Nearly everyone I know loves cookies, and I
bet you do too, but after having enjoyed a few (or maybe more) of these
sugary snacks, you might start feeling a little bit guilty. However,
we're about to introduce you to some delicious cookies that you can
snack on a feel good about it while doing so - these are no-bake peanut
butter cookies. These cookies are full of protein and are naturally
sweetened using banana and a touch of maple syrup. A little dark
chocolate is also mixed in for good measure - hey, you've got to get
those antioxidants from somewhere, right?
The fact that they are no-bake (simple mix the ingredients together,
form them into cookies, and let them chill until firm) adds to their
appeal. A couple of these cookies anytime of the day make for a sweet
snack, while they are also great for breakfast on-the-go.
Get a Whole-Food Protein Boost from Quinoa
Flakes
Thanks to the peanut butter, there's already protein in these cookies,
but this can be boosted if you add some quinoa flakes - a natural
protein-rich whole grain that is gluten-free. You can find these flakes
in the natural foods section of your grocery store or supermarket.
No-Bake Peanut Butter Protein Cookies (Makes 18 Cookies)
Ingredients:
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1 small, very ripe banana, mashed (about 1/3 cup)
1/3 cup maple syrup
2 1/2 cups quinoa flakes
1/4 cup milk
1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 cup chopped dark chocolate
Method:
1. Line a baking sheet with wax or some parchment paper.
2. Place the peanut butter, banana, and maple syrup in a medium saucepan
over a low heat and stir it until it has melted together and is
well-combined - 1 to 2 minutes.
3. Remove from the heat and stir in the quinoa flakes, milk, and salt.
Cool the mixture until it's no longer warm - roughly 10 minutes.
4. Stir in the chocolate. Scoop the mixture (using a tablespoon) onto
the prepared baking sheet. Using your hands, shape and flatten each
scoop into a 1/2-inch-thick round disc. Place in the refrigerator until
firm, around 1 hour.