"Nutella" Fudge Protein Cookies

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For quite some time, I was making Peanut Butter Protein Balls on a daily basis!  They are just so incredibly easy to make and I love the short and healthy ingredient list.

Oh, and did I mention they taste sooo.freaking.good?

But sometimes it's good to change things up a bit.  Lulu commented on the PB Protein Ball post saying how she made a maple-vanilla-cashew version, and it made me think of all the variations the recipe had to offer.

Naturally, the first thing that came to my mind was chocolate.

Then I thought of Nutella.

And that's when these babies were born...

Just as tasty as the peanut butter version, only these have a little extra oomph...  chocolate!

They're so rich and fudgy, it feels like you're eating something unhealthy.  It's hard to believe these are actually nutritious and full of vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, fiber and protein!

Yes, all that in a cookie.

They may look small, but they are surprisingly filling and totally satisfying.

I added some chopped raw hazelnuts to the cookies because they add a nice crunch, but if you're really up for some decadence, add some mini chocolate chips instead...

Because you deserve it  ;)

"Nutella" Fudge Protein Cookies:  [no bake, high protein, GF, vegan]
(makes 4 cookies)
   32g (1 scoop) Chocolate Protein Powder
   28g (2 tbs) Hazelnut Butter (natural, no sugar/salt/oil added)
   42g (2 tbs) Pure Maple Syrup (or honey/agave)

Directions:
1.  Add the protein powder to a small bowl, then add the hazelnut butter and syrup.  Stir until protein powder has dissolved.
2.  Scoop 1/4 of the mixture and roll into a ball, and do the same with the rest of the mixture.  Put the balls on a plate and freeze for about 30 minutes.  Flatten the balls into cookies (or keep them in ball form, like these) and press on any toppings you like (for some ideas, see this post)

Feel free to add 1/2 tsp of dark cocoa powder...  you know, just to make it a little more chocolatey  ;)

Enjoy!