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    The Yummy Bowl » Recipes » Cookies

    No Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies

    Apr 29, 2023 · Modified: May 12, 2023 by Julia | The Yummy Bowl · This post contains affiliate links · 3 Comments

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    These no bake chocolate oatmeal cookies are the perfect combination of wholesome ingredients: oats, cocoa, creamy peanut butter, coconut and sweetened with maple syrup. This delicious no bake cookie recipe is both chewy and crunchy that will leave you longing for another bite. You gonna love these delicious gluten-free and dairy-free cookies.

    No baking involved, no boiling, all you need to do is mix and chill the ‘’cookie dough’’ (shortly), and that’s it! 

    Quick breakfast on-the-go - serve these cookies with a glass of milk for breakfast or crumble them into oatmeal porridge or yogurt. You can easily make ahead the dough and freeze it for later.

    ⭐ Like oatmeal cookies? Try our breakfast cookies, oatmeal cookies, pecan cookies or banana oatmeal cookies next time.

    There is a skip-to-recipe button in the top left corner along with a clickable table of contents list (just below) that will quickly take you to the part you are more interested in. Enjoy!

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • 💭Make It Healthier
    • Recommended Equipment
    • Tips
    • Freezing And Storing Instructions
    • Variations
    • FAQs
    • Healthy Cookie Recipes
    • No Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies

    Ingredients

    My few comments on the ingredients + don't forget to read the Tips section!

    The full recipe and ingredients can be found in the recipe card below this post.

    • Oats - Quick oats, steel cut oats, old-fashioned rolled oats - whatever you want and like in terms of a cookie texture. For even-looking uniform cookies, use quick oats, for chunky - rolled oats. Use certified GF oats if needed.
    • Salt - Sea salt or kosher salt for the best natural flavor. Salt is optional but helps to enhance all the flavors and intensify the cocoa and maple syrup taste.
    • Peanut butter - Almond butter can be used instead. I don't recommend using natural peanut butter as this can create dry cookies. Although be sure to check the ingredients in your peanut butter, I recommend no sugar added if possible.
    • Vanilla bean paste or pure vanilla extract - Both can be used interchangeably in gluten-free baking. I just find that paste has a stronger vanilla flavor.
    • Maple syrup - or honey or agave syrup.

    📋 JULIA'S TIP Measure your ingredients correctly. Since these cookies don't require baking, the ratio of ingredients is crucial to achieving the perfect texture and consistency.

    Instructions

    Allow the peanut butter to come to room temperature, it needs to be warm and easily mixed with other ingredients.

    I recommend microwaving it for 30 seconds or more or heating it up in a small saucepot over low heat until it has an almost ‘’pourable’’ texture.

    When peanut butter is ready, stir in maple syrup and vanilla. Follow with oats, cocoa powder, salt, and coconut. Pour in oat milk and stir to combine. 

    Scoop about 1 ½ tablespoon size cookie mixture onto a baking sheet forming uniform balls and gently pressing down.

    You can shape these cookies as you like, just don't let them be too thick. You can even turn these no-bake cookies into small energy balls.

    Let the cookies chill in the fridge for 40-60 minutes. Enjoy these chewy no bake chocolate oatmeal cookies with a hot mug of coffee or a tall glass of creamy milk. 

    After refrigerating you can keep the cookies stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days. Anything after that I recommend the texture will be different and dry. I suggest keeping them refrigerated.

    💭Make It Healthier

    Oats. Use whole-grain oats instead of quick oats to add more fiber to the cookies.

    Mix-ins. Add fruits and nuts: Add dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, or apricots, or nuts like almonds, pecans, or cashews to add more nutrients and fiber to the cookies.

    Consume in moderation.

    Use good peanut butter without any unnecessary additives. Same with cocoa powder.

    Plant-based milk. I like the flavor of oat milk for these cookies. However, this will largely depend on the brand you'll be using. Check the ingredient list and use unsweetened options.

