Protein-Packed Christmas Cookies

Celebrate the festive season with a healthy twist! These Protein-Packed Christmas Cookies are the perfect treat for fitness enthusiasts looking to indulge without straying from their nutritional goals. Infused with high-quality whey protein, these cookies are delicious and a great post-workout snack. 

They're designed to keep your holiday spirits high and your body energized. So, preheat your oven, and let's turn those Christmas carols up as we bake our way to a guilt-free, muscle-fueling holiday!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup almond flour
• 3/4 cup whey protein powder (vanilla or gingerbread cookies)
• 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup or honey
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
• Red and green sprinkles for decoration

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet.
• Whisk together the almond flour, whey protein powder, nutmeg, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl. 
• Mix the melted coconut oil, egg, maple syrup or honey, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl until well combined.
• Gradually combine the wet and dry ingredients, stirring until a dough forms. If the mixture is too dry, add a tablespoon of almond milk.
• Fold the dark chocolate chips, then chill the dough in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.
• Form the dough into balls using a cookie scoop or spoon and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each ball slightly with your fingers or the back of a spoon.
• Decorate with red and green sprinkles to add a festive touch.
• Bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges are golden brown.
• Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

These Protein-Packed Christmas Cookies are the perfect fusion of holiday joy and fitness dedication. With each bite, you're not just enjoying a Christmas treat but also fueling your body with the protein it needs to recover muscle. They're a testament to the fact that the holidays can be both merry and healthy. Share them with family and friends, or keep them all to yourself—we won't tell Santa! Happy holidays and happy lifting!