FLOURLESS TURTLE PROTEIN COOKIES
Craving that caramel-pecan-chocolate combo? Try these Turtle Protein Cookies! They're gluten-free and dairy-free (as always) with the option to make vegan. Bonus, the date caramel is loaded with nutrients and fiber, while adding a rich caramel-like flavor to the cookies.
You might also like my Double Chocolate Protein Cookies!
Did you know? Dates are high in copper, fiber, and antioxidants. With their high level of antioxidants, it's no surprise that dates have been shown to reduce inflammatory markers, including IL-6 associated with Alzheimer's. (source)
Protein recommendation
For these scrumptious cookies, I used LIV Body Lean Vegan Protein in S'mores flavor, which is mostly chocolate with a hint of marshmallow. This pea isolate is free of artificial ingredients and loaded with probiotics and antioxidant superfoods. You can use my code "SARAHWILKINS" for free shipping on all LIV Body orders!
You can use any chocolate-flavored vegan protein for this recipe, or a whey blend if you add an additional flour (whey is less absorbent than vegan protein). I have not tested this recipe with collagen or egg white protein.
Sweetener recommendations
For these cookies, I used a stevia blend that's twice as sweet as sugar. For a stevia-free sweetener, I like this one (you'll need up to twice as much)! If using granulated erythritol, baking stevia, or coconut sugar you will also need up to twice as much (one-quarter cup). If using pure stevia or monk fruit extract, please refer to the brand's conversion chart.
Almond butter substitutions
I used almond butter and vegan butter for a soft but chewy texture in these cookies. Feel free to swap the almond butter for sunflower seed butter, cashew butter, or even tahini (sesame seed butter). The vegan butter can be swapped for virgin coconut oil, coconut butter, or unsalted butter (not dairy-free).
Other ingredients
This recipe has no flour, but you will need a high-quality cacao powder. It really doesn’t matter if you use Dutch-process or regular unsweetened cocoa powder!
The recipe also calls for one egg white, but there are many things you can substitute for vegan! You can use an equivalent amount of vegan egg replacer, two tablespoons of aquafaba (chickpea liquid), or one tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with two tablespoons of warm water.
Date caramel
Date caramel is relatively easy to make and more nutritious than sugar free caramel! In addition, sugar free caramel isn't always dairy-free. All you need are sticky pitted dates (I used deglet noor dates), milk of choice (I used unsweetened almond milk), pure vanilla extract, and a dash of salt.
You'll also need a food processor or blender. Depending on the size of your processor or blender, you may need to double the date caramel recipe in order to have enough to process/blend. You can always save the extra for a second batch of cookies!
Dairy free chocolate
Here I used dairy free chocolate chips for a decadent chocolate drizzle over the cookies. If low sugar is more important to you, you can use sugar free chocolate chips. Either way, the chocolate is a must for that full "turtle" experience!
Here is the printable recipe for these Turtle Protein Cookies (Dairy Free). I hope you'll rate and comment below if you try it :)
This post contains affiliate links and is sponsored by LIV Body.
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