High-Protein Vanilla Shortbread Cookies

These buttery vanilla shortbread cookies have a tender, crumbly texture with a delicious vanilla flavor. Made with almond flour, protein powder, and a sugar-free sweetener, they’re a low-carb treat for snack time or dessert.

Prep

10 min

Bake

10–14 min

Makes

12 cookies

Ingredients

• 1 cup (112 g) finely ground blanched almond flour
• ½ cup (about 50 g) vanilla whey protein isolate, preferably low-carb
• ¼ cup (56 g) unsalted butter, softened
• ¼ cup powdered erythritol or monk fruit sweetener
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon baking powder
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• 1–2 teaspoons unsweetened almond milk, only if needed

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Heat to 325°F (165°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.

2. Cream the butter and sweetener: In a bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sweetener until smooth and creamy.

3. Add the wet ingredients: Mix in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

4. Combine the dry ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the almond flour, protein powder, baking powder, and salt.

5. Make the dough: Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture. Stir until a soft dough forms. If it seems too dry or crumbly, add almond milk one teaspoon at a time.

6. Shape the cookies: Divide the dough into 12 equal portions. Roll into balls, place on the prepared tray, and flatten gently with your fingers or a fork to form shortbread-style cookies.

7. Bake: Bake for 10–14 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may still feel soft when hot.

8. Cool completely: Let the cookies rest on the tray for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. They become firmer and more shortbread-like as they cool.

Estimated nutrition

Per cookie · 12 cookies total

Calories

115–130

Protein

5–7 g

Total carbs

2–4 g

Net carbs

1–2 g

Fat

10–11 g

Nutrition is approximate and depends on the protein powder, sweetener, and almond flour used.

Tips for the best shortbread

• For more protein: Use whey protein isolate with a high protein content and minimal carbohydrates.
• For fewer carbs: Choose unsweetened almond milk and a zero-sugar sweetener.
• For extra vanilla flavor: Add a little vanilla bean powder.
• For a crispier texture: Let the cookies cool completely before storing.
• Storage: Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days at room temperature, or refrigerate for up to a week.