Chocolate Pistachio Protein Cookies are rich and nutty and great for a healthy Christmas cookie! Cocoa pistachio cookies use protein powder and applesauce instead of sugar and butter for a guilt-free indulgence.

I discovered the chocolate-pistachio combination when I saw the chocolate pistachio rolls at Starbucks recently on their holiday menu. A barista told me the rolls weren’t that good, but that combo really got my attention so I used it for these cookies.

Turns out the richness of the chocolate and earthiness of the pistachio are magical together!

A must-try, and especially in protein-packed and flavor-packed cookie recipe!

Ingredients for Chocolate Pistachio Protein Cookies

These chocolate pistachio protein protein cookies need just a few healthy ingredients, no butter or oil and no sugar either. A healthy cookie for christmas for real!

Chocolate Protein Powder for healthy, sugar free chocolate pistachio cookie
I used Quest Nutrition Chocolate whey-casein since it works best for baking.
Cocoa Powder
Unsweetened Applesauce
Whole Wheat Pastry Flour
Stevia Powder; I use Sweetleaf Stevia
Coconut Flour
An Egg
Baking Soda

And for the mix-ins:

Pistachios!

Tips for Cocoa Pistachio Cookies with Protein Powder

This cocoa pistachio cookie recipe uses protein powder and it can be tricky, but follow these tips and you’ll get it perfect every time.

Use whey-caesin protein powder since it works well with the ratio of ingredients here; Whey absorbs less moisture, so you would have to reduce the amount of applesauce in this case.

Work fast with mixing the dough, rolling and putting into oven. You don’t want the dough to warm up too much.

Use slightly oiled hands for rolling so that the dough doesn’t stick to your palms.

Lightly flatten cookie dough on pan – cookies will spread, but not very much

Leave space between cookies, since they will spread.

Flatten cookies after 6 mins, then bake another 1-2 mins so you get a slightly larger cookie 🙂

Store Easy Cocoa Pistacio Protein Cookies

These homemade cocoa pistachio protein cookies can be stored on the countertop, in the fridge or even frozen.

Chocolate protein powder pistachio cookies keep on the countertop for 1-2 days, and in the fridge for 5 days in an airtight container.

To freeze healthy chocolate pistachio cookie recipe, place in freezer-safe zipper bag with parchment paper between each once, and keep 1-2 months; Don’t forget to thaw before eating!

Options for Healthy Chocolate Pistachio Cookies

I recommend making this healthy chocolate pistachio cookie recipe using the protein powder and other ingredients and products listed – since it gives the best results.

If you need other options for the flours and such, here’s some alternatives:

Whole Wheat Pastry Flour: All purpose flour or 1:1 Gluten Free Baking Flour, in the same amount by weight.
Coconut Flour: about ¼ cup Almond Flour or Oat Flour, but I haven’t tried this out myself.
Applesauce: Mashed Banana or Pumpkin Puree
Stevia Powder: Monkfruit sweetener or regular sugar

A Vegan Cocoa Pistachio Protein Cookie Recipe

This cocoa pistachio protein cookie recipe can be made Vegan with plant based protein powder and flax egg.

Gluten Free Choco Pistacio Cookie

Make this choco pistachio protein cookie Gluten Free using a 1:1 gluten free baking flour instead of whole wheat pastry flour.

More Chocolate Protein Cookie Recipes to Try: