Creamy Cookie Dough Smoothie Bowl
Cookie dough smoothie bowls are a fun, creamy, and delicious treat that works as a healthy breakfast or a rich and flavorful dessert. You’ll be skipping the after-dinner ice cream and asking for a healthy cookie dough smoothie.
If you love dessert smoothies, you should try this Pecan Pie Smoothie or Protein Oreo Shake.
Why you’ll love this smoothie bowl
- Easy to make – Unlike other cookie dough smoothie bowls that have multiple steps with double digit ingredients, this delicious cookie dough smoothie bowl brings you the same amazing taste with only 7 ingredients and 3 easy steps. Simply measure out your ingredients (except the cacao nibs) and blend. Next, add cacao nibs for some added crunch and pulse 3 times. Enjoy!
- Tastes like dessert – This smoothie bowl is thick, creamy, and the flavors will remind you of a bowl of ice cream or frozen yogurt. Eat this as a satisfying breakfast or delightful dessert smoothie. Naturally sweetened so you and packed with protein, this is cookie dough you can eat anytime.
- Added vegetables – This healthy cookie dough smoothie has a full cup vegetables that you won’t even taste making this the best way to get in your veggies.
Ingredients
- Frozen cauliflower rice – Frozen cauliflower rice is the secret ingredient in making this smoothie extra thick and creamy. The mild taste of the cauliflower disappears in the background of the other smoothie flavors, so you don’t even taste it. Get some veggies in your routine while you enjoy cookie dough.
- Medjool dates – Dates help to naturally sweeten and adds a caramel flavor to the smoothie. Be sure to remove the pits from the dates before adding them to the blender or use pitted dates. If you don’t have dates and still want to enjoy this smoothie, you can also use maple syrup, honey or 1/2 a frozen banana.
- Vanilla protein powder – I recommend using a vegan based protein powder with this recipe. Vegan protein powder will help thicken and sweeten the smoothie. You can use vanilla, chocolate or peanut butter. The added protein will make the smoothie an extra filling, perfect for breakfast or a post workout snack.
- Dairy free milk – For the best smoothie bowl consistency use milk instead of water. I used almond milk, but you can use any kind of milk you prefer for this recipe. Feel free to use almond milk, cashew milk, oat milk or flax milk. Additionally, you can use regular milk here if you are not dairy free.
- Cashews – The cashews add healthy fats and help to make this smoothie nice and creamy. If you don’t have cashews, you could use unsalted peanuts or almonds instead. Additionally, you could use 2 tablespoons of peanut butter, cashew butter or almond butter.
- Rolled Oats – I recommend using rolled oats or quick oats for this recipe (not steel cut oats though). The oats help to create a thick and creamy cookie texture. They also add fiber and protein to the smoothie. Since steel cut oats still have the hull, I do not recommend using them as your smoothie will turn out gritty.
- Cacao nibs – Rich, crunchy and brings an intense chocolatey flavor to your smoothie. Cacao nibs are packed with magnesium, iron, and antioxidants. They also bring out the chewiness of the cookie dough smoothie bowl. If you don’t have cacao nibs, you can substitute them with some chocolate chips or mini chocolate chips. You can also use cacao powder, but you won’t get the added crunch.
How to make a cookie dough smoothie bowl
Measure out all the ingredients except the cacao nibs and add them to the blender.
Blend on high for 30 seconds to 1 minute until smooth and creamy.
Once creamy, add the cacao nibs to the blender
Pulse the blender 2-3 times with the cacao nibs and enjoy.
Top Tips
- Remember to use minimal liquid to keep the cookie dough smoothie bowl nice and thick. It is easier to add a bit more liquid if needed to thin it out slightly, but it is harder to take away liquid once it is added. If you happen to add a bit to much liquid, you can thicken the smoothie by adding a 1/4 cup of oats or some ice.
- Frozen cauliflower rice makes this smoothie super thick and creamy. If you are hesitant to try frozen cauliflower in a smoothie, I highly suggest you give it a try. If you do not have frozen cauliflower rice, you can use frozen cauliflower florets. I do not recommend using fresh cauliflower as fresh has a more prominent taste whereas frozen has a very mild taste that is easily hidden behind the other smoothie flavors.
