Delicious & Healthy Vegan Banana Walnut Chocolate Chip Protein Cookies: Your Ultimate On-the-Go Snack

Fuel your adventures with these easy-to-make, protein-packed banana cookies, loaded with dark chocolate and wholesome walnuts. Perfect for a quick energy boost!

Life can get incredibly busy, sometimes unexpectedly so. Whether you’re navigating a big move, tackling a demanding work week, or simply trying to squeeze in a gym session before rushing off to your next commitment, finding time for wholesome, satisfying meals or snacks can feel like a Herculean task. In these moments, it’s easy to reach for less nutritious options, sacrificing your well-being for convenience. But what if you could have a truly delicious, convenient, and healthy snack that’s ready to grab and go?

That’s where these Banana Walnut Chocolate Chip Protein Cookies come in. Inspired by the need for sustenance during a major life event (like packing up my entire life for a move!), these cookies are designed to be your dependable companion through all of life’s adventures. They are not just cookies; they are portable powerhouses, crafted to keep you energized and satisfied, no matter how hectic your schedule becomes.

Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie, naturally sweetened by ripe bananas, with bursts of rich dark chocolate and crunchy walnuts. Now, imagine that cookie is also vegan, gluten-free, refined-sugar-free, and loaded with protein to keep you feeling full and focused. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, it’s a dream that’s entirely achievable in your own kitchen with this incredibly simple recipe. Perfect for an outdoor excursion, a long day of moving boxes, or simply a busy workday snack, these cookies are a game-changer for anyone seeking a healthy, yet indulgent, treat.

Essential Ingredients for Your Healthy Banana Protein Cookies

Creating these delightful, nutritious cookies requires a selection of simple, wholesome ingredients you might already have in your pantry. We’ve carefully chosen each component to ensure a perfect balance of flavor, texture, and nutritional benefits, making these cookies an ideal choice for a healthy lifestyle. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to gather:

• Flax Egg: This acts as our vegan binder, replacing traditional eggs and adding a boost of omega-3 fatty acids and fiber. You’ll simply mix golden flaxseed meal with filtered water to create this gelatinous substitute.
• Ripe Bananas: The star of the show! Extremely ripe bananas (the ones with plenty of brown spots) are crucial here. They provide natural sweetness, moisture, and a lovely banana flavor, eliminating the need for refined sugars. They’re also packed with potassium and essential vitamins.
• Vanilla Protein Powder: This is where the “protein” in protein cookies comes from! I personally love using Tone It Up vanilla protein powder for its smooth texture and delicious flavor, but feel free to use your favorite vegan vanilla protein powder. It significantly increases the satiety factor, making these cookies an excellent post-workout or mid-day snack.
• Gluten-Free Old-Fashioned Oats: Oats bring a wonderful chewiness and a dose of dietary fiber, contributing to sustained energy. Ensure they are certified gluten-free if you have sensitivities, as cross-contamination can occur in processing.
• Superfine Almond Meal: This provides a delicate texture and healthy fats to the cookies. Almond meal (or almond flour) is a great gluten-free option that also adds a subtle nutty flavor and additional protein.
• Dark Chocolate Chips: Because every cookie needs chocolate! Dark chocolate not only tastes incredible but also offers antioxidants. Opt for dairy-free dark chocolate chips to keep the recipe strictly vegan.
• Organic Walnuts Halves & Pieces: For that satisfying crunch and nutty depth. Walnuts are a nutritional powerhouse, rich in omega-3s, antioxidants, and healthy fats. I highly recommend Grandy Pantry Organic Walnuts Halves & Pieces for their exceptional quality and freshness, which truly elevates these cookies.

And that’s the complete lineup! With these simple, yet powerful ingredients, you’re ready to create a batch of cookies that are as wholesome as they are delicious.

