Whether you’ve just crushed a viral "Tread & Tone" session or finished a heavy dumbbell circuit, your muscles are screaming for two things: protein and recovery. These cookies aren't just a treat; they’re a functional powerhouse designed to fight inflammation and rebuild strength while tasting like a total indulgence.
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 12 minutes
- Servings: 12 cookies
Shop Key Ingredients
To get that perfect "Modern-Homey" texture and professional-grade nutrition, I recommend these pantry staples:
- Organic Creamy Peanut Butter (Look for 100% nuts, no added oils!)
- Dried Tart Montmorency Cherries (The secret weapon for muscle recovery)
- Gluten-Free Rolled Oats
- Dark Chocolate Chunks (70% Cacao)
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup Rolled Oats (blitzed slightly for texture)
- ½ cup Creamy Peanut Butter
- ¼ cup Honey or Maple Syrup
- 1 scoop Vanilla Protein Powder (Whey or Pea work best)
- ⅓ cup Dried Tart Cherries
- ¼ cup Dark Chocolate Chunks
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- A pinch of Sea Salt
How to Make It
1. Mix the Base
In a large artisanal ceramic bowl, combine your peanut butter, honey, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and glossy. This creates the "glue" for our high-protein dough.
2. Fold in the Power
Add the oats, protein powder, and salt. Use a spatula to fold everything together. Once the dough starts to clump, gently fold in the tart cherries and chocolate chunks. The cherries are packed with anthocyanins, which help reduce muscle soreness after those heavy dumbbell lunges!
3. Scoop and Bake
Line a tray with parchment paper. Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough and press them down slightly with a fork (the classic peanut butter cookie "criss-cross" is optional but highly encouraged for that homey look). Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes until the edges are just barely golden.
Ready to Enjoy!
Let them cool for at least 10 minutes (if you can wait that long!) so they firm up. Pair these with a glass of almond milk or a cold brew coffee for the ultimate recovery snack. You’ve earned every single bite—now go get those gains!
