I have a weakness for sweets. Problem is, I’ve really been trying to eat more healthy cookies and stay away from excessive amounts of refined sugar. And that’s where these healthy no-bake cookies come in, because gooey chocolate is my first love -and if it can be incorporated into a gluten-free recipe, then it’s gonna happen.
After they were finished, Gabriel and I tasted them, declared them quite good (so did Garret, but he’s not really a trustworthy judge).
Since that time, we’ve made this recipe more times than I can count. It’s become our go-to dessert when we need something for a potluck, or to take to a party at the last minute – or just because we want a treat.
I have to say, these were definitely different than your average cookie. The main difference in healthy no-bake cookies is the lack of sugar crystals. These have a much more creamy texture. But that’s kind of what we’re going for! Call it creamy, or fudgy, or whatever you like – if you love no-bake cookies these will not disappoint!
I mean, for real, who’s going to complain about rich, creamy, chocolate cookie?!
Healthy No-Bake Cookies
You may have noticed that most of my healthy dessert recipes contain peanut butter (like these three ingredient toddler cookies). Peanut butter is such a great binder, and source of protein! …But, it’s also a major allergen. Bummer, huh? The good news is, you can substitute another nut butter (almond is a favorite!) where this recipe calls for peanut butter, or head over and try our (Oh so delicious!) healthy no-bake almond joy cookies instead.
So here it is, a healthy version of a really bad dessert!
What to expect from this recipe:
- Simplicity. You only need five ingredients, including the technically optional vanilla.
- Ease. You only have to melt the ingredients (specifically the peanut butter) enough to get everything stirred together – and then all you have to do is stir.
- Et voila! This truly is one of the easiest treats you will ever make.
- I mentioned subbing almond butter if you’re not a peanut butter fan, but it bears repeating here. Sun butter and soy butter are both terrific allergy-friendly options for making no-bake cookies.
- Another ingredients swap I’ve been enjoying is using raw cacao powder instead of traditional cocoa powder. It’s a great way to add a little more nutrition to your treat. I’ve specifically been using Sunfood cacao powder.
- Don’t be afraid to make fun additions! Crunchy peanut butter adds a nice crunch, subbing coconut for some of the oatmeal is a treat, craisins can be fun – the possibilities are endless!
Update: Click here to see the updated, reduced sweetener recipe for healthy no-bake cookies that you see in the video above.
Healthy No-Bake Cookies
Ingredients
- • 1 cup natural peanut butter
- ½ – ¾ cup honey
- ½ cup coconut oil (or butter if you prefer)
- 6 Tablespoons cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 2¼ cups gluten-free quick oats
Instructions
- Note: You can use regular peanut butter – but of course, that will make your cookies reduced sugar rather than sugar free.
- Combine first four ingredients in a sauce pan and warm gently on stove top.*
- Next, add in the vanilla, oatmeal, and stir well.
- Drop by the spoonful onto a saran lined plate and let cool. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator – if they last that long.
- Enjoy!
Notes
*If you’re using raw honey, you’ll want to be careful to warm it only until the coconut oil melts and the peanut butter softens. No reason to heat the life out of your honey!
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Ally says
This recipe comes out to 3,630 calories total. Macro breakdown is – 300g Carbs – 238g Fat – 93g Protein
If you were to portion this out into a dozen you would be looking at:
1 serving = 1 no bake cookie
302 calories
25g Carbs
20g Fat
8g Protein
Really not a “HEALTHY” recipe. Sugar free does NOT = healthy
Misleading and unethical
★
Ruth says
I used a regular cookie scoop to portion out each cookie and ended up with 26 cookies. 12 cookies would be a very generous portion for each. Using your total calculations and dividing that by 26, one cookie would be 139 calories- 11.5 carbs – 9 grams of fat – 3.5 grams protein. I wouldn’t say these are unhealthy at all. I’d rather my children eat these than a sugar loaded cookie any day of the week. There are a lot of healthy fats and sugars in these, but everything in moderation. Eating 5 of them would no longer be good.
Myra says
These are so easy. And so good.
★★★★★
Korey Rustici says
Super easy and very delicious. I used organic ingredients to keep it clean and I used organic almond butter. Yummy will definitely be keeping this around
★★★★★
Jessica says
Do these cookies have to be kept in the refrigerator? Looks like a yummy recipe but I’m looking for something I can take on a roadtrip!
Juanita says
Thank you for this recipe. My brother who passed away 33 yrs ago loved unbaked cookies and would always get me to make them for him, I also love them but know I don’t want to eat them for all the wrong ingredients in them. So thank you, thank you for YES making it with HEALTHY ingredients! Definitely anything even healthier recipes need to be made into smaller portions and definitely eaten in moderation. ❤️
★★★★★
Greg Goodman says
Can I use slow cooking oats?
★★★★★
Amanda says
Nice sub. Rename it Keto No Bake and no one will complain. No bakes are high fat traditionally too so its the sugar sub I find helpful – and tasty! I think I like these better than the regular version. Very chocolatey.
★★★★★