Baking Your Banana Walnut Chocolate Chip Protein Cookies: A Simple Guide

These protein-packed cookies are incredibly straightforward to prepare, making them perfect for even the busiest of days. The magic truly happens when ripe bananas, hearty oats, and nutty almond meal come together with those irresistible mix-ins. Follow these easy steps for a successful bake:

1. Preheat and Prep: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple step is a game-changer for easy cleanup and ensures your cookies don’t stick.
2. Mash the Bananas: In a medium to large mixing bowl, take your very ripe bananas and mash them thoroughly with a fork. You want them to be mostly smooth with only a few small lumps. The number of bananas can be a bit flexible; start with 2 large bananas or 3 smaller ones. If, after adding the dry ingredients, the mixture seems too dry, you can always mash and add a third smaller banana to achieve the perfect consistency.
3. Combine Dry and Wet: To your mashed bananas, add the flax egg, vanilla protein powder, gluten-free old-fashioned oats, almond meal, and a pinch of cinnamon (if using, it adds a lovely warmth!). Stir everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. The batter should be thick, quite sticky, and easily scoopable, resembling a thick cookie dough rather than a runny batter.
4. Fold in the Goodies: Once your base batter is ready, it’s time for the stars of the show: the dark chocolate chips and the Grandy Pantry Organic Walnuts Halves & Pieces. Gently fold them into the dough until they are evenly distributed. This ensures every bite is packed with delicious flavor and satisfying texture.

My Favorite Pantry Staples: The Grandy Oats Difference

When it comes to baking, the quality of your ingredients truly makes a difference. That’s why I often turn to trusted brands like Grandy Oats for my pantry staples. You might remember me raving about their incredible grain-free granola previously – the Chocolate Chunk Coconola, with its toasted coconut and decadent dark chocolate chunks, is an absolute dream! But what many people don’t realize is that Grandy Oats offers much more than just granola; they also provide a fantastic selection of high-quality, organic pantry essentials through their Grandy Pantry line.

For these Banana Walnut Chocolate Chip Protein Cookies, I specifically used the Grandy Pantry Organic Walnuts Halves & Pieces. These walnuts are truly exceptional – they add a serious depth of nutty flavor, a satisfying crunch, and a wonderful boost of healthy fats and protein to every cookie. What sets Grandy Oats apart is their commitment to organic, non-GMO ingredients, ensuring you’re getting the best for your recipes and your health.

Stocking up on their pantry items means you always have premium ingredients on hand for your favorite recipes and meals. Beyond these cookies, Grandy Pantry Organic Walnuts are perfect for tossing into morning oatmeal, sprinkling over salads, blending into smoothies, or simply enjoying as a standalone snack. You can also find these same delicious walnuts in other Grandy Oats products like their Honey Nut Granola, Antioxidant Trail Mix, and Classic Granola. Keeping them in your pantry is a smart choice for adding natural goodness and incredible flavor to countless dishes.

Customize Your Protein Cookies to Perfection

One of the best things about homemade cookies is the ability to tailor them to your exact preferences. While the recipe for these Banana Walnut Chocolate Chip Protein Cookies is already fantastic as written, you have the flexibility to make them truly your own. Let’s talk about those walnuts for a moment:

I typically leave my Grandy Pantry Organic Walnuts in their original halves and pieces to maximize their hearty crunch and visual appeal within the cookie. However, if you prefer a finer texture or want the walnut flavor to be more evenly distributed throughout the dough, you can absolutely give them a quick chop or crush them before folding them into the batter. This simple adjustment won’t impact the bake time, only the textural experience of your cookies. You could even experiment with other nuts like pecans or almonds if you wish!

Once your batter is perfectly mixed with all the delicious dark chocolate chips and walnuts (whether whole or crushed), it’s time to form the cookies. Using a 1 to 1.5 tablespoon cookie scoop is ideal for creating uniformly sized cookies, which helps them bake evenly. Simply scoop generous tablespoons of cookie dough and place them onto your prepared baking sheet. You can either leave them domed, as I often do for a chewier center, or gently flatten them slightly with your hands for a more classic, disc-like cookie. Both methods yield fantastic results, so choose based on your aesthetic preference or desired texture – the bake time will remain the same.

