This No-Bake Post-Workout Snickers Cookie is the kind of treat I crave after a long workout—or honestly, any time I want something sweet and satisfying without turning on the oven. It’s got the nostalgic charm of a candy bar with gooey caramel-like dates, rich peanut butter, crunchy peanuts, and a drizzle of dark chocolate. But here’s the twist: it’s made with whole, nourishing ingredients that help me recover and feel good.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I don’t have to bake anything—perfect for hot days or busy afternoons
It’s naturally sweetened with dates and maple syrup, which gives it that candy-bar flavor
Packed with plant-based protein from nut butter and protein powder
Tastes just like a Snickers but way more wholesome
Easy to tweak depending on my taste or dietary needs
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 cup soft Medjool dates (pitted)
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (or almond butter)
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/2 cup vanilla plant-based protein powder
1/2 cup oat flour
1/4 cup chopped peanuts
1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (melted)
Optional: pinch of sea salt for topping
Directions
Step 1: Soften the Dates If my Medjool dates feel a little firm, I soak them in warm water for 5–10 minutes, then drain and pat dry.
Step 2: Blend the Base I toss the dates, peanut butter, and maple syrup into a food processor and blend until I get a thick, smooth paste—this gives the cookie its gooey, candy-like core.
Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients Next, I add the protein powder and oat flour and pulse until combined. If the dough feels too dry, I add a splash of almond milk. If too sticky, a touch more oat flour does the trick.
Step 4: Mix in Crunch Time for texture—I fold in the chopped peanuts for that classic Snickers-style crunch and a salty bite.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies Using my hands or a cookie scoop, I roll the dough into balls and gently flatten them into cookie shapes.
Step 6: Top with Chocolate I drizzle or spread melted dark chocolate on top, and if I’m feeling extra fancy, I sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt.
Step 7: Chill and Enjoy I pop the cookies into the fridge or freezer for 10–20 minutes until they firm up. Then they’re ready whenever I need a pick-me-up.
Servings and Timing
Yield: 8–10 cookies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Calories (per cookie): ~180
Protein: 7g
Carbs: 16g
Fat: 9g
Variations
I switch peanut butter for almond butter when I want a lighter flavor
Chocolate protein powder makes the cookie taste even more dessert-like
I add a touch of cinnamon or espresso powder for a fun twist
For extra indulgence, I press a small piece of homemade date caramel into the center before chilling
Gluten-free? I use certified gluten-free oat flour
Storage/Reheating
I keep these cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. They also freeze beautifully for up to a month. When I freeze them, I just let one sit at room temp for a few minutes before eating—perfect texture every time. No need to reheat.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of protein powder?
Absolutely. I’ve tried both plant-based and whey protein. If the texture of the dough changes, I just adjust the oat flour accordingly.
Are these cookies freezer-friendly?
Yes, they freeze great. I store them in a freezer-safe container and let them thaw a few minutes before eating.
Do I have to include the chocolate on top?
No, but I really think it makes the cookie. That rich chocolate layer gives it the full Snickers effect.
Can I make these nut-free?
I haven’t tried a completely nut-free version, but sunflower seed butter could work as a substitute for peanut butter. Just keep an eye on the texture.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
I just use certified gluten-free oat flour, and it works perfectly.
Conclusion
The No-Bake Post-Workout Snickers Cookie is everything I want in a treat—fast, delicious, and packed with feel-good ingredients. It’s the snack I look forward to whether I’ve crushed a tough workout or just need something sweet in my day. With just a few minutes of prep and zero baking, I get a cookie that satisfies my cravings and keeps me going strong.
These No-Bake Post-Workout Snickers Cookies are a wholesome twist on the classic candy bar, made with dates, peanut butter, oat flour, and protein powder, topped with chocolate for a sweet, energizing treat.
Total Time:15 minutes
Yield:8–10 cookies
Ingredients
1 cup soft Medjool dates (pitted)
½ cup creamy peanut butter (or almond butter)
¼ cup maple syrup
½ cup vanilla plant-based protein powder
½ cup oat flour
¼ cup chopped peanuts
¼ cup dark chocolate chips (melted)
Optional: pinch of sea salt for topping
Instructions
If dates are firm, soak them in warm water for 5–10 minutes. Drain and pat dry.
In a food processor, blend dates, peanut butter, and maple syrup until smooth.
Add protein powder and oat flour. Pulse until combined. Adjust texture with a splash of almond milk if too dry, or more oat flour if too sticky.
Fold in chopped peanuts for crunch.
Shape dough into balls, then flatten into cookies.
Drizzle or spread melted dark chocolate on top. Sprinkle sea salt if desired.
Chill in fridge or freezer for 10–20 minutes until set. Enjoy!
Notes
Swap peanut butter for almond or sunflower seed butter (for nut-free option).
Use chocolate protein powder for a richer flavor.
Add cinnamon or espresso powder for variety.
Press a small piece of date caramel into the center for extra indulgence.
