Healthy No Bake Cookies (4 Ingredients, No Peanut Butter)

Healthy No Bake Cookies made with just 4 ingredients. No butter, no sugar, and all mixed in one bowl for an easy guilt-free treat!

I also make these healthy no bake protein cookies for a post workout snack.

Healthy no bake cookies sprinkled with sea salt on a plate.

These healthy no bake cookies remind me of healthy chocolate coconut balls without the coconut. A bit different in taste but just as easy to make and just as delicious.

I tossed a pinch of sea salt on top before freezing for a little extra flavor kick, but that’s totally optional.

You can whip them up in one bowl whenever you’re craving something sweet. Plus, I never feel guilty having a couple because they’re so much healthier than regular cookies.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to make: One bowl, prepped in 10 minutes, and no baking!
Wholesome ingredients: No butter, milk, or sugar in these cookies. Just good, honest flavor.
Dairy-free and vegan: We swap butter for coconut oil. You can also use gluten free oats to make them gluten free.
A blank canvas: Stir in your favorite mix-ins to satisfy whatever you’re craving today.

Ingredients for Healthy No Bake Cookies

Just 4 pantry essentials turn this no bake dessert into a healthy treat packed with fiber, antioxidants, and good fats!

Maple syrup, coconut oil, oats, cacao powder.

Coconut oil: Replaces butter and is the only oil that solidifies, so don’t use any other oil.
Cacao or cocoa powder: Both work well, but I love using superfood cacao powder in healthy desserts.
Maple syrup or honey: I go for maple syrup because it blends more smoothly and has a flavor I enjoy more.
Oats: I used quick oats, but rolled oats work too. Or you can use gluten free oats if needed.

How to Make Healthy No Bake Cookies

This healthy no bake cookies recipe involves single bowl prep. No mixers, blenders, or oven needed!

Make the batter: Whisk together the coconut oil, cacao powder, and maple syrup in a large bowl.
Add oats: Fold in oats and stir to combine.
Form the cookies: Spoon the mixture onto a parchment lined baking sheet, shaping into 12 cookies.
Chill and store: Freeze for an hour, then peel the cookies off the parchment paper, toss them in an airtight container, and pop in the fridge or freezer.

Tips for Best Results

These no bake chocolate cookies are super easy, but I’ve got some tips to make them the best!

Use quick oats: They are softer, and most no bake recipes use them. But rolled oats work too. Your cookies just will have more chew.
Don’t use quick cooking steel cut oats: They’re too tough. Stick with quick oats or rolled oats for a softer, more enjoyable texture.
Don’t substitute coconut oil: It’s the only oil that solidifies, giving the cookies their desired texture and structure. It also adds a subtle flavor.
Let them chill: Chilling lets the coconut oil solidify and bind the ingredients. Without it, the cookies might be too soft and fall apart.

Variations and Additions

Liquid sweetener: Use any liquid sweetener you like. Brown rice syrup, agave or date syrup all work in place of maple syrup or honey.
Add chocolate chips: These are more dark chocolate cookies, so I recommend to add semi-sweet or white chocolate chips, not dark ones.
Make them sweeter: Add a few more tablespoons of maple syrup for a sweeter treat.
Add dried fruit: Mix in raisins, dried cranberries, apricots, dates, or dried cherries. Just chop them into smaller pieces so they blend in easily.
Add protein: A scoop of plain or vanilla whey powder. Plant-based protein powder won’t work, it’s too absorbent.
Add peanut butter: Or any other nut butter or seed butter such as almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter. Up to 1/4 cup is perfect!

How to Store

Store: Keep these cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.

Freeze: You can keep some stocked in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature on the counter for a few minutes.

FAQs

Can I bake these cookies?

No. They’re designed to be “no bake” and the recipe relies on the coconut oil solidifying to set the cookies, which won’t work if you try to bake them.

Can I use butter instead of coconut oil?

Maybe. I know it doesn’t solidify as well, so cookies might be too soft and wouldn’t hold their shape. But you can try.

Can I use steel cut oats?

No. They’re too tough and the texture won’t be enjoyable.

Can I use regular sugar?

No. Regular sugar doesn’t provide the same consistency and binding properties, you need to use a liquid sweetener.

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