Total Cooking Time: 20 minutes (plus 45 minutes chill time)
Difficulty Level: Easy
If you love sneaking bites of cookie dough straight from the bowl, these High-Protein Yogurt Cookie Dough Cups are about to become your new favorite healthy indulgence. Creamy, sweet, and loaded with chocolate chips, they taste like classic cookie dough — but they’re made with better-for-you ingredients and packed with protein.
Each bite is soft, rich, and slightly chewy, with a creamy center and a smooth chocolate shell that gently cracks when you bite into it. The subtle tang of Greek yogurt blends beautifully with nutty almond flour and vanilla, creating a balanced sweetness that doesn’t feel heavy. The aroma of vanilla and chocolate alone makes these little cups irresistible.
What makes this recipe special is that it requires no baking and comes together quickly in one bowl. They’re perfect for meal prep, after-workout treats, or a smart dessert option when you want something sweet but still nourishing. Kids love the chocolatey shell, and adults appreciate the protein boost that keeps cravings satisfied longer.
Estimated calories: approximately 160–180 per cup (depending on chocolate used).
Key Ingredients
These High-Protein Yogurt Cookie Dough Cups rely on simple, wholesome ingredients that deliver both flavor and nutrition.
Plain Greek Yogurt (1 cup / 240 g) – The creamy protein-rich base that replaces butter and keeps the dough soft and smooth.
Vanilla Protein Powder (½ cup / 50 g) – Boosts protein content and adds natural sweetness and flavor.
Almond Flour (¾ cup / 85 g) – Creates that classic cookie dough texture while adding healthy fats and subtle nuttiness.
Natural Peanut Butter or Almond Butter (¼ cup / 60 g) – Adds richness, binding power, and depth of flavor.
Pure Maple Syrup or Honey (2–3 tablespoons / 30–45 ml) – Provides natural sweetness and helps smooth the texture.
Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon) – Enhances that nostalgic cookie dough flavor.
Salt (¼ teaspoon) – Balances sweetness and intensifies the chocolate notes.
Mini Dark Chocolate Chips (⅓ cup / 60 g) – Add texture and bursts of chocolate throughout the dough.
Dark Chocolate (1 cup / 170 g, melted) – Forms the outer shell that gives each cup its satisfying snap.
Coconut Oil (1 teaspoon, optional) – Helps thin the melted chocolate for smoother coating.
Collagen Peptides (1 tablespoon, optional) – Adds extra protein without affecting texture.
Chia Seeds (1 teaspoon, optional) – Adds fiber and slight texture variation.
How to Make It (Step-by-Step Method)
Step 1: Prepare the Muffin Pan (5 minutes)
Line a standard 12-cup muffin tin with paper or silicone liners. This makes removal easy once the cups are set.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough Filling (5–7 minutes)
In a large bowl, combine Greek yogurt, protein powder, almond flour, nut butter, maple syrup (or honey), vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until smooth and thick. The texture should resemble soft cookie dough — creamy but firm enough to scoop.
If the mixture feels too soft, add a tablespoon of almond flour. If too thick, stir in a small spoonful of yogurt.
Fold in mini chocolate chips and optional chia seeds or collagen peptides. Stir gently to distribute evenly.
Step 3: Melt the Chocolate (3–4 minutes)
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt dark chocolate in 20-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth. Add coconut oil if needed for a glossy, pourable consistency.
Step 4: Assemble the Cups (5–7 minutes)
Spoon about 1 teaspoon of melted chocolate into the bottom of each muffin liner. Use the back of the spoon to spread it slightly up the sides.
Place the pan in the freezer for 5–10 minutes until the chocolate firms up.
Next, scoop about 1 tablespoon of cookie dough filling into each cup and gently press it down, leaving a small gap at the top for the final chocolate layer.
Cover each with another spoonful of melted chocolate, smoothing the tops evenly.
Step 5: Chill Until Set (30–45 minutes)
Place the muffin tin in the freezer for 30–45 minutes, or until fully set. Once firm, remove from liners and store appropriately.
The result? Creamy, protein-packed cookie dough centers wrapped in a crisp chocolate shell.
Serving Suggestions
These High-Protein Yogurt Cookie Dough Cups are ideal for serving straight from the refrigerator for a firm, candy-like texture. Arrange them on a chilled dessert plate and sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the tops for a gourmet touch. The salt enhances the chocolate flavor and makes them taste even more indulgent.
For a fun presentation at gatherings, cut a few cups in half to reveal the creamy cookie dough center and stack them on a serving platter with fresh berries. The contrast of dark chocolate and bright fruit creates a visually stunning dessert board.
You can also crumble one cup over a bowl of Greek yogurt with sliced bananas for a protein-packed breakfast treat. Or pack them individually in small containers for an easy grab-and-go snack. Because they’re chilled, they hold their shape beautifully and feel like a mini dessert bar you’d find at a health-focused café.
Storage + Meal Prep
Store these cookie dough cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They maintain their texture best when kept chilled. If left at room temperature for too long, the yogurt filling will soften.
For longer storage, freeze them for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. When ready to eat, let them sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes to slightly soften before enjoying.
These are perfect for meal prep — make a batch on Sunday and have a protein-rich dessert ready all week. To refresh flavor, drizzle a little melted chocolate or sprinkle additional mini chips on top before serving.
Conclusion
High-Protein Yogurt Cookie Dough Cups are proof that healthy desserts don’t have to sacrifice flavor or texture. With their creamy centers, chocolate shell, and satisfying sweetness, they deliver everything you love about cookie dough — plus a nourishing boost of protein.
Whether you’re looking for a smarter sweet treat, a post-workout snack, or a make-ahead dessert option, these little cups check all the boxes. Customize them with different nut butters, swap in white chocolate chips, or add crushed nuts for extra crunch. Once you try them, you’ll see just how delicious healthy dessert can truly be.
