Prep your oven and pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking.
Stir the almond butter: Make sure your almond butter is smooth and fully combined. If it’s very firm, warm it gently in the microwave for 15–20 seconds to loosen it.
Whisk the wet ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk the egg, melted coconut oil or butter, vanilla, and sweetener until smooth.
Add almond butter: Stir in the almond butter until the mixture looks thick and glossy.
Combine dry ingredients: In a separate small bowl, mix protein powder, almond flour, baking powder, and salt.
Break up any clumps for an even texture.
Bring it all together: Add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir with a spatula until a soft, scoopable dough forms. If using mix-ins, fold them in now.
Adjust consistency if needed: If the dough is too dry or crumbly, add 1–2 teaspoons almond milk or water.
If too sticky, dust in 1–2 teaspoons more almond flour.
Scoop and shape: Use a tablespoon or small cookie scoop to portion 12–14 cookies. Roll lightly into balls, then press to about 1/2-inch thick. These don’t spread much, so shape them how you want them to bake.
Bake: Bake for 9–12 minutes, until the edges are set and the tops look just dry.
They should still feel soft in the center.
Cool: Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely. They firm up as they cool.