Baking, Storage, and Meal Prep Tips

Once your cookie dough balls are neatly arranged on the parchment-lined baking sheet, it’s time to bring these delicious treats to life in the oven. Transfer the baking sheet to your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. The baking time can vary slightly depending on your oven and how thick you made your cookies, so keep an eye on them. You’ll know they’re perfectly baked when the bottoms are golden brown and the tops are set and lightly browned around the edges. They should feel firm but still yield a little when gently pressed.

While the aroma of melty chocolate and toasted walnuts filling your kitchen might make it incredibly difficult to wait, I highly recommend allowing the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for at least 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This crucial cooling period allows the cookies to set properly, preventing them from crumbling and ensuring they maintain their delightful texture. They’ll also firm up a bit as they cool.

These Banana Walnut Chocolate Chip Protein Cookies are excellent for meal prepping and staying fueled throughout your week. Once they are completely cool, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. They will keep beautifully at room temperature for 3-5 days, making them a perfect grab-and-go snack for your desk, gym bag, or car. For longer-term freshness, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. If you’re looking to extend their shelf life even further, these cookies freeze exceptionally well! Simply place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, and they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready for a frozen treat, you can thaw them at room temperature or gently warm them in the microwave for a few seconds on those extra long days when you need a warm, comforting boost.

Serving Suggestions for Your Versatile Protein Cookies

These Banana Walnut Chocolate Chip Protein Cookies are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in so many ways! Their protein-rich, wholesome nature makes them suitable for nearly any time of day, fulfilling various dietary needs and cravings. Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy them:

• Portable Breakfast: Grab one or two on your way out the door for a quick, balanced breakfast that will keep you satisfied until your next meal. Pair it with a cup of coffee or a smoothie for a complete start to your day.
• Sturdy Mid-Morning or Afternoon Snack: When those hunger pangs hit between meals, these cookies are the perfect solution. They’re substantial enough to ward off cravings without leaving you feeling sluggish.
• Healthy Dessert Option: Indulge your sweet tooth guilt-free! These cookies are naturally sweetened and packed with good-for-you ingredients, making them a much healthier alternative to traditional desserts. Warm them slightly for an extra decadent experience.
• Post-Workout Fuel: The combination of carbohydrates from the oats and bananas, plus protein from the powder and walnuts, makes these an excellent choice for muscle recovery after a workout.
• Adventure-Ready Snack: Heading out for a hike, a bike ride, or just a busy day of errands? Toss these cookies in your purse, backpack, or gym bag. They hold up well and provide sustained energy for all your adventures.
• Lunchbox Addition: Kids and adults alike will love finding one of these in their lunchbox. It’s a treat that fuels the brain and body for the rest of the day.

Remember to store them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. Whether you keep them at room temperature for a few days, refrigerate them for up to a week, or freeze them for longer-term enjoyment, these cookies are a fantastic addition to your healthy eating routine. Enjoy every wholesome, delicious bite!

Explore More Wholesome Protein Cookie Recipes

If you’ve fallen in love with the convenience and deliciousness of these Banana Walnut Chocolate Chip Protein Cookies, you’re in luck! There are plenty more easy-to-make, healthy treats that can help you stay fueled and satisfied. Here are a couple of my other favorite recipes that bring the same blend of nutrition and flavor:

• Blueberry Almond Protein Cookies

• Creamy Peanut Butter Tahini Fat Bites

Share Your Creations & Connect With Me!

I absolutely adore hearing from you and seeing your wonderful creations in the kitchen! If you decide to make this Banana Walnut Chocolate Chip Protein Cookies recipe, please don’t hesitate to let me know how they turn out. Your feedback is incredibly valuable and helps me continue to develop delicious and exciting new recipes for you to enjoy.

The best way to share your experience is by leaving me a comment, rating, and review right here on the blog. It not only brightens my day but also helps other home bakers discover and enjoy these wholesome treats.

And of course, I’d love to see your beautiful cookies! Give me a shout on Instagram and be sure to use the hashtag #floraandvino so I can admire your culinary masterpieces. Don’t forget to check out my Pinterest page to pin this recipe and discover many more like it for your future baking adventures.

Love what you see and want to stay updated with all my latest recipes, tips, and inspiration? Head over to my homepage and subscribe to get delicious updates delivered straight to your inbox! Happy baking!

XO Lauren

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