No bake chocolate oatmeal cookies are the perfect treat when you want something sweet but don’t want to turn on the oven. These cookies are easy to make, kid-friendly and ready in under 30 minutes. The recipe only requires a few basic ingredients you likely already have on hand.
To make the cookies, combine 1 cup peanut butter, 1 cup honey, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/2 cup cocoa powder and 1/2 cup shredded coconut in a large bowl. Mix well until thoroughly combined. Add 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats and stir to coat evenly.
Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Refrigerate the cookies for at least 2 hours before enjoying. This allows the flavors to blend and helps the cookies firm up.
When ready to eat, simply peel the cookies off the parchment paper. Their texture will be similar to granola bars. Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
These no bake chocolate oatmeal cookies are naturally gluten-free, vegan and paleo-friendly. They contain healthy fats from the peanut butter and coconut, protein from the peanut butter and oats, and natural sugars from the honey. Despite being refined sugar-free, they satisfy any chocolate craving with the rich cocoa powder.
The peanut butter provides a nutty, roasted flavor that pairs perfectly with the chocolate and honey. For extra decadence, top the cookies with melted chocolate, caramel, whipped cream or your favorite ice cream. You can also add in mix-ins to the dough like chopped nuts, dried fruit, coconut flakes or chocolate chips.
This recipe is very versatile and customizable based on your tastes and dietary needs. For a nut-free version, substitute sunflower seed butter or tahini for the peanut butter. Maple syrup can be used in place of honey for a vegan option. Have fun with it and make these no bake chocolate oatmeal cookies your own!