Cookies and Cream Protein Shake

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This cookies and cream protein shake is a filling post-workout snack. It’s quick, easy, and full of Oreo cookie flavor.

Cookies and cream protein shake in a glass.
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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

Cookies and Cream Protein Shake ingredients on a table.
  • 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

Steps for making a cookies and cream protein shake.

For full ingredients and instructions, scroll down to the recipe.

  1. Pour almond milk into the blender.
    The liquid should be the first ingredient to go in.
  2. Add sweetened condensed milk.
  3. Add cocoa powder.
  4. Add protein powder.
Final steps for making a cookies and cream protein shake.
  1. Blend until smooth.
    Start on low speed, then increase to high.
  2. Pour into a cup. Serve immediately.
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Cookies and cream protein shake in a glass.

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.

Ingredients for a cookies and cream protein shake in a blender.

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

How do you make protein shakes taste like cookies and cream?

In this shake, the combination of sweetened condensed milk, cocoa powder, and vanilla protein flavor mimics the flavor of cookies and cream (Oreo cookies).

Can I use cow’s milk?

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.

Can I add ice?

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.

Cookies and cream protein shake in a glass.

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Cookies and Cream Protein Shake

Author: Jee Choe
Made with just 4 ingredients, this cookies and cream protein shake is a delicious post-workout treat. Get the quick and easy 5-minute recipe.
5 from 1 vote
Total Time2 minutes
Yield 1 serving (16 ounces)

INGREDIENTS
  

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.

NUTRITION

Calories: 325kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 75mg | Sodium: 779mg | Potassium: 347mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 24g | Vitamin A: 107IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 874mg | Iron: 1mg
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