    Recommended Equipment

    • Measuring cups and spoons
    • Wire cooling rack
    • Airtight Food containers
    • Mixing Bowls
    • Baking Pan 
    • Spatula - for mixing

    Tips

    • We like to use sugar-free peanut butter and maple syrup instead of refined sugar here. Some oats do contain sugar, so be sure to get the real deal.
    • Cookie scoops are a great tool to use for creating uniform-sized cookies. Or a kitchen scale to measure out each cookie.
    • This cookie dough is very easy to work with and shape the cookies as you like.
    • Achieving the ideal texture and consistency for no bake oatmeal cookies largely depends on the accuracy of your ingredient measurements. Unlike baked cookies, the lack of baking in this recipe means that the ratio of ingredients plays an even more significant role in the final product.
    • For optimal results, it's recommended to refrigerate the cookies until they have hardened to the desired texture. This typically takes approximately 1-2 hours, although factors such as humidity levels may affect the setting time.
    • In the event that the cookies remain too soft even after refrigeration, it may be necessary to reassess the quantity of liquid ingredients added during the preparation process. These can sometimes interfere with the cookie's ability to set and result in a softer texture than desired. By adjusting the amount of liquids added, you can ensure that your cookies achieve the perfect balance of softness and firmness.
    • The moist and sticky nature of chocolate no bake cookies is typically attributed to the inclusion of liquid ingredients such as butter, milk, or syrup, which work together to bind the cookie batter. These ingredients are combined with the other ingredients to form a cohesive mixture that solidifies well after refrigerating/freezing.
    • During this process, the liquid ingredients contribute to the creation of a thick and syrupy texture that allows the cookies to hold their shape without the need for baking. However, if the ratio of liquid ingredients is imbalanced or the mixture is not adequately heated, the cookies may become excessively sticky and difficult to handle.
    • Just be sure to avoid freezing them for too long as this can cause the cookies to become overly hard or lose their flavor.

    📋 JULIA'S TIP If the cookies are still too soft after refrigeration, you can pop them in the freezer for a few minutes to help them solidify.

    Freezing And Storing Instructions

    • To Store. After refrigerating you can keep the cookies stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days. For anything longer than that, I recommend refrigerating them as the texture may turn too dry.
    • To Freeze. Transfer cookies to an airtight container or freezer-friendly bag and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Defrost in the refrigerator and let come to room temperature before eating.

    Variations

    If these cookies look too healthy for you, you can cover them entirely with chocolate (in this case, stick to unsweetened dark chocolate).

    Or drizzle the cookies lightly with melted chocolate or dip half of a cookie into it. Let cool and allow the chocolate set before serving.

    Mix-ins and add-ons 

    Add more fiber and nutrients to these no bake oatmeal cookies. We like:

    • Dried fruit - Cranberries and raisins (sultanas).
    • Seeds - Pumpkin seeds, Chia seeds, flax seeds, sunflower seeds, or hemp seeds can also be used in these nutritious cookies. 
    • Nuts - Almonds and walnuts. Or for flavor, use regular or dairy-free chocolate chips.

    First I made these cookies without the addition of nuts, and the other time I added them on top by gently pressing these in before freezing. These add delicious crunch and new flavors.

    FAQs

    Can I eat oatmeal cookies everyday?

    Although oatmeal breakfast cookies are generally considered to be a healthier alternative to traditional cookies, it's important to remember that they still fall under the category of indulgent treats. As with all sweets, whether commercially produced or prepared at home, it's advisable to consume them in moderation to maintain a balanced diet.

    Are oatmeal cookies the healthiest?

    Oatmeal cookies are a smart choice for those who value their health, as they contain wholesome ingredients like old-fashioned oats and in some recipes, dried fruit and nuts. These nutritious ingredients serve as an excellent source of fiber, which aids in promoting feelings of fullness and satisfies sweet tooth cravings.

    Why do my no bake cookies never harden?

    You should refrigerate them until they are set. Usually, about 1-2 hours should be enough. If they are still too soft, you may have to recheck the ingredient amount you added, especially the amount if liquid ingredients.

    What makes no bake cookies sticky?

    We don’t boil the mixture here and hence we need a good quality peanut butter and maple syrup or honey (or other type of liquid sweetener) to bind those cookies together. The more you add those ingredients, the more sticky your cookies will be.

    Healthy Cookie Recipes

    • a stack of peanut butter cookies
      The Best Gluten Free Peanut Butter Cookies in Air Fryer
    • a stack of breakfast cookies
      No Sugar Added Healthy Breakfast Cookies With Dried Fruit and Nuts
    • gluten free oatmeal cookies with chocolate chips
      Gluten Free Oatmeal Cookies With Chocolate Chips

    For all baking recipes, hop on to our Desserts collection.

