When it’s the season for pumpkin spice and pumpkin everything, you don’t want to have to give up your favorite treats. That’s why I created this recipe for pumpkin protein cookies! Luckily for all the sweater-weather lovers out there, pumpkin treats can be both delicious and nutritious — with the right recipe ... and we have one right here for some delicious homemade healthy pumpkin cookies.

Pumpkins themselves are a nutrient-rich food that offers a number of health benefits. This festive orange-hued vegetable is an excellent source of beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant that can help reduce inflammation and protect against certain types of cancer. Pumpkin is also a good source of vitamins A, C, and E, as well as iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc, and potassium.

Unfortunately, due to the high amounts of sugar and fat that many pumpkin treats usually contain, favorites like pumpkin cookies may not always be the best choice for those looking to maintain a healthy diet.

Fortunately, our healthy pumpkin cookies recipe features ingredients that help you capitalize on the benefits of pumpkin and add a delicious helping of protein to your diet.

Besides the extra protein, you may notice that our recipe has a few different ingredients than recipes for traditional pumpkin cookies. We’ve made some substitutions that make this pumpkin cookie recipe a bit more healthy without losing any of the sweetness or delicious pumpkin spice flavor. Try this delicious healthy pumpkin cookies recipe that will satisfy your sweet tooth and help you meet your macro goals!

Protein Pumpkin Cookies

Servings: 30 (1 Serving = 1 Cookie)
Prep Time: 40 Minutes
Bake Time: 8-10 Minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 3/4 Cups of Oat Flour
• 1 Tsp of Sea Salt
• 1 Tsp of Baking Soda
• 2 Eggs
• 1 Tsp of Vanilla Extract
• 1/4 Cup of Raw Honey
• 1 1/3 Cup of Level-1 Vanilla Ice Cream
• 4oz of Applesauce
• 1/2 Tsp of Nutmeg
• 1/2 Tsp of Ground Cloves
• 1 1/2 Tsp of Cinnamon
• 1/3 Cup of Dried Cranberries
• 1/3 Cup of Chopped Walnuts

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, mix the Level-1 protein powder, oat flour, salt, baking soda, nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon, cranberries and walnuts.

2. In a separate, small bowl, combine the eggs, vanilla extract, honey, applesauce, and mix them all together.

3. Next, combine both mixtures in a hand mixer and mix for 2 minutes at a medium speed. The dough should be slightly sticky.

4. Place the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to set.

5. While the dough is in the refrigerator, preheat the oven to 350℉.

6. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray it with cooking spray.

7. When the dough is ready, remove it from the fridge and form 30 evenly-sized dough balls and put them on the baking sheet. The cookies won't spread much, so they only need 1.5" of space between each other.

8. Flatten the cookies slightly by using the back of a spoon sprayed with cooking spray so the dough doesn't stick.

9. Place the cookies in the oven and bake them for 8-10 minutes.

10. Remove the cookies, let them cool for 5 minutes, then move them to a cooling rack for 5-10 minutes before serving or storing.

If you plan on storing the cookies, be sure to wrap them tightly. The best way to do this is by storing them in an airtight container or bag. If you make multiple batches, make sure to separate them with wax paper or plastic wrap.

Be sure to also store the pumpkin cookies in a cool and dry place to avoid them from spoiling or drying out. If you can, store the cookies in the refrigerator ... this will keep them fresh for up to a week.

Macros Per Serving:

Calories: 85
Protein: 5g
Carbs: 12.5g
Fat: 2g

How To Store Your Protein Pumpkin Cookies

If you plan on storing the cookies, be sure to wrap them tightly. The best way to do this is by storing them in an airtight container or bag. If you make multiple batches, make sure to separate them with wax paper or plastic wrap.

Be sure to also store the pumpkin cookies in a cool and dry place to avoid them from spoiling or drying out. If you can, store the cookies in the refrigerator ... this will keep them fresh for up to a week.

For longer-term storage, you can freeze the protein pumpkin cookies in an airtight container for up to a month. Just be sure to thaw them at room temperature the day before enjoying them to maintain their delicious freshness.

Mix It Up

Customizing protein pumpkin cookies can add delightful variations to this classic treat. Here are some creative ideas to personalize your cookies.

Chocolate Lover’s Delight: Experiment with different types of chocolate chips – milk, dark, white, or even flavored varieties like mint or caramel. You can also swirl in some chocolate chunks for a gooey surprise in every bite.

Nutty Crunch: Enhance the texture and flavor by adding chopped pecans, walnuts, or even almonds. Toasted nuts can provide an extra depth of flavor and a satisfying crunch.

Sweet Surprise: Introduce natural sweetness and chewiness by incorporating dried fruits like cranberries, raisins, or apricots. The tartness of dried cranberries in particular can beautifully balance the richness of the cookies.

Creamy Swirls: Incorporate a creamy element by swirling in cream cheese or a pumpkin spice-flavored cream cheese filling. It creates a wonderful contrast to the cookie's texture.

Maple Glaze: Top your cookies with a drizzle of maple glaze for a decadent touch. It adds sweetness and a glossy finish that's hard to resist.

With these creative customization options, your protein pumpkin cookies can cater to various tastes and occasions, ensuring everyone's palate is delighted.

Can I Use Plant-Based Protein Powder?

Using plant-based protein powder in your pumpkin cookies is possible, but it's not recommended for this recipe. If you decide to use a plant-based protein powder, it may alter the final taste and texture of the cookies, as different protein powders can have varying flavors and consistencies. Some plant-based protein powders may also absorb moisture differently than whey-based ones, which can affect the overall cookie texture.

Check out the 1st Phorm recipe book for other vegan protein powder recipes that will offer a more reliable and delicious outcome for your plant-based protein pumpkin cookies.

Are High-Protein Cookies Healthy?

Yes, our pumpkin protein cookies are a healthy option within the context of a balanced diet and when consumed in moderation. 

These pumpkin protein cookies are crafted with a thoughtful selection of ingredients that contribute to their overall healthiness. For example, the oat flour is a good source of complex carbohydrates and dietary fiber. It can help stabilize blood sugar levels and provide a steady release of energy. It also promotes a feeling of fullness, which can aid in portion control.

Of course, the inclusion of protein powder in the recipe enhances the protein content of these cookies. This is an essential macronutrient that plays a crucial role in muscle maintenance, as well as tissue repair and overall satiety. Protein-rich snacks, like these cookies, can be a valuable addition to a diet, especially for individuals seeking to increase their protein intake, such as athletes and those engaged in regular exercise.

In terms of sweetening, our recipe incorporates natural sweeteners like honey. Honey not only adds a touch of sweetness but also offers potential health benefits, including antioxidants and antimicrobial properties. Unlike refined sugars, honey has a lower glycemic index, which means it can have a milder impact on blood sugar levels.

The moderate caloric content, combined with the protein and healthy fats from ingredients like nuts or seeds if included, makes these pumpkin protein cookies a balanced snack option. Incorporating them as part of a well-rounded diet and being mindful of portion sizes ensures they remain a healthy addition to your nutrition plan.

Looking For More Recipes or Help?

For a few more healthy pumpkin treats, you can check out all our favorite pumpkin spice recipes here.If you're looking for even more healthy recipes, nutrition tips, or anything else, don't forget to download the 1st Phorm app and get the 1st Phorm Recipe Book, where you'll find a treasure trove of delicious and nutritious recipes to support your health and fitness goals. 

And if you ever need assistance or guidance, our Customer Service team of NASM Certified Personal Trainers and Nutrition Coaches is here to help — all for free! Just give us a call at 1-800-409-9732 or send us an email at CustomerService@1stPhorm.com.