- Medjool dates help to naturally sweeten this smoothie and add a delicious caramel flavor. If you don’t have dates available, you can use honey or maple syrup. The taste of the smoothie bowl will be slightly different. When using dates be sure to remove the pit before adding them to the blender.
- The vanilla protein powder helps to sweeten and thicken the smoothie. If you are using an unsweetened protein powder or collagen, be sure to add 1-2 tablespoons of maple syrup, honey or add 1-2 pitted dates for sweetness.
Other additions
- Coffee or espresso – include cold brew or a shot of espresso for some caffeine.
- Hemp hearts – will add a nutty flavor with added protein.
- Yogurt – will add a creamy texture to the smoothie and additional protein.
- Maca powder – like the dates, maca powder has a caramel flavor. It’s also a great source of potassium, calcium, and iron.
- Fruit – banana, strawberries, blueberries, or banana would be great to include.
- Nut butter or Coconut butter – include some healthy fats and added creaminess to the smoothie.
- Spices – add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg.
Smoothie bowl toppings
This cookie dough smoothie bowl would not be complete without some delicious toppings. Some great topping ideas for this smoothie bowl are:
- Dairy free chocolate chips
- Cacao nibs
- Coconut flakes
- Drizzle of nut butter, peanut butter, or tahini
- Fresh or frozen fruit such as sweet dark cherries, blueberries, or strawberries.
- Cereal or granola
Substitutions
- Frozen Cauliflower – If you don’t have frozen cauliflower on hand, you can use frozen cauliflower florets. I would not recommend fresh cauliflower as it has a bolder cauliflower taste. Frozen cauliflower has a mild taste that is easily hidden behind the rest of the smoothie flavors. If you don’t have cauliflower available, you can use 1/2 of a frozen banana along with an additional 1/4 cup of oatmeal. Additionally, you could use 1/2 an avocado and 1/2 cup of ice.
- Medjool Dates – If you don’t have dates, you can use 1-2 tablespoons of maple syrup, honey or 1/2 a banana.
- Vanilla protein powder – You can use vanilla or chocolate protein powder. I recommend using a vegan based protein powder here as vegan protein powder helps thicken the smoothie. Whey or collagen protein powders typically make a waterier consistency to a smoothie. If you are using a non-sweetened protein powder, be sure to add 1-2 tablespoons of maple syrup or honey to add sweetness. If you don’t have protein powder you can use an additional 1/4 cup of oats for thickness along with 1-2 tablespoons honey, maple syrup or 1-2 additional medjool dates for sweetness.
- Dairy free milk – You can use any milk you prefer. Almond milk, cashew milk, oat milk, flax milk, or regular dairy milk. If you don’t have milk, you can use water in a pinch. However, you will get the best smoothie bowl texture when you use milk instead of water.
- Cashews – You can use any nut or nut butter here that you have on hand. Almonds, pecans, peanuts, walnuts. Additionally, you can use almond butter, cashew butter, peanut butter, or tahini.
- Oats – Use quick or rolled oats. If you don’t have oats on hand, you can use 1/2 of a frozen banana, Greek yogurt, or avocado.
- Cacao nibs – If you don’t have cacao nibs you can use chocolate chips or mini chocolate chips (dairy free or regular) . Additionally, you could use a non-dairy chocolate chip or mini chocolate chip. Remember to add the chocolate chips after the smoothies’ initial blend and pulse blend 1-2 times.
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftovers in the freezer for up to 3 months. Simply pour leftover smoothie bowl into ice cube trays or soupercubes trays and freeze. When you are ready to enjoy the smoothie, pop the ice cubes into a blender with some milk and blend.
Additionally, cookie dough smoothie bowls are delicious as popsicles so you can freeze your leftovers in popsicle molds to enjoy later.
Common questions
How healthy is a smoothie bowl?
A smoothie bowl can be a very healthy option, but you need to monitor what is put in it and the toppings you use. Make sure the smoothie bowl uses fresh or frozen whole fruits and veggies. Also, use add-ins such as nuts, oats, almond milk, and protein powder.
Stay away from smoothies that are made with fruit juice as the fiber is stripped from the juice leaving just the sugar from the fruit. These types of smoothies tend to be high in sugar and are less filling, leaving you hungry again shortly after.
