No Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies

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No Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies are the perfect way to make fresh cookies without an oven! These soft and chewy cookies are quick and easy to make. Made with crunchy oats and rich cocoa, this recipe is healthy, vegan, and gluten-free. Swirl in some creamy peanut butter or top it with chocolate chips for the perfect sweet treat!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

These no bake chocolate oatmeal cookies are a simple recipe that you can make at any time.
Great afternoon snack or after dinner dessert.
This cookie recipe uses only pantry staples and no equipment is needed.
They are dairy-free, vegan, and gluten-free.
They are the perfect sweet treat for warmer months. No need to turn on the oven!
Enjoy it either chilled or at room temperature.
It is a great weekend activity to do with kids of all ages.
A childhood favorite, this treat brings nostalgia in one bite.
They are great for an easy homemade gift for neighbors and friends.
Easily store it in the fridge for later!
Check out these Microwave Cookies or these Iced Oatmeal Cookies for another easy dessert recipe!

What are No Bake Cookies?

No-bake cookies are cookies that only need to be left at room temperature or chilled in the refrigerator to set into shape. There is no baking required. No need for an oven or toaster oven!

They are made by combining simple ingredients such as oats, sugar, butter, milk, and cocoa powder and then forming them into a cookie drop shape.

No bake cookies are the best option for a quick and easy cookie treat!

Ingredients & Substitutions

These are the main ingredients and substitutions for this no bake chocolate oatmeal cookies recipe. Scroll down to the recipe for the full ingredients list and directions.

This no bake chocolate oatmeal cookies recipe uses old-fashioned rolled oats. You can also use quick oats or steel-cut oats if that is what you have on hand.

Unsweetened cocoa powder adds that rich chocolate flavor to these cookies.

Use granulated sugar to add the necessary sweetness for these cookies.

Use either vegan butter or coconut oil for this recipe. For the cookies to be more creamy, use vegan butter. For a coconut flavor, use coconut oil. If you are not vegan, feel free to use regular butter.

Use any plant-based milk. Almond milk, cashew milk, and oat milk are great options.

Add vanilla extract to enhance the flavor of these no bake chocolate oatmeal cookies.

Add a pinch of salt to balance with the sweetness of the cookies.

Ingredients for no bake chocolate oatmeal cookies.

Taste & Texture

No bake chocolate oatmeal cookies have a slightly crisp edge. They are fudgy and gooey in the center. The crunch of the oats combined with rich and indulgent chocolate gives this dessert a flavorful sweetness that you will surely love.

Eat once cooled at room temperature or let it chill inside the fridge. Either way, they are a delicious treat that you do not want to miss!

How to Make

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats and cocoa powder. Then, set aside.

Step 2

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, vegan butter or coconut oil, milk, vanilla, and sea salt. Stir constantly until it reaches a boil.

Step 3

Once the mixture is boiling, boil for 1 minute. Stir consistently.

Step 4

Remove the saucepan from the heat. Immediately pour the hot mixture over the oats and cocoa in the mixing bowl. Stir fully.

Step 5

Allow this to cool for a few minutes.

Step 6

Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop by the spoonful onto a lined baking sheet or plate. Flatten and shape into cookies.

Step 7

Let the cookies cool completely at room temperature until set. Do not place in the fridge yet. This process takes about 30 to 60 minutes.

Step 8

Once fully set, enjoy the chocolate no bake oatmeal cookies!

Expert Tips & Tricks

Set a timer when boiling the sugar mixture. You will want the heat high enough to reach a rolling boil, continue to stir, and then take it out precisely at 1 minute.

Overboiling the sugar mixture will result in crumbly cookies.

Scoop the cookie dough immediately after letting it cool for a bit. If you leave the dough for too long, it might get too firm to mold.

Use a cookie scoop to make the perfect size and shape of no bake chocolate oatmeal cookies.

Do not let the no bake cookies stick with each other until they are set. Leave space in between the cookies on a baking sheet or use parchment paper to separate them.

If it is hot or humid outside, store cookies in the fridge once fully cooled down and set.

Flavor Variations & Toppings

There are so many toppings and flavor options to choose from for these no bake chocolate oatmeal cookies.

The most popular flavor variation is swirling peanut butter into the cookie batter.

You can also add raisins, chocolate chips, shredded coconut, almonds, cashew, cinnamon, pumpkin puree, dried fruits, and more.

Feel free to add your own twist to these delicious cookies!

How to Serve & Store

Serve these no bake chocolate oatmeal cookies directly after letting them cool completely for at least an hour.

They are delicious when paired with hot chocolate, milk, or coffee. These Scottish Oatcakes are another fun snack!

Store them at room temperature in an airtight container for up to a week.

You can also store the no bake chocolate oatmeal cookies in the fridge for up to 7 days.

If you are worried about them sticking together, place parchment paper in between the layers before placing them in a container.

When freezing, place them on a baking sheet until firm and then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.

To thaw, simply leave them at room temperature for at least 20 minutes.

Make sure to separate the cookie pieces to prevent them from sticking to each other.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of oats should I use?

I recommend using old-fashioned rolled oats as they provide a chewy and nutty texture to the cookies. However, you can also use quick oats or steel-cut oats for this recipe for a 1 to 1 ratio.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this no bake chocolate oatmeal cookies recipe is gluten-free if using gluten-free oats. It does not use flour or any ingredients that normally contain gluten. Always double check labels.

What do they taste like?

These no bake chocolate oatmeal cookies have a sweet and fudgy chocolate flavor with an added crunch and chewiness from the oats.

Do you need to keep them in the fridge?

No, you can leave these chocolate oatmeal no bake cookies at room temperature for up to one week. Store them in the fridge if you want them to last longer or if you want to eat them chilled!

Equipment Needed

Nonstick Saucepan: This is great for the boiling step.

Pyrex Glass Measuring Cups: Use these to measure out the ingredients.

Spatula: Carefully transfer the cooled cookies to a plate or the fridge.

Cookie Scoop: This cookie scoop is great for forming cookies.