Protein Cream Cheese Pecan Cookies (Low-Carb)

🍪 Protein Cream Cheese Pecan Cookies (Low-Carb, Mediterranean Style)

🕒 Total Time

30 minutes
Yield: ~16 cookies

🥣 Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

• 1½ cups almond flour (finely blanched)

• 1 scoop (25–30 g) vanilla or unflavored whey protein powder

• ½ tsp baking powder

• ¼ tsp sea salt

• ½ tsp cinnamon (optional, Mediterranean warmth)

Wet Ingredients

• 3 oz cream cheese, softened

• 3 tbsp Greek yogurt (adds protein & tang)

• 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil (Mediterranean healthy fat; can sub with melted butter or coconut oil)

• ⅓ cup erythritol or monk fruit sweetener (adjust to taste)

• 1 large egg

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Add-Ins

• ½ cup chopped pecans (lightly toasted for extra flavor)

• Zest of ½ an orange (optional, adds bright Mediterranean flavor)

🧑‍🍳 Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep

   • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

   • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Mix Wet Ingredients

   • In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.

   • Add Greek yogurt, olive oil, sweetener, egg, and vanilla. Mix until creamy and well combined.

3. Add Dry Ingredients

   • In another bowl, whisk together almond flour, protein powder, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.

   • Gradually add dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.

4. Fold in Pecans & Zest

   • Stir in chopped pecans (and orange zest if using).

5. Shape & Bake

   • Scoop dough (about 1½ tbsp per cookie) onto the baking sheet.

   • Flatten slightly with your fingers or the back of a spoon — they won’t spread much.

   • Bake 10–12 minutes, until edges are golden brown.

6. Cool

   • Let cool completely on the sheet before moving — they firm up as they cool.

🍯 Optional Mediterranean Touches

• Sprinkle of sesame seeds or crushed pistachios on top before baking.

• Drizzle with a touch of honey if you’re not strictly low-carb.

• Add a dash of cardamom or anise for deeper Mediterranean spice.

💪 Nutrition (Approx. per cookie)

(varies with ingredients and protein powder)

• Calories: 120

• Protein: 6–8 g

• Fat: 10 g (mostly healthy fats)

• Net Carbs: 2–3 g

☕ Serving Ideas

• Enjoy with Greek coffee, espresso, or mint tea.

• Great as a post-workout snack or afternoon pick-me-up.