Gluten-Free No-Bake Chocolate Oat Cookies

Prep: 5 minCook: 1 min16 cookiesmediumAmerican
No-Bake Chocolate Oat Cookies with Coconut and Almond Butter

These fudgy no-bake cookies combine rich cocoa powder with creamy almond butter and chewy oats for an irresistible treat that requires no oven time. The addition of shredded coconut adds texture while coconut oil helps bind everything together. Perfect for hot summer days when you don't want to heat up the kitchen, or anytime you need a quick sweet fix. These cookies set up in just 20 minutes in the refrigerator and can be customized with your favorite nut butter. The recipe is naturally dairy-free and can easily be made vegan by using agave instead of honey.

Ingredients

Yield: 16 cookies
  • ½ cup agave nectar
    honey1:1note:for non-vegan version

    conf:5

    Full guide →
  • cup Dutch-process cocoa powder
  • ¼ cup unsweetened almond milk
    any milk1:1tags:nulladds dairy

    note:use your favorite milk

    Full guide →
  • ¼ cup coconut oil
  • ¼ cup almond butter
    peanut butter1:1tags:nulldairy-freeadds peanuts

    note:any nut butter works

    Full guide →
  • 2 cups gluten-free oats
    regular rolled oats1:1note:if gluten-free not needed

    conf:5

  • cup shredded coconut
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. 1

    Mix agave and cocoa powder in a medium saucepan

  2. 2

    Heat over medium heat until combined

  3. 3

    Stir in almond milk and coconut oil and bring to a boil

  4. 4

    Continue stirring and boil for one minute

  5. 5

    Remove pan from heat and stir in almond butter, oats, coconut, vanilla extract, and salt

  6. 6

    Drop cookies onto wax paper using a spoon or cookie scoop

  7. 7

    Refrigerate for about 20 minutes until set

Tips

Tip 1

Make sure to boil the mixture for exactly one minute to achieve the right consistency for setting.

Tip 2

Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized cookies that will set uniformly.

Tip 3

Line your surface with wax paper or parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Good to Know

Storage

Store in an air-tight container in refrigerator for up to one week

Make Ahead

Can be made up to one week ahead and stored in refrigerator

Serve With

Serve chilled or at room temperature

Common Mistakes

Watch

Don't skip the one-minute boil time or cookies may not set properly

Watch

Make sure coconut oil is melted completely before removing from heat

Substitutions

Dairy-Free Swaps

almond butter
peanut butter1:1tags:nulldairy-freeadds peanuts

note:any nut butter works

Full guide →

Vegan Options

agave nectar
honey1:1note:for non-vegan version

conf:5

Full guide →

Gluten-Free Swaps

gluten-free oats
regular rolled oats1:1note:if gluten-free not needed

conf:5

General Alternatives

almond milk
any milk1:1tags:nulladds dairy

note:use your favorite milk

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I use regular oats instead of gluten-free?

Yes, regular rolled oats work perfectly if you don't need the cookies to be gluten-free. The texture and taste will be the same.

How long do these cookies need to set?

The cookies need about 20 minutes in the refrigerator to fully set up before serving.

Can I freeze these cookies?

Yes, these cookies freeze well for up to 3 months. Store in an airtight container with parchment between layers.