Black Forest Protein “Cookies”

This recipe is one of my favorites that I've ever created!! I modeled the flavors of this "cookie" after a Black Forest cake that was my favorite dessert made by a catering company I used to do business with. However, at over 500 calories per slice, that cake just isn't a great option for my daily meal plans. But with some creativity, we present to you a healthy Black Forest option that can even be used as a quick breakfast on the go. They are good plain, but if you add the dip or make them into "whoopie pies" with the dip as a filling, they are truly amazing. Enjoy! :)

Black Forest Protein “Cookies”

Makes 48 cookies.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup + 2 Tsbp. white whole wheat flour
• 2 cups Old Fashioned Rolled Oats
• 4 scoops  chocolate flavored whey protein powder
• 1 ½ cups Stevia
• ½ c. cocoa powder
• ¾ tsp baking soda
• ¾ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp sea salt
• 1 c. dried cherries (optional)
• 1 c. pecans (optional)
• Wet ingredients
• ½ cup Greek yogurt  
• ¾ cup egg whites
• 1 c unsweetened applesauce
• 1 tsp almond extract

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 375F
2. In a large bowl, mix all the dry ingredients together with a whisk, until very well combined.
3. In a medium bowl, add the wet ingredients and combine with a whisk until well incorporated.
4. Mix wet to dry and fold delicately just to combine.
5. Drop by tablespoonfuls, 12 at a time, onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or onto cookie sheet sprayed with Pam.  Press each cookie down with a fork to make a flat disc instead of a rounded ball.
6. Bake for about 10 minutes or until the cookies start to turn golden brown
7. Cool completely on a cooling rack.
8. Refrigerate leftover cookies.

“Cheesecake” Dip for Black Forest Protein “Cookies”

INGREDIENTS

• 1 package sugar free white chocolate flavored pudding mix
• 1 cup Greek Yogurt
• ½ c Silk Almond Milk
• 1 tsp. almond extract

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Mix Greek yogurt and almond milk with electric mixer.
2. Add pudding mix.
3. Mix for apx. 2 minutes or until smooth.
4. Chill and serve.

Nutrition Info:

Without Cherries or Pecans	Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein	Sodium	Sugar
Per Cookie:	41	6	0	4	68	1

“Cookies”W/ Cherries	Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein	Sodium	Sugar
Per Cookie:	55	9	0	4	70	3

With Cherries and Pecans	Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein	Sodium	Sugar
Per Cookie:	71	10	2	5	70	4

Cookie Dip	Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein	Sodium	Sugar
Per Serving: (apx. 1 Tbsp.)	10	2	1	0	60	1