website!!!! So creative! 🙂 These look hands down BOMB!
The recipe seems to have disappeared!
Does anyone have an active link to it?
Hi Shauna. Here’s the new link — http://proteinpow.com/2014/02/oatmeal-raisin-protein-cookies.html
Hey, looks delicious!!
Was just wondering if there’s any substitute for apple sauce? It’s not easily available nearby 🙁
Hey Hima, Yes you could use 1/4 cup more mashed banana or coconut oil instead of the applesauce. Let me know how it turns out for you!
I’ve tried without applesauce when I’ve run out and just add another banana, still delicious 🙂
So glad they still turned out for you without applesauce, Danielle!!
What if I wanted to add a nut butter? Would I then reduce the coconut oil?
I haven’t ever tried the recipe with nut butter so I’m not sure how that will work! Let me know how they turn out if you experiment.
These sound amazing! Do you think these would turn out okay if I didn’t add the protein powder?
Hey Melissa – I think they’d turn out just fine without the protein powder, but I would maybe replace the protein powder with 1/4 cup oat flour, almond or AP flour to keep the consistency the same. Let me know if you try these and how they turn out for you. 🙂
Okay, I need these stat! If I used collagen for the protein, would I need to add anything else to thicken?
I don’t think you’d need anything else to thicken the batter if you use collagen, but if the dough seems too wet you can add more oats.
First off, I love this recipe! I’ve made it a dozen times or more and every time the cookies disappear within a day! I have used collagen in them and I do end up having to add a little more oats than what the original calls for, I just keep adding until it’s the right consistency. So good 🙂
What are other options to use instead of the coconut hubby can’t digest it but loves oatmeal cookies. Thanks
Hey Debra – You could just leave the coconut out and if the dough seems too wet you can add more oats.
I can’t eat apples so I find myself wondering whether there is a swap for the applesauce?
I haven’t tested this recipe without the applesauce but you should be able to easy use mashed banana instead of the applesauce. Just mash and measure 1/4 cup of banana. Let me know if you try it!
These are fantastic, especially right out of the oven! A new meal prep favorite at my house! A quick 10 seconds in the microwave makes them super yummy with that morning coffee or tea.
Woo-hoo! I’m so glad you tried and enjoyed these cookies, Lesa. Thanks so much for coming back to leave a comment + star rating. I so appreciate it! <3
I just made these and they are fabulous! I love sweets and this is the best of both worlds. Sweet and healthy! Thank you!
Yay!! So glad you loved these cookies, Kelly. Thanks for trying my recipe and for coming back to leave a comment + star rating. I really appreciate it!
What is a healthy alternative besides coconut oil? Anytime I try a recipe with coconut oil I hate the taste!
Hey Ansley! Are you using refined or virgin coconut oil? That could be why you don’t like the taste. Virgin coconut oil has a more coconut taste where refined coconut oil is more of a neutral scent and flavor.
These cookies were delicious. We made them without the protein powder and my 3 and 4 year old are them all in one day. We are making more today! Thanks for the delicious recipe.
Yay!! So glad these cookies turned out for you, Mandy! Thanks for trying my recipe and for coming back to leave a comment and star rating. I really appreciate it. <3
I only have one ripe banana! Can I sub in additional applesauce or something?
I think subbing in applesauce would work just fine! Let me know if you try it and how they turn out!
Just made these for a healthy snack during this upcoming period of self isolation. They were delicious and just sweet enough to satisfy my cravings. Do you think I could freeze some to keep them for longer?
Hey Zoe – I’m so glad you are enjoying these cookies!! And yes, I think freezing them would work just fine. They should last 3-4 months in the freezer. 🙂
these look SO yummy. how much of a difference do you think sweetened coconut flakes would make? that’s all I have
Hey Grace – It shouldn’t make a big difference at all! 🙂
This are super delicious!! How do I store them? Should they be refrigerated?
You can store them in an airtight container on the counter for about 4-5 days or in the fridge for about a week. You can also freeze them and they’ll stay good for a few months!
I made these tonight! ❤ I did not have bananas, so I just added a little more applesauce. Due to my weird palate, I added a little cayenne pepper to the mix for a slightly spicy cookie. 🙂
Ohh I love the idea of a little spice! Thanks for trying my recipe and for coming back to leave a comment and star rating. I so appreciate it. <3
I love this cookies. Taste really good. looking for a recipe without sugar and eggs. This recipe is for keep. Thanks for sharing.
I’m so glad you enjoyed these cookies!! Thanks for trying my recipe and for coming back to leave a comment and star rating. I really appreciate it. <3
Second time making these cookies – sooo good! The best texture and perfect for when I have ripe bananas.
Ahh yay! I’m so glad you are enjoying these cookies, Katie!! Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment + star rating. I really appreciate it. <3
My husband loves oatmeal raisin cookies and asked me to find a “healthy” version. (I have been trying to bake with alternate flour and no white sugar as he has a bit of a sweet tooth!) These are a winner! I have made 4 batches already. The only thing I have added is nuts as he is a nut lover in his cookies! Thank you for a great recipe. He is not easy to please and loves them ❤️
Ahh that makes me so happy to hear, Elaine. 🙂 I’m so glad these cookies were a hit!! Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment + star rating. I really appreciate it!
this recipe caught my eye, but I loathe all things coconut and had no apple sauce to hand! So I improvised, replacing the shredded coconut with ground almonds.Then I puréed a fresh apple with the zest of an orange, the segments of the orange, a knob of fresh ginger and a banana and the remains of some hazelnut butter that I had. Seems to have worked out OK. thank you
Thanks for sharing the subs you made, Olivia! I’m glad these cookies turned out for you. Thanks for trying them – I really appreciate it!
