Say Goodbye to Store-Bought: Your Guide to Homemade Choc Chip Cookie Dough Protein Bars

We've all been there—standing in the supplement aisle, staring at a wall of protein bars, trying to decipher a mile-long ingredient list. You're looking for a quick, healthy snack to fuel your day, but instead, you find a concoction of artificial sweeteners, preservatives, and questionable ingredients that can wreak havoc on your gut and hormones. It's frustrating, isn't it?

At 99th Monkey, we believe that good food should be simple, delicious, and made with ingredients you can actually pronounce. We believe in getting back to basics, and that's exactly why we're sharing this recipe for homemade Choc Chip Cookie Dough Protein Bars. These aren't just any bars; they're a crunchy, satisfying, and deeply nourishing treat that tastes just like the cookie dough you loved as a kid, but without the guilt or the nasties.

So, why go homemade? Let's break down the hidden truths about many store-bought options and then get into the good stuff—making your own!

The Problem with Most Protein Bars

It's tempting to grab a convenient, pre-packaged bar when you're in a hurry. But what are you really getting? Often, these bars are loaded with highly processed ingredients designed for a long shelf life, not for your health.

• Synthetic Sweeteners and Sugar Alcohols: Many bars use sugar alcohols like erythritol and xylitol to keep the calorie count low. While they're not sugar, they can cause digestive distress, bloating, and gas in many people. They can also mess with your gut microbiome, which is crucial for everything from digestion to mental health.

• Added Preservatives: To stay "fresh" for months on end, these bars are packed with preservatives that can contribute to gut inflammation and other health issues over time. Your body doesn't recognise these chemicals, making them difficult to process.

• Seed Oils: Many commercial brands use cheap, inflammatory seed oils like canola or sunflower oil. While some argue their benefits, when processed at high heat and used in abundance, they can contribute to inflammation in the body.

• A "Frankenfood" Experience: The reality is, many of these bars are more science experiment than actual food. They're engineered to have the right texture and macronutrient profile but often lack the whole-food nutrients your body truly needs to thrive.

The solution? Get into the kitchen and take control of your fuel. This recipe is designed to be a simple, rewarding experience that leaves you with a stash of delicious, nutrient-dense snacks you can feel great about eating. Plus, it's a perfect way to use up that jar of 99th Monkey Almond Butter you've got in the pantry!

The Recipe: Choc Chip Cookie Dough Protein Bars

This recipe is a masterclass in simplicity. There's no baking required, and the whole process takes less than 15 minutes before they chill. It's the kind of recipe you'll be making again and again.

What You’ll Need:

• 1/2 cup toasted quinoa (Toasting is key! It removes any bitterness and adds a beautiful, nutty crunch.)

• 1 cup soy protein crisps

• 3 scoops of your favourite protein powder

• 100g 99th Monkey Almond Butter

• 1/2 cup honey

• 2-3 tbsp coconut oil

For the Chocolate Topping:

• 140g sugar-free dark chocolate chips

• 2-3 tbsp coconut oil

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted quinoa, soy protein crisps, and protein powder. Stir everything together until the dry ingredients are evenly mixed.

2. Add the Wet Ingredients: In a separate, microwave-safe bowl, gently heat the 99th Monkey Almond Butter, honey, and coconut oil. Stir until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.

3. Combine and Press: Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly until everything is well-coated and you have a sticky, cohesive dough. Line a square or rectangular baking dish with parchment paper and press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom.

4. Melt the Topping: In a clean, microwave-safe bowl, melt the sugar-free dark chocolate chips and coconut oil together. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the mixture is smooth and glossy.

5. Drizzle and Chill: Pour the melted chocolate over the protein bar base, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Place the dish in the refrigerator for at least one hour, or until the chocolate has completely set.

6. Cut and Store: Once the bars are firm, lift the parchment paper out of the dish and cut them into your desired size. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.

And voilà! A batch of homemade, wholesome protein bars ready to go whenever you need a boost.

The Ingredients: Why They Work

Every single ingredient in this recipe serves a purpose, offering a mix of macronutrients and micronutrients that will help you feel your best.

• 99th Monkey Almond Butter: Our almond butter is a simple, wholesome source of healthy monounsaturated fats, which are great for heart health. It also provides a satisfying dose of protein and fibre to keep you feeling full and prevent energy crashes.

• Toasted Quinoa: This ancient grain isn't just for salads. It's a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids. When toasted, it delivers a wonderful texture and a solid dose of fibre to support digestive health.

• Dark Chocolate: Opting for sugar-free dark chocolate gives you all the flavour without the sugar spike. Dark chocolate is also packed with antioxidants, which help fight inflammation and protect your cells from damage.

• Honey: As a natural sweetener, honey provides a more gradual energy release than refined sugar. It also has its own unique blend of antioxidants and is a healthier alternative to the corn syrups or other highly processed sweeteners found in store-bought options.

• Coconut Oil: This ingredient helps bind the bars together while also contributing healthy fats that can support brain function and metabolism.

These bars are more than just a snack; they're a way to nourish your body with real, unprocessed food. They're perfect for a pre-workout boost, a post-workout recovery, or a simple, delicious way to satisfy your sweet tooth without compromising on your health goals.

The next time you're craving something sweet and satisfying, skip the store and head to your kitchen. You'll be amazed at how easy it is to create something so delicious and so good for you.

Ready to start spreading the joy of simple, delicious food? Share your creations with us on Instagram!