Whip up a batch of this super easy Birthday Cake Protein Cookie Dough with the kiddos and enjoy 7 grams of protein per serving. This delightful treat is perfect for birthday parties, family gatherings, or even a special snack any day of the week. With its rich flavor and fun sprinkles, this cookie dough offers a unique twist on traditional desserts while keeping your protein intake in check.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- High in Protein: Each serving packs 7 grams of protein, making it a nutritious dessert option.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy days or last-minute cravings.
- Kid-Friendly Fun: Involve the kids in mixing and sprinkling for a fun family activity.
- No Baking Required: Enjoy the deliciousness of cookie dough without turning on the oven.
- Versatile Treat: Great for birthdays, parties, or as a post-workout snack.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start making your Birthday Cake Protein Cookie Dough, gather your tools to ensure a smooth process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or stand mixer with paddle attachment
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A spacious bowl allows you to combine ingredients without spills.
- Hand mixer: This tool makes creaming butter and sugar effortless, ensuring a smooth texture.
Ingredients
To create your delicious Birthday Cake Protein Cookie Dough, you will need the following:
Dry Ingredients
- 3/4 cup Pillsbury Funfetti Cake Mix (97 grams)
- 6 tbsp Dymatize Elite Vanilla Casein Protein Powder (48 grams)
- 2 tbsp Cellucor Whipped Vanilla Whey Protein Powder (16 grams)
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar (64 grams)
Wet Ingredients
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (46 grams)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk (2 fl oz)
- 1/4 tsp almond extract
Add-Ins
- 2 tbsp rainbow sprinkles (24 g)
How to Make Birthday Cake Protein Cookie Dough
Step 1: Heat Treat the Cake Mix
- Place the cake mix in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Microwave for 30 seconds to heat treat it. Stir well and let it cool before using.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
- In a mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter and light brown sugar until fluffy.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
- Add the heat-treated cake mix, Dymatize casein protein powder, Cellucor whey protein powder, almond extract, and unsweetened almond milk into the bowl.
- Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing.
Step 4: Fold in Sprinkles
- Gently fold in the rainbow sprinkles until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 5: Serve or Store
- Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze for up to three months.
Enjoy your tasty Birthday Cake Protein Cookie Dough!
How to Serve Birthday Cake Protein Cookie Dough
Birthday Cake Protein Cookie Dough is a fun and versatile treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a party dessert, these serving suggestions will elevate your experience.
Scoop it Up
- Use ice cream scoops to serve individual portions for easy sharing.
- Pair it with fresh fruit like strawberries or bananas for a refreshing twist.
Top Your Treats
- Spread the cookie dough on whole-grain toast for a protein-packed breakfast.
- Use it as a dip for apple slices, making healthy snacking more enjoyable.
Create Dessert Parfaits
- Layer the cookie dough with Greek yogurt and granola for a delightful parfait.
- Add some extra sprinkles between the layers for an eye-catching finish.
Bake into Cookies
- Roll the dough into small balls and bake them for a chewy cookie version.
- Adjust baking time to ensure they remain soft and gooey inside.
How to Perfect Birthday Cake Protein Cookie Dough
To ensure your Birthday Cake Protein Cookie Dough turns out perfectly each time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use fresh ingredients: Ensure your protein powders and cake mix are not expired for the best taste.
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter dough, add more brown sugar or sprinkles according to your taste.
- Experiment with flavors: Try different extracts like vanilla or coconut to create unique variations.
- Chill before serving: Refrigerating the dough for 30 minutes can enhance its flavor and texture.
- Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined to maintain a soft and creamy consistency.
Best Side Dishes for Birthday Cake Protein Cookie Dough
Pairing side dishes with Birthday Cake Protein Cookie Dough can create a balanced meal. Here are some delicious options to consider.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds natural sweetness and brightness.
- Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for added protein and crunch.
- Nut Butter Toast: Whole grain bread topped with almond or peanut butter complements the sweet flavors well.
- Veggie Sticks with Hummus: Crunchy veggies provide a savory contrast to the sweetness of cookie dough.
- Oatmeal Bowl: A warm bowl of oatmeal topped with cookie dough makes for a hearty breakfast option.
- Chocolate Milkshake: Blend chocolate protein powder into milk for a rich beverage that pairs perfectly with dessert.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Birthday Cake Protein Cookie Dough, it’s easy to make a few common errors that can affect the final result. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
- Skipping the heat treatment: Not heating the cake mix can lead to an unpleasant texture. Always microwave it for 30 seconds to ensure safety and improve consistency.
- Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can result in a tough cookie dough. Mix just until combined for the best texture.
- Not measuring ingredients properly: Incorrect measurements can throw off the balance of flavors. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for accuracy.
- Ignoring storage guidelines: Not storing the cookie dough correctly may reduce its freshness. Keep it in airtight containers in the fridge or freezer as recommended.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Keep it away from strong-smelling foods to avoid flavor transfer.
Freezing Birthday Cake Protein Cookie Dough
- Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
- Portion out serving sizes before freezing for easy access.
Reheating Birthday Cake Protein Cookie Dough
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 15-20 seconds until soft.
- Stovetop: Place in a non-stick skillet on low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Birthday Cake Protein Cookie Dough.
Can I use different protein powders?
You can substitute with other flavors or brands, but this may alter the taste and texture slightly.
How can I customize my Birthday Cake Protein Cookie Dough?
Feel free to add different mix-ins like nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits for variety!
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! This cookie dough is great for meal prep and can be easily stored as mentioned above.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make a vegan version, use plant-based protein powder and swap butter with coconut oil or a vegan alternative.
Final Thoughts
This Birthday Cake Protein Cookie Dough is not only delicious but also packed with protein, making it a perfect treat. With its versatility, you can customize it according to your tastes. Try it today and enjoy a delightful twist on traditional cookie dough!
Birthday Cake Protein Cookie Dough
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
Description
Whip up a delightful batch of Birthday Cake Protein Cookie Dough that’s perfect for any occasion! This fun and nutritious treat offers 7 grams of protein per serving, making it an ideal snack for kids and adults alike. With its rich cake flavor and colorful sprinkles, this no-bake cookie dough is not only easy to prepare in just 15 minutes but also provides a healthy twist on traditional desserts. Whether you’re planning a birthday party, family gathering, or simply want a special snack during the week, this cookie dough is versatile enough to satisfy all cravings. Enjoy it chilled or use it as a topping for your favorite treats!
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup Pillsbury Funfetti Cake Mix
- 6 tbsp Dymatize Elite Vanilla Casein Protein Powder
- 2 tbsp Cellucor Whipped Vanilla Whey Protein Powder
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
- 2 tbsp rainbow sprinkles
Instructions
- Heat treat the cake mix by microwaving it for 30 seconds in a microwave-safe bowl. Stir and let cool.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and light brown sugar until fluffy using a hand mixer.
- Add the heat-treated cake mix, protein powders, almond extract, and almond milk. Mix until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Gently fold in the rainbow sprinkles until evenly distributed.
- Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie dough ball (45g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