Great and easy recipe. Once I had the ingredients, it was very simple and quick to prepare. I’ve alternated between the cinnamon raison and using choc chips for a sweeter outcome. I like the raisons, boys like the chips. I saw a comment about adding cayenne for a spicier version, definitely will try that next time I do it with the choc chips.
So glad these cookies have been a hit, Matthew!! Thanks so much for trying my recipe and for coming back to leave a comment + star rating. I so appreciate it. 🙂
I have tried A LOT of different breakfast cookie-type recipies and this is by far the best. It is wholesome and texture and taste are so so good. Thank you!
Ahh that makes me so happy to hear, Susie! So glad you loved these cookies. 🙂 Thanks for making them and for coming back to leave a comment + star rating. I so appreciate it!
These ARE easy and very good! Sweet enough to be satisfying but not too sweet. Thank you for this recipe!
You’re so welcome, Susan! So glad you enjoyed these cookies. Thanks for making them and for coming back to leave a comment + star rating. I so appreciate it!
Is there a replacement for applesauce if i don’t have access to this ingredient?
Her Sharon – You could try using ripe mashed bananas.
Haven’t tried it yet but I plan to make it tmrw with pumpkin purée as I have some leftover from a recipe today. It’ll serve the same purpose pretty much and is a similar consistency to the applesauce. I don’t know what I’ll use for the coconut… I don’t have any
How did these cookies turn out for you, Jazmine?!
Can I use sweet potatoes mashed instead of applesauce
Hey Rita – I haven’t tried it, but I bet it would work. Let me know if you end up trying it and how these cookies turn out. 🙂
This was delicious and super easy! I swapped dried cranberries for the raisins and also added a few white chocolate chips. I’ll definitely make again!
So glad these cookies were a hit! Thanks for coming back to leave a review, Pam. I so appreciate it!
Love this recipe! What a clever idea. My girls think they’re getting real cookies for breakfast. They devour these. For the ones that are leftover, do you recommend just keeping out on the counter for a few days? Thanks!
I’m so glad these cookies are a hit!! They should last about 3 days at room temp or 5-7 days in the fridge.
Delightful cookies, in spite of the slight changes I made for lack of the appropriate ingredients in your recipe. Used chocolate protein powder as I didn’t have vanilla, and only had 1 banana, so I used 3/4 cup of applesauce, and had regular sweetened coconut. Just excellent with the raisins. My husband enjoyed them immensely. Am about to make them again with the vanilla protein powder and 2 bananas, etc. Thank you for a great cookie.
So glad these cookies turned out for you with the subs you made, Diane! Thanks for sharing and for coming back to leave a review. I so appreciate it!
I made these cookies today and I am in LOVE! I am am fairly new to baking, I am new to cookies, and these were freakin foolproof. So simple, so straightforward! I’m still waiting on my delivery of vanilla protein, so I used unflavored. I was afraid I would lose some sweetness so I may have used a bit more banana than was necessary, but with a slightly longer bake time, the outcome was perfect. I’m hooked! Thank you for this fit-friendly, simple vegan goodness! <3
So glad you loved these cookies, Kaia! Thanks for making them and for coming back to leave a review. I so appreciate it. <3
How long do these keep if stored in the frig or freezer?
They should last about a week in the fridge and up to 3 months in the freezer.
I loved that this recipe was sweet without having any added sugar! The bananas, applesauce, vanilla protein powder, and raisins added a nice, natural sweet flavor that worked really well with the oats. Super delicious! Great as a breakfast cookie or snack!
Yay!! So glad these cookies were a hit, Madeline! Thanks so much for the review and star rating. I so appreciate it!
I don’t have any shredded coconut. Can I do without?
Hi, Caity. You can just leave the coconut out and if the dough seems too wet you can add more oats. I’d start with a Tablespoon and add more from there if necessary! Let me know how they turn out if you make them.
Could you use egg whites instead of protein powder? Thank you!
Hi Juanita – Are you looking for a recipe without protein powder or do you specifically want to make sure protein is still in the recipe, just without the powder?
I am allergic to banana’s. Do you have a substitute for them?
Hi Sheri – I would suggest adding additional applesauce if you omit the bananas. If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how they turned out for you! Enjoy!
These are amazing and versatile. I didn’t have any banana so I used more apple sauce and a touch more of the chia seeds. Also increased the protein powder a little and changed the serving to 12. I was able to get 12 cookies from the batch with 100 cals and 5g of protein each. I loved how these stayed moist inside with a nice little exterior crunch. I will flatten them out a little more next time but these are definitely going into my treat rotation! Thank you!
WOO! This is the best, Meg. I am pumped to hear that you are loving these protein packed cookies. Thank you so much for coming back and sharing your review + star rating, it means so much to me!
Thank you so much for this recipe. I have been looking for a sugar free oatmeal raison cookie that is chewy and soft for a few years now as they are my favorite but sugar makes me depressed for like 2 weeks. Over that time I have tried quite a few recipes and been very disappointed. Last week I finally started looking for a honey sweetened version as I can tolerate a little honey occasionally but for some reason your cookie recipe popped up then too and I am in love. The first batch I ate half of and my girls polished the other half off in a couple hours. So today I’m making a triple batch. Again thank you!
WOO! This is the best, Hayley! I am so glad you found this recipe and are loving them. Thank you for coming back and sharing your review + star rating, I really appreciate it!