Do you ever just need a sweet, rich, chocolatey treat? Or maybe your kids are begging for cookies, but you don’t want to load them up with sugar…or turn on the oven since the temperature skyrocketed 30 degrees in a matter of 2 days. Well, my dear friend, this recipe is for you.
No-bake cookies. Those words take me right back to grade school. Where I come from, no-bake cookies were super trendy. Moms made them, they were in the school cafeteria, they were everywhere. Everyone thought they were a healthier treat because they were made with oatmeal, but I’m here to tell you, those things were loaded with refined sugar. Even as a kid who loved all things sweet, no-bakes just weren’t my thing. I always thought they were way too sweet. So, being the mature adult that I am, I embarked on making a healthier version of the ubiquitous 1990’s no-bake cookie–for real this time. The ’90s are back in full-force these days anyway, so let’s do this!
This Healthier Chocolate No-Bake Cookie has a lot going for it. Oats, nut butter, and, of course, chocolate! We’ve even made this version dairy-free with the use of dairy-free buttery spread and almond milk, but feel free to use coconut oil or butter in place of the dairy-free spread and coconut milk or dairy milk for the almond milk. The choice is yours!
Here’s some of the goodness
- Oats are a fiber powerhouse, plus they’re gluten-free (just make sure to get gluten-free certified oats if you are sensitive)!
- Almond butter is high in protein to keep you full, but also has that nutty flavor that makes a no-bake cookie truly sensational.
- Dark chocolate chips are a slightly less sweet than traditional semi-sweet chocolate chips, but are lower in sugar and high in antioxidants.
- Coconut Palm Sugar is an alternative to cane sugar made from coconut sap. Although it is not a low calorie food, it does have a richer flavor, more along the lines of brown sugar.
Although I would not call these Healthier Chocolate No-Bake Cookies a health food, I would certainly say they are a better alternative to traditional cookies or no-bake cookies that are weighed down by refined flours and sugars with little to no nutrients. In moderation, these are an excellent choice! If your kids (or you) sneak an extra one, we promise we won’t tell! Maybe make a double batch, just in case. You could even freeze some for a cool, ready-to-eat treat on a summer day.
Let’s forget the oven and whip up a batch of these Healthier No Bake Cookies today!
Looking for more sweet treats that are a little on the healthier side? Check out a few of our other recipes:
Chocolate No-Bake Cookies
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips
- 1 tsp coconut oil or avocado oil
- 2 1/2 cups rolled oats gluten-free certified, if needed
- 1/2 cup dairy-free buttery spread melted (substitute coconut oil or butter, if desired)
- 1/2 cup almond butter
- 1/2 cup almond milk substitute coconut milk or dairy milk, if desired
- 1 cup coconut palm sugar
Instructions
- Place chocolate chips and 1 tsp coconut/avocado oil in a large, microwave-safe glass bowl and melt. Once melted, add remaining ingredients to the bowl and mix. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and drop rounded tablespoonfuls of the mixture onto the sheet. Flatten gently with fingers. Place tray in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Best if stored in the refrigerator.