This cookies and cream protein shake is a filling post-workout snack. It’s quick, easy, and full of Oreo cookie flavor.
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Recipe Highlights
- An easy 5-minute recipe, this cookies and cream protein shake is inspired by the flavors of an Oreo cookie.
- It’s made by blending unsweetened almond milk, sweetened condensed milk, cocoa powder, and vanilla protein powder.
- The high protein content of this drink is ideal for maintaining and building muscle.
- Make this 4-ingredient shake when you’re craving a satisfying and quick treat.
RELATED: Chocolate Protein Shake
What Are Protein Shakes?
Protein shakes are cold and frothy drinks that are high in protein.
They’re made by mixing liquid, like water or milk, and protein powder. The protein powder can come from animal or plant-based sources.
Compared to smoothies, protein shakes have a thinner consistency. That’s because they have no frozen fruit.
Drinking a protein shake is helpful for exercise recovery. It’s also very filling, so it’s good for reducing hunger.
Cookies and Cream Protein Shake Health Benefits
Increases Hydration
All types of drinks will increase your water intake. This includes protein shakes.
In this recipe, the fluids come from unsweetened almond milk.
Your body needs fluids to protect joints, support digestion, and promote healthy skin.
Promotes Feeling of Fullness
Protein is a key nutrient for increasing satiety, or the feeling of fullness.
Since this cookies and cream protein shake is high in protein, it will help you feel satisfied.
This is important for supporting energy and reducing cravings throughout the day.
Supports Muscle Growth
It’s recommended to consume protein within 60 minutes of working out.
The protein will help your muscles repair and get bigger.
Since this shake is high in protein, it’s a great option for a post-workout snack.
Provides Antioxidants
This cookies and cream protein shake has some antioxidants. It’s thanks to the cocoa powder.
Antioxidants are compounds that reduce oxidative stress. This protects your cells from damage.
RELATED: Vanilla Protein Shake
Ingredient Notes
- Unsweetened almond milk
Unsweetened almond milk is a healthy liquid base for protein shakes. It has a mild flavor, so it won’t overpower the drink. - Sweetened condensed milk
This is what gives the drink the cookies and cream taste. It’s milk and sugar in one ingredient. - Cocoa powder
It’s best to use 100% cocoa powder without any sugar for protein shakes. Avoid using hot cocoa mix. It has a different flavor due to added sugar and milk. - Vanilla protein powder
The vanilla flavor emphasizes the cookies and cream taste of the drink. Feel free to use whey or plant-based protein powder.
Step-by-Step Instructions
For full ingredients and instructions, scroll down to the recipe.
- Pour almond milk into the blender.
The liquid should be the first ingredient to go in. - Add sweetened condensed milk.
- Add cocoa powder.
- Add protein powder.
- Blend until smooth.
Start on low speed, then increase to high. - Pour into a cup. Serve immediately.
Photo Credit: amazon.com
Optional Add-Ins
Seeds
Seeds will add protein and healthy fats to your protein shake. Try flax seeds, hemp seeds, or chia seeds.
Use 1 tablespoon to avoid overwhelming the flavor of the drink.
Extracts
When used in protein shakes, extracts can add flavor without changing the texture.
For a stronger vanilla flavor, add ½ teaspoon vanilla extract.
Nut butters
To make a richer shake, add 1 tablespoon hazelnut butter, almond butter, or cashew butter.
Like seeds, these ingredients contain some protein and healthy fats.
You can also use sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option.
Expert Tips
- Add another 1 tablespoon condensed milk for a sweeter shake. You can also use 1 tablespoon of date syrup.
- If you want an icier protein shake, add a few ice cubes. They should be the last ingredient to go in the blender.
- Before adding the protein powder, check the label. You might need more than 1 scoop per drink, depending on the brand.
- Protein shakes taste best when they’re freshly made. Leftovers can be kept in the refrigerator for 1-2 days in an airtight jar. However, the ingredients will separate, so shake the drink before enjoying.
Questions You May Have
In this shake, the combination of sweetened condensed milk, cocoa powder, and vanilla protein flavor mimics the flavor of cookies and cream (Oreo cookies).
Yes. Cow’s milk will add more protein and calcium to the recipe. For a plant-based option that’s high in protein, use soy milk.
If you prefer thicker shakes, feel free to add a few ice cubes or slices of frozen banana. Load these ingredients into the blender last.
Related
- Caramel Protein Shake
- Banana Protein Shake
- Peanut Butter Protein Shake
- Coffee Protein Shake
- Chocolate Almond Protein Shake
- 15 Best Protein Shake Recipes
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Cookies and Cream Protein Shake
INGREDIENTS
- 2 cups unsweetened almond milk
- 2 tablespoons  sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
INSTRUCTIONS
- Put unsweetened almond milk, sweetened condensed milk, cocoa powder, and vanilla protein powder into a blender. Secure lid.Place ingredients into the blender in the order listed.
- Blend until smooth.Start the blender on LOW speed for 5 seconds. Increase speed to HIGH for 20 seconds.
- Pour shake into a cup. Serve immediately.
EQUIPMENT
NOTES
- It’s best to use 100% cocoa powder without any sugar for protein shakes. Avoid using hot cocoa mix. It has a different flavor due to added sugar and milk.
- Add another 1 tablespoon condensed milk for a sweeter shake. You can also use 1 tablespoon date syrup.
- If you want an icier protein shake, add a few ice cubes. They should be the last ingredient to go in the blender.
- Before adding the protein powder, check the label. You might need more than 1 scoop per drink, depending on the brand.
- Protein shakes taste best when they’re freshly made. Leftovers can be kept in the refrigerator for 1-2 days in an airtight jar. However, the ingredients will separate, so shake the drink before enjoying.