Circus Animal Cookies Protein Milkshake

First, there was the Birthday Cake Protein Milkshake. Then came the Cookies and Cream Protein Milkshake. And now, I bring you…the Circus Animal Cookies Protein Milkshake!

Is it fair to say this may be new favorite of them all?

I am absolutely obsessed (yes, obsessed) with frosted animal cookies. Not only do they scream nostalgia for me, but they also use to be a fear food of mine. I literally could not control myself around these cookies. I am so glad my relationship with food has improved, because DANG, I have missed these sweet cookies. It’s fine to enjoy what you love in moderation, friends. And this milkshake helps accomplish just that. Get your frosted animal cookie fix in a more balanced and filling way!

For this milkshake, I use my Ninja IQ blender. I am absolutely in love with it. I have tried a number of blenders and this one, no doubt, creates the best milkshake consistency. It’s even small enough to leave out on the counter and makes for easy clean up!

If you don’t have a Ninja IQ, no worries. You can still make this animal cookie milkshake! You may just need to shake your blender around some more to break up the ice and get a super creamy consistency.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS ANIMAL COOKIE PROTEIN MILKSHAKE

• Satisfy your cravings while keeping calories down!
• It’s bursting with frosted animal cookie magic and seriously magical y’all!
• The protein powder base creates a super balanced treat.
• Made with simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
• So easy to make! Literally, just blend and enjoy!!
• Perfect milkshake texture! 
• This is a ginormous dessert. It makes so much!

INGREDIENTS

• Protein powder – I used PEScience Cake Pop. A subtle flavor like Cake Pop or Vanilla works best for this recipe. If you wish to use another protein powder, make sure it is one that is also a whey + casein blend. For all Pescience products, you can use my affiliate code LaurenFitFoodie to save 10% off your purchase.
• Ice cream – Just a little is enough to make your milkshake super creamy. I love using Edy’s Slow Churned French Vanilla.
• Cake Batter extract – The real punch that gives this milkshake that true cake batter + animal cookie flavor. I use McCormick’s.
• Circus Animal Cookies – The star of the show!! I love how fun and sweet these cookies are.
• Nonpareil sprinkles – We use the Circus Animal Cookie sprinkle in this milkshake, too!
• Red food coloring – Just a tiny amount and totally optional. This is what makes our milkshake pink and so much fun!
• Stevia – I use Natrisweet Stevia Liquid Drops.
• Xanthan gum – Helps create thickness. I use Bob’s Red Mill.
• Almond milk – You can also use cashew, oat, or whatever other milk you wish!
• Ice – For the best consistency, make sure it’s fresh!

TIPS FOR THE BEST MILKSHAKE CONSISTENCY

• Use a good quality blender – I am not saying you need to get the Ninja IQ like me. Obviously, use what you have and try to make it work. But I will say that the appliance you use does matter here. You need a blender or food processor that is strong enough to break the ice up. Otherwise, the consistency of your milkshake will be off.
• Use fresh ice – It breaks up and blends better!
• Measure your ingredients – I am also NOT saying you need to buy a food scale, but it really makes life so much easier. The ratio of ingredients is important for overall consistency and the digital scale helps so much. And you’ll have less measuring cups to clean!
• Use a good quality protein powder – Not all protein powders blend equally. A whey + casein blend is used for this recipe. I used PEScience Cake Pop. It doesn’t have a weird protein taste and brings an amazing texture. I know there are other good brands too, I just don’t have much experience experimenting with other brands (PEScience makes me happy enough) – so if you do use another, just make sure you know it’s a good brand 🙂
• Use Xanthan gum – You could technically omit this, but if you have it on hand, go ahead and add a little! It helps a ton with achieving the thickness we are looking for. I would stick to 1/4 tsp, though. Anything more and things start to get weird!

MORE DELICIOUS FROZEN PROTEIN-PACKED DESSERTS

• BIRTHDAY CAKE PROTEIN MILKSHAKE
• COOKIES AND CREAM PROTEIN MILKSHAKE
• SKINNY PEPPERMINT PROTEIN MILKSHAKE (COPYCAT CHIK-FIL-A)
• CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE DOUGH PROTEIN ICE CREAM
• MINT OREO PROTEIN ICE CREAM (SUPER EASY!)
• THE BEST EVER PROTEIN FLUFF

WANT TO MAKE THIS RECIPE?

If you try this circus animal cookie shake and love it, please rate this recipe!

You can also tag me on Instagram, @LaurenFitFoodie. It makes my day seeing your yummy recreations!