For toppings, stick to granola, chia seeds, nut butters, nuts, and whole fruits and stay away from candies and dessert toppings like cookies and brownies.
This healthy cookie dough smoothie bowl has a full serving of veggies, protein and uses dates to sweeten which provides things like potassium and other vitamins and minerals.
What makes a smoothie bowl thick?
Smoothie bowls are thick because they only use just enough liquid to blend the ingredients. Using ingredients that help to thicken the smoothie are also helpful. Some of my favorite ways to make a smoothie thicker include using frozen fruit (like banana, strawberries, mango), frozen vegetables (like cauliflower rice, spinach, kale), oats, avocado or greek yogurt.
- If you blend up your smoothie bowl and realize that it’s too thick and need more liquid, only add more liquid 1 tablespoon at a time (so that it doesn’t get too watery).
- If you add too much liquid, you can add more of the ingredients above, or you can add just a little ice (about 1/4 -1/2 cup). The ice will start to dilute the flavor of the smoothie bowl if you add too much but can help to thicken the smoothie if needed.
Is a smoothie bowl enough for lunch?
Yes! If you make your smoothie well balanced with fiber, protein, and healthy fats a smoothie bowl is perfect for lunch. To make a well balanced and filling smoothie bowl be sure to include fiber rich foods like veggies, fruit or oats, protein from a source like protein powder and healthy fats from nuts or nut butter.
Does ice thicken or thin a smoothie?
Adding a 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup of ice will thicken your smoothie. However, the ice can start to dilute the flavors of the smoothie if you add too much, so try to use your smoothie bowl ingredients to thicken the smoothie naturally.
Can this smoothie bowl be made in advance?
Yes, you can make this smoothie bowl up to 24 hours ahead of time and store it in the fridge in an airtight container.
This smoothie bowl also comes together in under 2 minutes if you make a smoothie pack. Simply put all the ingredients in a freezer safe bag, except the milk and cacao nibs. When you are ready to make the cookie dough smoothie bowl, toss the contents of the smoothie pack in a blender with milk and blend. Add cacao nibs and pulse 2 times and enjoy. Smoothie packs can be stored for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Want to learn how to make smoothies ahead of time? Be sure to check out this tutorial on how to meal prep smoothies.
If you love smoothies like this you should try
- Chocolate Tahini Smoothie
- Strawberry Banana Chocolate Smoothie
- Strawberry Banana Acai Bowl
- Peanut Butter Avocado Smoothie
Cookie Dough Smoothie Bowl
Ingredients
- 1 cup Cauliflower
- 3 Medjool Dates - pitted
- 1 serving Vanilla Vegan Protein Powder
- 1 cup Dairy free milk
- 2 tbsp Cashews
- 1/4 cup Rolled Oats
- 2 tbsp Cacao nibs
Instructions
- Measure out all the ingredients except the cacao nibs and add them to the blender.
- Blend on high for 30 seconds to 1 minute until smooth and creamy.
- Once creamy, add the cacao nibs to the blender.
- Pulse the blender 2-3 times with the cacao nibs and enjoy.
Equipment
Notes
- Remember to use minimal liquid to keep the cookie dough smoothie bowl nice and thick. It is easier to add a bit more liquid if needed to thin it out slightly, but it is harder to take away liquid once it is added. If you happen to add a bit to much liquid, you can thicken the smoothie by adding a 1/4 cup of oats or some ice.
- Frozen cauliflower rice makes this smoothie super thick and creamy. If you are hesitant to try frozen cauliflower in a smoothie, I highly suggest you give it a try. If you do not have frozen cauliflower rice, you can use frozen cauliflower florets. I do not recommend using fresh cauliflower as fresh has a more prominent taste whereas frozen has a very mild taste that is easily hidden behind the other smoothie flavors.
- Medjool dates help to naturally sweeten this smoothie and add a delicious caramel flavor. If you don’t have dates available, you can use honey or maple syrup. The taste of the smoothie bowl will be slightly different. When using dates be sure to remove the pit before adding them to the blender.
- The vanilla protein powder helps to sweeten and thicken the smoothie. If you are using an unsweetened protein powder or collagen, be sure to add 1-2 tablespoons of maple syrup, honey or add 1-2 pitted dates for sweetness.
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