Oh my goodness, do I have a treat for you today! I’m absolutely buzzing with excitement to share my ultimate sweet tooth indulgence: **Cookies & Cream Collagen Protein Blondies**! These indulgent yet somewhat guilt-free delights are not only delicious, but they’re also packed with protein, making them perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up or post-workout snack.
Every time I whip up a batch, I can’t help but remember the late-night baking sessions I had with my bestie during college. We’d pile as many Oreos as we could find into everything we baked, often leading to scones that were more cookie than biscuit! While these blondies definitely have a healthier spin, they still capture that nostalgic vibe of youthful baking experiments—who knew we were just a few years away from honing our kitchen skills!
### What’s in Cookies & Cream Collagen Protein Blondies?
Let’s dive into what makes these blondies so special. Here’s a quick rundown of the ingredients:
Almond Flour: This is the base for our blondies, giving them a lovely nutty flavor and a soft, chewy texture. I absolutely adore the nuttiness of almond flour, plus it’s gluten-free!
Protein Powder (Cookies & Cream Flavor): Not only does this add creaminess and an incredible cookies & cream taste, but it also boosts the protein content, making these blondies a great option for muscle recovery.
Coconut Flour: This stuff is super absorbent and adds subtle coconut flavors, providing a nice contrast to the sweetness of the base.
Maple Syrup or Honey: I personally prefer maple syrup for its rich flavor, but honey works beautifully as well. It adds the perfect touch of sweetness without an overwhelming sugar rush.
Melted Coconut Oil: This ingredient not only keeps things moist, but it also adds a delicate coconut flavor and healthy fats.
Eggs: Two large eggs are essential for binding everything together and giving our blondies that classic fudgy texture.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of this beauty adds depth and enhances the sweetness of the blondies.
Baking Soda: This allows our blondies to rise just a bit, creating that wonderful fluffy consistency.
Salt: A little pinch is all you need to balance the sweetness. Don’t skip it!
Crushed Oreo Cookies: The star of the show! These chocolate sandwich cookies add that essential cookies & cream flavor that dreams are made of.
Additional Oreo Cookies: Because, let’s be honest, can you even have too many Oreos? They make a fantastic topping for that extra delicious crunch!
### Is Cookies & Cream Collagen Protein Blondies Good for You?
Now, let’s chat about the health bonuses of these blondies!
Almond Flour: Low in carbs and packed with nutrients like vitamin E and magnesium, almond flour is a fantastic gluten-free option that keeps our snack guilt-free.
Coconut Flour: High in fiber, coconut flour can aid in digestion and keep you feeling full longer—it’s like a little miracle worker!
Protein Powder: Of course, adding protein helps with muscle recovery and keeps you satisfied. Just pick a quality powder that fits your dietary preference.
Maple Syrup/Honey: Both are natural sweeteners with antioxidants, but keep in mind they are still sugars, so moderation is key!
While these blondies have great health benefits, remember that “healthy” treats can still pack a punch in calories and sugars. Moderation, my friend!
### Ingredients
– 1 cup almond flour
– 1/2 cup protein powder (cookies & cream flavor)
– 1/4 cup coconut flour
– 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
– 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/2 tsp baking soda
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1/2 cup crushed Oreo cookies (or any chocolate sandwich cookies)
– Additional Oreo cookies for topping
**Yields:** These scrumptious blondies serve about 9 people. Perfect for sharing—or not!
### How to Make Cookies & Cream Collagen Protein Blondies?
Alright, here comes the fun part—let’s get baking!
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper. Trust me, you want parchment paper for easy removal later!
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the almond flour, protein powder, coconut flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir until well mixed. Nothing beats the smell of fresh flour, right?
3. In another bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil, maple syrup, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. You’ll want these ingredients to have a beautiful marriage!
4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Careful not to overmix; it’s looking good already!
5. Fold in the crushed Oreo cookies until they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter. Can you smell them already?
6. Pour the blondie batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the edges are golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Once baked, allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan. (Patience, my friend!)
8. For the frosting, mix together 1/2 cup protein powder, 1/4 cup yogurt (or cream cheese), and crushed Oreo cookies to create a creamy texture. Spread generously over the cooled blondies.
9. Finish with additional crushed Oreo cookies for decoration and extra crunch. YUM!
### A Sweet Twist
These cookies & cream blondies can be an absolute canvas for your baking creativity! You can add chocolate chips or, if you’re feeling adventurous, toss in pieces of Oreo in the batter. Whichever way you choose, they’ll turn out heavenly!
I cannot wait for you to try these Cookies & Cream Collagen Protein Blondies! Written from my heart to yours, I truly hope they bring a touch of joy to your kitchen just like they have in mine. If you make them, let me know how they turned out. Happy baking!
