Name: Simple Oatmeal Protein Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups old fashioned rolled oats; 1 cup apple sauce (or mashed banana); 1 cup peanut butter (or other nut butter); ¼ cup pure maple syrup; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ¼ cup ground flaxseed; ¼ cup chia seeds; 1 tsp cinnamon

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking for a treat that checks all the boxes for ease, nourishment, and pure homemade comfort, you’re about to fall in love. These Simple Oatmeal Protein Cookies come together in one bowl, bake up into thick, chewy wonders, and will keep you feeling satisfied for hours. They’re loaded with hearty oats, natural peanut butter, and sweet hints of vanilla and cinnamon. Whether you’re nibbling one with your morning coffee, sneaking a midday snack, or packing them for an energized adventure, these cookies always fit the moment. Plus, they’re endlessly adaptable, so every batch feels like a new favorite!

Simple Oatmeal Protein Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Baking a batch of Simple Oatmeal Protein Cookies is all about using real, everyday ingredients that harmonize beautifully. Each piece of this recipe pulls double duty: adding flavor, muscle-loving protein, and a playful blend of textures that keep each bite interesting.

Old fashioned rolled oats: The hearty backbone of our cookies, giving each bite a chewy, earthy richness and plenty of fiber.
Apple sauce (or mashed banana): Naturally sweet and moist, this ingredient keeps your cookies tender—choose banana if you love that classic flavor twist.
Peanut butter (or other nut butter): Adds protein, irresistible creaminess, and that hugged-from-the-inside feeling only nut butters can provide.
Ground flaxseed: Brings a subtle nutty flavor while helping to bind everything for an extra protein punch.
Chia seeds: These tiny seeds swell with moisture, lending pops of texture and boosting those good-for-you fats and fiber.
Pure maple syrup: A little natural sweetness goes a long way here, plus those lovely caramel notes that warm up every bite.
Cinnamon: This baking classic cozies up the dough, infusing each cookie with deep, fragrant warmth.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out all the flavors and makes your kitchen smell positively dreamy while these cookies bake.

How to Make Simple Oatmeal Protein Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F. While the oven warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this prevents sticking and makes cleanup ridiculously easy. Getting this step out of the way ensures your cookies slide right off after baking, keeping their golden bottoms intact.

Step 2: Combine Your Ingredients

In a medium bowl, toss in all eight of your ingredients: oats, apple sauce or mashed banana, peanut butter, ground flaxseed, chia seeds, maple syrup, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until you have a thick, gloriously chunky dough. There’s no need for fancy mixers—just a big spoon and some elbow grease will do the trick!

Step 3: Shape the Cookies

Scoop out generous heaping ¼-cup portions, roll them into balls between your palms, and set them onto your prepared baking sheet. Use your hand to gently flatten each mound into a classic cookie shape. This rustic approach gives every cookie that cozy, homemade look (and ensures they bake evenly).

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slip the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. Keep an eye on the edges—they should look lightly set, but the cookies will continue to firm up as they cool. Remove the tray from the oven and let the cookies rest for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Enjoy Your Simple Oatmeal Protein Cookies

Once cooled, your Simple Oatmeal Protein Cookies are ready to be devoured! They’re soft, chewy, and packed with wholesome goodness. Perfect for breakfast alongside fruit, as an afternoon pick-me-up, or as a guilt-free dessert that feels like a warm hug.

How to Serve Simple Oatmeal Protein Cookies

Garnishes

Kick things up a notch by adding a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, a drizzle of melted dark chocolate, or even a dab of nut butter on top of each cookie. These little touches take your Simple Oatmeal Protein Cookies from homey to heavenly in seconds.

Side Dishes

Pair your cookies with a cold glass of almond milk, a hot cup of chai, or scoop some Greek yogurt on the side for an energizing snack or breakfast. They’re also marvelous alongside fresh berries or a banana, rounding out a simple, nourishing plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For an adorable twist, stack a few cookies with parchment between each layer and tie them with twine—perfect for gifting. Or, serve them as the base for a breakfast parfait: crumble a cookie or two in a jar, add yogurt and fruit, and you’ve got an instant, Instagram-worthy breakfast. Let the kids get involved by making “cookie sandwiches” with a thin spread of nut butter or jam between two cookies!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Simple Oatmeal Protein Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay moist and chewy for up to 7 days, making them ideal for meal prep or snacking throughout a busy week. If you can resist, they’re just as good on day seven as when you first baked them!

Freezing

Want extra cookies on standby? Freeze cooled cookies in a zip-lock bag or airtight container for up to three months. Pop a piece of parchment between layers to prevent sticking, and you’ll always have a stash of grab-and-go treats ready to enjoy.

Reheating

Craving that just-baked experience? Gently warm your cookies in the microwave for 10–15 seconds, or place them in a low oven for a few minutes. They’ll emerge soft, gooey, and just as inviting as the day you first made them.

FAQs

Can I swap out the peanut butter for something else?

Absolutely! Almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter all work beautifully in this recipe. Each swap will bring its own unique flavor, so feel free to experiment and find your favorite combo.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you’re using certified gluten-free oats, these Simple Oatmeal Protein Cookies are a safe and delicious option for anyone avoiding gluten.

Can I add chocolate chips or other mix-ins?

Go for it! Handfuls of chocolate chips, toasted nuts, or dried fruit are all fantastic additions. Just fold them in with the rest of your ingredients for extra bursts of flavor and texture.

How sweet are these cookies?

They’re pleasantly sweet but not sugary—perfect for breakfast or snacking. If you prefer a little extra sweetness, feel free to add a tablespoon or two more maple syrup, or toss in a few raisins.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

They already are! Every ingredient in this batch is plant-based, so you can indulge knowing you’re keeping things compassionate and dairy-free.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about a cookie that tastes amazing and loves you back. If you’re searching for a treat that is as simple to make as it is nourishing and delicious, these Simple Oatmeal Protein Cookies are sure to become a staple in your kitchen. I can’t wait for you to experience the cozy flavor and feel-good energy packed into each bite. Grab your favorite nut butter and dive in—happy baking!

Simple Oatmeal Protein Cookies Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 12 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 12 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Simple Oatmeal Protein Cookies are a delicious and healthy treat packed with oats, nut butter, and seeds, sweetened with maple syrup and flavored with cinnamon and vanilla.

Ingredients

Scale

Rolled Oats:

3 cups old fashioned rolled oats

Wet Ingredients:

1 cup apple sauce (or mashed banana)
1 cup peanut butter (or other nut butter)
¼ cup pure maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients:

¼ cup ground flaxseed
¼ cup chia seeds
1 tsp cinnamon

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 325°F and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
Mix ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine rolled oats, apple sauce, peanut butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, ground flaxseed, chia seeds, and cinnamon.
Shape the cookies: Form the mixture into 12 balls, flatten each into a cookie shape, and place them on the prepared cookie sheet.
Bake: Bake the cookies for 15 minutes in the preheated oven until golden brown.
Cool and serve: Allow the cookies to cool before serving. Enjoy!