I can’t get by a day without a snack or two. If you reached into my jacket pocket, you would surely find some sort of food bar wrapper. I’m known to have a banana or protein bar in my purse wherever I go. Why? Because without food, I’m HANGRY and it’s bad. Throughout the years, I’ve learned to be prepared for when hunger strikes.

The good news is that I’ve got an incredible nourishing snack recipe for you: I’ve officially made these cookie protein bars a gazillion times since I first developed the recipe a few years ago. They are just so good! The best part is that they are incredibly customizable. You could make a new version every week for yourself, the kiddos, friends and family and never get sick of them. Snack. Heaven.

I’m a big fan of old-fashioned no bake ‘things’, not having to turn on the oven is always a plus in my book. This no-bake recipe has been given a makeover and uses nuts, dates, oats, coconut, protein powder and honey in place of the traditional sugar, eggs, butter and flour.

A traditional no bake granola bar type recipe uses two cups of sugar which is HUGE!  While this healthier version is slightly sweet we are using dates instead which has added health benefits and is easier for our bodies to process. So, this easy recipe makes eating a LOT healthier, quick and delicious!

I. LOVE. DATES. They are just one of those snack cabinet staples I can’t live without. In my quest to find healthier snacks, I have started buying more dates as I love to use dates as a base in most of my snack balls, no-bake bars, or if I need a natural sweetener in a cookie or frosting.

They are little morsels of natural sugar and a great alternative to refined sugars. You don’t need many dates to make something sweet!

These delicious healthy bars make a delicious lunchbox treat or after school snack! They also happen to be really good frozen. Just pop one out of the freezer any time a craving hits.

The no baking part also means they are a lot faster to make and less fuss. Did I mention they taste freaking amazing? Perfect snack to take when you are on the go, super delicious and packed with goodness. They are such a simple recipe that come together in just under 20 minutes.

As well as being really easy to make, these cookie bars are healthier than your average treat as they are made with wholesome REAL food ingredients. They are ideal for a grab and go breakfast. This recipe is a ‘healthified’ take on traditional sugar-loaded candy bars. For those days where you are craving a candy bar, but want a healthy, delicious, low-effort way to enjoy the same sweet treat, I’ve got you covered with this recipe that tastes better than any store bought version.

Protein bars are a staple in my diet, as is chocolate. Once I learned how much cheaper AND tastier homemade protein bars are, I completely eliminated buying protein bars from the grocery store. Kid-friendly, no bake and amazing on the go! This recipe comes together in a snap and makes a perfect batch of soft, chewy cookie bars. You can easily scale the recipe up for a crowd or make this ahead for an amazing on demand treat.

They are a delightful no-bake treat, combining the richness of cocoa with the natural sweetness of dates and the crunch of nuts. Perfect for a healthy snack or dessert!

Chocolate Cookie Protein Bars

This easy recipe is the perfect mix between cookie and brownie, soft and chewy, beyond easy to make and full of goodness with notes of caramelly dates, cherries, vanilla, and salt. Packed with protein and healthy fats for the perfect snack.

Course Breakfast, Dessert, Lunch, Snack

Cuisine Healthy Clean Eating

Keyword chocolate cookie protein bars, chocolate protein bars no bake, clean eating dessert or snack, healthy protein bar recipe, no bake chocolate protein bars

Servings 12

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups dates, soaked 30 minutes and drained
• 1 cup almonds or walnuts or a mix
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup desiccated coconut
• 1/2 cup dried cherries or cranberries
• 1/4 cup protein or collagen peptides powder
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Toppings

• 1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon flaky salt

Instructions

• Line an 8 x 8-inch baking pan or dish with parchment paper on the bottom and sides leaving some overhanging to act as a handle to get the bars out easier for cutting.

  Place almonds into a food processer and process until broken down and crumbly. Add dates, oats, coconut, protein powder, cocoa, coconut oil and vanilla extract and continue to process until mixture is sticky and well combined.

  Add cherries and pulse a couple of times to combine or fold in by hand so as not to break them up too much as its nice to have texture variance and different sized “bits” in your protein bars.

  Press the base mixture into the bottom of your pan or dish evenly. Refrigerate while you prepare the filling.

  Sprinkle the chopped walnuts over the top, pressing them gently into the surface. Sprinkle with flaky salt if desired.

  Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set.

  Once set, lift the mixture out of the pan using the parchment overhang and cut into 12 bars or more smaller squares.

  Store in the fridge for up to 1 week or freezer for up to 3 months.

Print Recipe

If you are looking for more delicious, healthy, protein-rich, no bake desserts and treats to help you reach your health, wellness and fitness goals, you will love my collection here: Blended Bites