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Indulge in a healthy breakfast or snack that tastes like your favorite Christmas cookie! This low calorie easy Frosted Gingerbread Cookie Protein Smoothie recipe is a delicious and nutritious way to fuel your body and satisfy your sweet tooth — in just 2 minutes!
‘Tis the season for decadent desserts! From squares of fudge to bourbon balls and pecan pies, it seems like we’re bombarded with one sweet treat after another!
And while indulgences are perfectly acceptable in moderation, I tend to aim for healthier choices for my morning meal. I love a good gingerbread cookie with a cup of hot coffee, but if I’m really looking for a satisfying way to stay energized throughout my morning, my version of the cookie will take the form of this healthy smoothie recipe instead!
How do you make protein smoothies?
This breakfast smoothie recipe requires just a few basic ingredients and about 2 minutes of prep! It’s one of those great grab-and-go options when you’re rushing around in the morning and you need something filling fast!
First, start with a scoop of your favorite vanilla protein powder, milk (or non-dairy milk of choice), and warm spices.
Fill your blender with a lot of ice, and then add protein powder and seasoning. I’m using cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cloves to give this protein shake that delicious cookie taste!
Pour in just a small amount of milk (you can always add more, as needed). I like to blend my smoothies into a super-thick treat that I can eat with a spoon…it’s basically like indulging in soft-serve ice cream for breakfast (or for lunch, snack, dessert…or whenever you decide to enjoy it). The key is using a lot of ice and as little liquid as possible, so just add more milk as you go until it reaches the desired consistency.
That’s it! You can start sipping on your protein shake right now, or you can get crazy and garnish it with all of the toppings!
For a true Frosted Gingerbread Cookie flavor, garnish your smoothie with sprinkles, whipped cream, and crushed gingersnap cookie. The crunchy texture is the perfect touch!
To crush the cookie, just place it in a small Ziploc bag and bang with a mallet or rolling pin. So simple, and so fun!
COOK’S TIPS FOR THE PERFECT PROTEIN SMOOTHIE RECIPE:
- I typically make whey protein shake recipes, using either this protein powder or this protein powder. The protein powders add flavor, sweetness, and THICKNESS to the smoothie in a way that’s hard to replicate with other ingredients. The protein also gives the breakfast smoothie staying power so that I’m not hungry an hour later.
- If you prefer a vegan protein smoothie recipe, you can substitute with a plant based protein powder and almond milk (or other non-dairy milk). I have not tested this recipe with a vegan protein powder, so please note that the taste and texture will be different.
- I don’t give my kids protein smoothie recipes with protein powder. Instead, you can make this protein smoothie recipe without protein powder by substituting with a cup or so of thick, creamy Greek yogurt. Since you’re omitting the sweetness of the protein powder, I recommend using a sweetened vanilla-flavored Greek yogurt or using a plain Greek yogurt that you sweeten yourself with maple syrup.
- To give your protein shake that thick, creamy milkshake-like consistency that you can eat with a spoon, be sure to use a lot of ice and just a small amount of liquid. Start with about 1/2 cup of milk and then add more, as necessary, just until it blends.
So go ahead: enjoy a few of your favorite Christmas desserts, and then get right back on track with this tasty breakfast in the morning!! I can’t think of a healthier, more delicious way to embrace the season than a low calorie healthy smoothie!
Looking for other delicious protein smoothie recipes? Try these favorites:
- Apple Pie Protein Smoothie
- Gingerbread Pumpkin Smoothie
- Chocolate Almond Protein Smoothie
- Frosted Sugar Cookie Protein Shake
- Peppermint Dairy Free Eggnog Protein Shake
Frosted Gingerbread Cookie Protein Smoothie Recipe
Ingredients
- 1-2 cups ice I like to use 2 cups for a very thick shake
- ½ - 1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk or other milk of choice
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger or use ½ teaspoon for a spicier shake, but start with ¼ teaspoon for a more mild flavor
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
- Pinch of salt
- Optional toppings: crushed gingersnap cookie, whipped cream, sprinkles
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a blender and process until thick and smooth. Garnish with toppings, if desired. Serve immediately!
Notes
- I typically make whey protein shake recipes, using either this protein powder or this protein powder. The protein powders add flavor, sweetness, and THICKNESS to the smoothie in a way that's hard to replicate with other ingredients. The protein also gives the breakfast smoothie staying power so that I'm not hungry an hour later.
- If you prefer a vegan protein smoothie recipe, you can substitute with a plant based protein powder and almond milk (or other non-dairy milk). I have not tested this recipe with a vegan protein powder, so please note that the taste and texture will be different.
- I don't give my kids protein smoothie recipes with protein powder. Instead, you can make this protein smoothie recipe without protein powder by substituting with a cup or so of thick, creamy Greek yogurt. Since you're omitting the sweetness of the protein powder, I recommend using a sweetened vanilla-flavored Greek yogurt or using a plain Greek yogurt that you sweeten yourself with maple syrup.
- To give your protein shake that thick, creamy milkshake-like consistency that you can eat with a spoon, be sure to use a lot of ice and just a small amount of liquid. Start with about 1/2 cup of milk and then add more, as necessary, just until it blends.
Nutrition
This post was originally published in September, 2015. It was updated in October, 2018.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial, and/or link to any products or services from this website.
This protein shake sounds fantastic, Blair! Anything that tastes like dessert for breakfast is a winner in my book. I love the cozy fall flavors in here!
Thanks, Gayle! I know — dessert for breakfast is THE BEST! 🙂
This is a protein shake I could guzzle down! I love gingersnaps so I know this is delicious!
I know, right?! The best kind of protein shakes are the ones that taste like dessert!
Looks delicious! I’ll definitely be trying this out this week.
Great! Enjoy, Alison! 🙂
Blair, this shake looks absolutely delicious!! I LOVE all your protein shake recipes, but this gingersnap cookie shake may be my very favorite one of all! I’m so excited to try this! 🙂
Thanks so much, Anna! I think it’s one of my favorites, too!
Oh this has made my day!I love ginger snaps and your protein shake recipes are my favorite!!! Yum!!!! PINNED! and trying this as soon as I get my hands on some ginger snaps to crumble! Love the spoon!
Cathy
Yay! So glad that you might try it, Cathy! It’s easy, fast, and SO delicious!
i love the picture of chocolate birthday cake smoothie. must try this one on upcoming birthday of my husband.thanks for sharing such a great thing with us.
Thanks, and enjoy!
made it twice, i only have a vanilla vegan protein powder that is just so so, so i added maple syrup (about a capfull) and it helped.
Blair, the links on this for protein powder don’t open. I am looking for a good tasting protein powder, I have found some a few years ago, but am not sure what brands were good. I don’t want to spend money on one that I have to throw away like the one I just tried. It was horrible! I couldn’t even get the dog to eat it, LOL I really enjoy your site, and trying many of your recipes. So good!
Hi, Diana! Protein powder is so hard since there are so many bad tasting options out there. I’ve had the best luck with either Quest brand powders (which I believe you can buy on Amazon) or IdealFit: https://www.idealfit.com/protein.list
Those are just personal preferences, though. I’m sure there are other good options as well! 🙂
This is soooo good my parents love it! The only thing I would change is to add dried cranbearys to the blend! ; )
Thank you, Isabella! Dried cranberries (or even fresh cranberries if you like it tart) would definitely be tasty!