This post contains affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy.
Table of Contents
No-Bake 4 Ingredient Chocolate Cookies
This no-bake chocolate cookie recipe is super simple to make and uses no sugar or flour. Instead we use only heathy ingredients like maple syrup and cacao powder to flavor and sweeten these healthy cookies!
Why you’ll love these cookies
I’ve loved the simplicity of no-bake cookies ever since I was a young girl.
They’re just a fun little project for those times when you don’t want to put in *too* much effort, but still want to feel accomplished by making homemade treats…❤ Here are some other reasons you’ll love them:
- Quick and Easy: With just 4 ingredients and no baking, you can have these ready to eat in 15 minutes if you don’t chill them!
- No Sugar Added: In these easy no bake cookies we use maple syrup to get the sweetness instead of refined sugar.
- High Protein: You may be thinking, Protein? In cookies? But since we use nut butter to make these, they are pretty high in protein for a cookie!
- Healthy Fat: The healthy fat also comes from the nut butter we use in this no bake recipe. Helping us feel more full and satisfied so we don’t overeat.
➡️ Cacao vs. Cocoa
Although they are completely interchangeable, cacao & cocoa are each processed differently.
Cacao is the purest form of chocolate. It’s an excellent source of antioxidants and has a high amount of flavonoids. Cacao is higher in protein, fiber, magnesium, and iron than its cousin cocoa.
If all you have on hand is cocoa powder, then that’s fine to use.
When you have a choice at the grocery store, reach for the lesser processed raw cacao to take advantage of its awesome health benefits in all of your homemade treats!
➡️ Sweetness Factor:
A very personal taste preference, so you may want to use more or less maple syrup/honey, depending on YOUR family’s specific taste preferences.
➡️ Coconut Butter:
I usually make my own coconut butter because it’s far more economical than buying jars at the store. Simply grab a bag of unsweetened organic shredded coconut (let’s do organic brand) then pulse it in your food processor adding in 2 Tablespoons of unrefined coconut oil, and pulse until you have butter.
Ingredients:
Makes about 16 cookies
- 1/2 cup creamy, all-natural peanut butter
- 1/4 cup coconut butter (NOT oil)
- 2 Tbsps maple syrup, or raw honey
- 3 Tbsps unsweetened cacao powder, sifted
Variations and Substitutions
Nut Butter: Any nut butter can be used in this no bake recipe, I think cashew butter would be a delicious alternative.
Cacao Powder: If you read above, I am a strong lover of cacao powder, but cocoa powder can also be used in this recipe.
Maple Syrup: If you wanted, you could also use honey, though you may have to adjust the other ingredients to get a workable dough consistency.
How to make no-bake cookies:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk your peanut and coconut butter with the maple syrup/honey until combined.
3. Add in your sifted cacao powder and stir everything together until well combined and resembles cookie dough.
4. Take about 1 spoonful of mixture and roll it to form a small ball. I used a cookie scoop to keep them uniform.
5. Place your dough balls on your lined baking sheet.
6. Using the back of a fork, gently push into the center of each ball to flatten it into a cookie shape, as shown in the photos.
7. Freeze for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
Enjoy!
❤Rachel
Try some of our other no bake recipes next like No Bake High Protein Cheesecake Cups, No-Bake Pumpkin Protein Bars, or Super Healthy No Bake Fruit + Nut Granola Bars!
Rachel’s Tips for Best Results
- We like to eat them straight from the freezer or fridge, for a crunchy chocolate treat!
- Keep your cookies in an air-tight container, refrigerated for up to 2 weeks, or in the freezer, for up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions
Doesn’t a big cold glass of milk (whatever type you like) sound delicious with these chocolate cookies? If you want, you could also try some of our simple and healthy lunch and dinner recipes to pair with these cookies. Here are a few main courses you may like:
Storage
Store these sweet chocolate treats in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 1 month. They are best when cold because they hold their shape and texture better, so no heating necessary!
Recipe FAQ’s
What is the secret to getting no-bake cookies to set up?
The trick to getting these cookies to set up is placing them in the refrigerator or freezer. The cold makes them set and feel more like a baked cookie.
Can I use anything besides coconut butter?
If you don’t have coconut butter, the only other potential option for these cookies would be real butter. However, I have not tried this recipe using real butter so I cannot promise it would work.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter in this no bake recipe?
Absolutely! If you like the crunchy texture, then crunchy peanut butter will work.
More no bake dessert recipes you’ll love:
No-Bake Chocolate Cookies
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup creamy, all-natural peanut butter
- 1/4 cup coconut butter, NOT oil
- 2 Tbsps maple syrup, or raw honey
- 3 Tbsps unsweetened cacao powder, sifted
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk your peanut and coconut butter with the maple syrup/honey until combined.
- Add in your sifted cacao powder and stir everything together until well combined and resembles cookie dough.
- Take about 1 spoonful of mixture and roll it to form a small ball. I used a cookie scoop to keep them uniform.
- Place your dough balls on your lined baking sheet.
- Using the back of a fork, gently push into the center of each ball to flatten it into a cookie shape, as shown in the photos.
- Repeat with the remaining mixture.
- Freeze for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Keep your cookies in an air-tight container, refrigerated for up to 2 weeks, or in the freezer, for up to 3 months.
- We like to eat them straight from the freezer or fridge, for a crunchy chocolate treat!
- Enjoy!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