    💗I hope you'll enjoy this no bake oatmeal cookie recipe, please leave a rating on this recipe below and leave a comment, take a photo of your food and tag me on Instagram @theyummy_bowl. I love seeing your creations! 💗

    Happy Baking,

    Love,

    Julia

    no bake chocolate oatmeal cookies with nuts

    No Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies

    These no bake chocolate oatmeal cookies are the perfect combination of wholesome ingredients: oats, cocoa, creamy peanut butter, coconut, and sweetened with maple syrup. This delicious no-bake cookie recipe is both chewy and crunchy that will leave you longing for another bite. Gluten-free and dairy-free cookies.
    5 from 3 votes
    Print Pin
    Author: Julia | The Yummy Bowl
    Course: Baking, Cookies
    Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Chill time: 1 hour hour
    Total Time: 1 hour hour 15 minutes minutes
    Servings: 14 cookies
    Calories: 135kcal

    INGREDIENTS

    • ½ cup creamy peanut butter (no sugar added)
    • ⅓ cup maple syrup (or honey )
    • 2 cups quick oats or rolled oats (certified gluten free if needed)
    • 4 tablespoons cocoa powder (pure, no additives)
    • ⅓ cup oat milk or almond milk (or your favorite plant based milk)
    • 3 tablespoons desiccated coconut
    • 2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
    • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt sea salt

    INSTRUCTIONS

    • Allow the peanut butter to come to room temperature, it needs to be warm and easily mixed with other ingredients. I recommend microwaving it for 30 seconds or more or heating it up in a small saucepot over low heat until it has almost ‘’pourable’’ texture.
    • When peanut butter is ready, stir in maple syrup and vanilla. Follow with oats, cocoa powder, salt, and coconut. Pour in oat milk and stir to combine.
    • Scoop about 1 ½ tablespoon size cookie mixture onto a baking sheet forming uniform balls and gently pressing down. You can shape these cookies as you like, just don't let them be too thick. You can even turn these no-bake cookies into small energy balls.
    • Let chill in the fridge for 40-60 minutes. Enjoy these no bake oatmeal chocolate cookies with a hot mug of coffee or a tall glass of creamy milk.
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    Video

    NOTES

    • After refrigerating you can keep the cookies stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days. Anything after that I recommend the texture will be different and dry. I suggest keeping them refrigerated.
    • Just be sure to avoid freezing them for too long as this can cause the cookies to become overly hard or lose their flavor.
    • We like to use sugar-free peanut butter and maple syrup instead of refined sugar here. Some oats do contain sugar, so be sure to get the real deal.
    • Achieving the ideal texture and consistency for no bake oatmeal cookies largely depends on the accuracy of your ingredient measurements. Unlike baked cookies, the lack of baking in this recipe means that the ratio of ingredients plays an even more significant role in the final product.
       

    PRIVATE NOTES

    Click here to add your own private notes.
    Nutrition Facts
    No Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies
    Amount Per Serving
    Calories 135 Calories from Fat 54
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 6g9%
    Saturated Fat 2g13%
    Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
    Monounsaturated Fat 3g
    Sodium 86mg4%
    Potassium 142mg4%
    Carbohydrates 17g6%
    Fiber 2g8%
    Sugar 6g7%
    Protein 4g8%
    Vitamin A 12IU0%
    Vitamin C 0.02mg0%
    Calcium 29mg3%
    Iron 1mg6%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

    (Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

    « Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef
    The Best Healthy Oatmeal Cookies »
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    Comments

    1. Julia | The Yummy Bowl

      April 29, 2023 at 6:50 pm

      5 stars
      These no bake oatmeal cookies are excellent to make ahead and can be stored frozen for many months ahead.

      Reply
    2. Cynthia Wright

      May 08, 2023 at 6:16 am

      5 stars
      These were surprisingly delicious. Sweet enough for such a small amount of sweetener and melted in your mouth in a chocolatey peanutty kind of way. Very good!

      Reply
      • Julia | The Yummy Bowl

        May 10, 2023 at 2:24 pm

        thank you so much Cynthia!

        Reply

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    the yummy bowl julia author

    I'm Julia and welcome to The Yummy Bowl. I share easy and healthy recipes for the whole family. Everything you see here is Gluten-free and mostly made with whole food ingredients. Hope you enjoy! Love, Julia

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