High-Protein Orange Blossom Cookies: A Guilt-Free Treat

High-Protein Orange Blossom Cookies
There’s something incredibly satisfying about transforming simple ingredients into a delightful treat, especially when it’s a healthy one! My journey into mindful baking has been a cherished adventure, a real testament to how amazing healthy baking can truly be. I vividly remember the day I first stumbled upon orange blossom water years ago in a quaint little spice shop; its exquisitely fragrant aroma immediately transported me to sun-drenched Mediterranean groves, promising a culinary magic I knew I had to capture.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!That enchanting scent sparked an idea: to infuse that very magic into a cookie that felt utterly indulgent yet genuinely nourished the body after a good workout or as a mid-afternoon pick-me-up. Forget dry, bland protein cookies; these High-Protein Orange Blossom Cookies are chewy, aromatic, and truly a celebration of flavor, much like my beloved Soft and Chewy Ginger Snaps! This recipe is a delightful dance of zest and floral notes, perfectly balanced and, dare I say, insanely yummy, proving healthy baking can be anything but boring.
High-Protein Orange Blossom Cookies: A Guilt-Free Treat
Course: DessertsCuisine: Mediterranean-inspiredDifficulty: Easy4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcalThese High-Protein Orange Blossom Cookies are a delightful blend of fragrant orange blossom and zesty citrus, packed with protein for a guilt-free treat. Chewy, aromatic, and perfectly balanced, they’re an absolute joy to bake and even better to eat!
Ingredients
1/2 cup vanilla protein powder (whey or plant-based)
1/2 cup almond flour
1/4 cup oat flour
1/4 cup erythritol or preferred granulated sweetener
1 tsp baking powder
Pinch of salt
Zest of 1 large orange
2 tbsp orange blossom water
1 large egg white
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce (or 2 tbsp melted coconut oil for richer texture)
Optional: 1/4 tsp almond extract for enhanced flavor
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the protein powder, almond flour, oat flour, granulated sweetener, baking powder, salt, and orange zest until well combined.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the orange blossom water, egg white, and unsweetened applesauce (or melted coconut oil) until smooth. If using, add the almond extract here.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix with a spatula or spoon until a cohesive dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
- Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into smooth balls. Place them onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
- Gently flatten each cookie ball slightly with the palm of your hand or the back of a spoon.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers are set. The cookies will be soft when warm but will firm up as they cool.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your healthy, fragrant treats!
Notes
- The Perfect Texture: For truly tender and chewy High-Protein Orange Blossom Cookies, resist the urge to overmix the dough. Just combine until the ingredients are incorporated. Overmixing can develop gluten in the oat flour and lead to a tougher cookie.
- Zesty Boost: To really make that orange flavor pop, try this trick: rub the orange zest into your granulated sweetener with your fingertips for about a minute before adding it to the dry ingredients. This helps release all those beautiful essential oils and infuse the sweetness with citrus!
- Flavor Finesse: Orange blossom water can vary in strength. Start with 2 tablespoons and taste a tiny bit of the raw dough (if your protein powder is safe to taste raw). If you desire a stronger floral note, add another 1/2 teaspoon at a time until it’s just right. Remember, a little goes a long way!
