Greek Yogurt Protein Cookie Bars

These Greek Yogurt Protein Cookie Bars are the perfect blend of nutrition and indulgence—soft, chewy, and topped with a creamy yogurt frosting and colorful sprinkles. Made with wholesome ingredients like oat flour, Greek yogurt, and protein powder, they’re an ideal grab-and-go snack for post-workout recovery, lunchboxes, or guilt-free dessert cravings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cookie bars are a wholesome alternative to traditional treats, packed with protein and naturally sweetened with honey or maple syrup. They’re easy to make, freezer-friendly, and offer a great way to incorporate more protein into your diet without sacrificing flavor. The tangy yogurt frosting adds a rich finish without the heaviness of buttercream, and the festive sprinkles make them fun and kid-friendly.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Bars:

• 1 cup Greek yogurt (plain or vanilla)
• 1/4 cup nut butter (peanut or almond)
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder
• 1 cup oat flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• Pinch of salt

For the Frosting:

• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons cream cheese (softened)
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Sprinkles for topping

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, nut butter, honey (or maple syrup), egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. Add in the protein powder, oat flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir until well combined.
4. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
5. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set.
6. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
7. In a small bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, softened cream cheese, honey, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
8. Spread the frosting over the cooled bars and top with sprinkles.
9. Chill the bars for at least 30 minutes before slicing into 12 even pieces.
10. Store in the refrigerator and enjoy chilled or at room temperature.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 12 bars
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Baking Time: 20 minutes
• Chill Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Calories: Approximately 170 kcal per bar

Variations

• Chocolate Chip Version: Fold in mini dark chocolate chips or cacao nibs for added texture.
• Berry Swirl: Add a swirl of strawberry or raspberry puree to the batter before baking for a fruity twist.
• Nut-Free: Use sunflower seed butter or tahini for a nut-free version.
• No-Frosting Option: Skip the frosting and serve them as plain protein bars for an even lighter snack.
• Cinnamon Spice: Add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon to the batter for a warm, spiced flavor.

storage/reheating

Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen (frosted or unfrosted) for up to 2 months. To freeze, wrap each bar individually in parchment paper and place them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature. These bars are best served chilled or slightly softened—not recommended for reheating in the microwave.

FAQs

Can I use plain protein powder?

Yes, but you may want to increase the vanilla extract or sweetener slightly to maintain flavor.

What can I substitute for oat flour?

You can use ground rolled oats or almond flour, but note the texture may vary slightly.

Can I make these bars dairy-free?

Use a dairy-free yogurt and a plant-based cream cheese alternative for the frosting.

Is there a vegan version of this recipe?

Yes, substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water) and use vegan yogurt and cream cheese.

Are these bars suitable for kids?

Absolutely—they’re sweetened naturally, easy to eat, and fun with sprinkles on top.

How much protein is in each bar?

This depends on the protein powder used, but each bar typically contains around 8–10 grams of protein.

Can I skip the frosting?

Yes, the bars are delicious on their own, but the frosting adds creaminess and visual appeal.

What type of nut butter works best?

Creamy peanut butter or almond butter works well; avoid natural butters that separate easily.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, double the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch pan. Adjust the baking time to 25–30 minutes.

How do I know when they’re done baking?

The edges will be lightly golden and the center will be set and slightly springy to the touch.

Conclusion

Greek Yogurt Protein Cookie Bars are a delicious, nourishing snack that offers a satisfying boost of energy and flavor. Whether you’re looking for a post-workout bite, a healthier dessert, or a lunchbox treat, these bars deliver all the sweetness and softness of a traditional cookie with none of the guilt. Easy to customize, prep ahead, and enjoy anytime—this is a smart snack you’ll feel good about.

Greek Yogurt Protein Cookie Bars

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Soft, chewy, and protein-packed Greek Yogurt Cookie Bars topped with a creamy yogurt frosting and colorful sprinkles—a guilt-free treat ideal for post-workout snacks or lunchbox surprises.

• Author: Mari
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12 bars 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup Greek yogurt (plain or vanilla)
• 1/4 cup nut butter (peanut or almond)
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (for bars)
• 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder
• 1 cup oat flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• Pinch of salt
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (for frosting)
• 2 tbsp cream cheese, softened
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (for frosting)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
• Sprinkles for topping

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, nut butter, honey, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
3. Add protein powder, oat flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir until fully incorporated.
4. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
5. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden and the center is set.
6. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
7. In a separate bowl, blend Greek yogurt, cream cheese, honey, and vanilla extract until smooth to make the frosting.
8. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars.
9. Top with sprinkles and chill for 30 minutes.
10. Slice into bars and serve.

Notes

• Use flavored Greek yogurt for added sweetness and variety.
• Bars can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Swap nut butter or sweetener according to dietary needs.
• To make dairy-free, use plant-based yogurt and dairy-free cream cheese.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar
• Calories: 170
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 85mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 17g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 25mg