No-bake cookies. One of the best inventions ever. Especially for someone who has no desire to turn on the oven (🙋🙋 this girl) Hooray for one-bowl treats!
This is my life right now. I have pretty much zero desire to step foot near my oven. Partly because it’s a bajillion degrees out and warm desserts? Meh. And partly because my tiny oven, in my tiny apartment, heats up the entire space in seconds and by the time I’m done making a batch of cookies? Sweaty mess. Hi, I'll just be over here standing in front of the air conditioning. (which clearly does not help)
So no-bake cookies? Happening.
![Healthy cookies without turning on the oven? These NO-BAKE chocolate quinoa cookies are amazing! [gluten-free + vegan] | recipe on simplyquinoa.com](https://www.simplyquinoa.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/no-bake-chocolate-quinoa-cookies-5.jpg)
I saw this recipe from Two Peas and Their Pod on Pinterest and I knew I had to recreate them with a quinoa version. I was not only digging the no-bake awesomeness, but that chocolate + sea salt…yes please.
I didn’t make too many tweaks to her original recipe, just swapped out the oats for some cooked quinoa and quinoa flakes, and changed the almonds to coconut flakes.
And yes, that sprinkle of sea salt is pure perfection.
(ahem, don't mind the chipped nail polish👆… need a mani 💅)
One of the things I really love about these cookies is that you store them in the freezer. Since they’re not baked (duh), they don’t really hold up well at room temp, so keeping them in the freezer not only helps them keep their shape, but the texture is amazing.
You guys, it reminds me of little pieces of chocolate fudge, but with a softer, gooeyier, cookie-like feel. The chocolate and coconut flavors both come through, along with a hint of almond, and since there’s only a little bit of sweetener, they’re ultra dark and decadent.
Yep, these are going to be a standard dessert item from now on. 😍
And making these cookies couldn’t be easier. You just need a small sauce pan, a baking sheet and a cookie scoop. Stir everything together in the pot, drop it onto your sheet and pop them in the freezer to chill. Simple as that.
So turn off the oven friends and let’s get no-baking!
PS: if you make this recipe (or any others!) make sure to snap a pic and share it on Instagram using hashtag #SIMPLYQUINOA – I want to see your creations!
No-Bake Chocolate Quinoa Cookies
Adapted from Two Peas and Their Pod
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup almond butter (or nut/seed butter of choice)
- 1/2 cup cooked quinoa
- 1/2 cup quinoa flakes
- 1/2 cup coconut flakes
- Coarse sea salt for sprinkling (optional, but recommended!)
Instructions
- Line baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a small sauce pan over medium, melt together coconut oil, syrup and cocoa powder. Whisk until combined. Add the almond butter and stir again until smooth.
- Remove saucepan from the heat and fold in the quinoa, quinoa flakes and coconut flakes.
- Using a cookie scoop, drop the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, shaping slightly with your hands if desired. Sprinkle with sea salt and place in the freezer to set for about 30 minutes.
- Store in an airtight container in the freezer for best results, but can also be stored in the fridge (they’ll just be a lot softer!).
by Alyssa
| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Amount Per Serving | As Served |
| Calories 184kcal Calories from fat 122 | |
| % Daily Value | |
| Total Fat 14g | 22% |
| Saturated Fat 7g | 35% |
| Sodium 4mg | 0% |
| Carbohydrate 15g | 5% |
| Dietary Fiber 3g | 12% |
| Sugars 5g | |
| Protein 4g | |
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs:
| Calories | 2000 | |
|---|---|---|
| Total Fat | Less than | 65g |
| Sat Fat | Less than | 25g |
| Cholesterol | Less than | 300mg |
| Sodium | Less than | 2,400mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 300g | |
| Dietary Fiber | 25g | |
Other No-Bake Recipes to try:
Snickerdoodle Energy Bites (Simply Quinoa)
Almond + Coconut Quinoa Granola Bars (Simply Quinoa)
Vegan No-Bake Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars (Vegan Richa)
No-Bake Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecakes (Minimalist Baker)
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Alyssa is the quinoa-obsessed girl behind Simply Quinoa. She's passionate about helping you find health, happiness and balance with wholesome recipes and lifestyle tips.
Rebecca P. says
Those chocolate blobs of goodness look delicious!
Vivian says
Quinoa flakes?
Carol says
What are quinoa flakes? Is this uncooked quinoa?
Alyssa says
Quinoa flakes are the rolled oat version of quinoa — the whole quinoa seeds that have been put through a grain flaker 🙂 If you can’t find them you can just use quick cooking oats in their place!
Kristin says
These really are so good! I made my own roasted almond butter too. Definitely a nice treat to keep in the freezer for when company comes over.
Alyssa says
Oh yum! I love the idea of the roasted almond butter 🙂
Susan says
Can real butter be substituted? Some of the people I know are allergic to almonds.
Alyssa says
I haven’t tested it with real butter, but I think you could try! You’ll definitely want to keep them in the fridge I think since they’ll probably get pretty soft with the warm weather 🙂
Pat says
These are soooo good! I’ll be making them again.
Alyssa says
Can’t wait to hear what you think!
Camden says
You commented about your chipped nail polish, I may have a solution for you. If you are up for it. 🙂 Have you heard of Jamberry wraps? The wraps last up to 2 weeks on your fingers and 6 on your toes. It really is incredible! I can hook you up with some samples if you would like to try it out. Just contact me! 😀 email, or go to my FB page: http://www.facebook.com/camdeninman.jamberrynails/
Also, THANKS FOR THE RECIPE!!! I an BEYOND excited to try it out. My husband LOVES quinoa and no-bake cookies so this looks like the perfect treat for him. ^_^
Mantras says
Sounds yummy crunchiness!!!
Nancy says
I’ve never heard of quinoa flakes. Can I put something else in?
Alyssa says
You could swap in quick cooking oats 🙂
Jennifer says
Thanks! That’s what I was about to use. About to make these for kiddos treat after a rainy day of school.
Alyssa says
Can’t wait to hear what you think! xo
Nancy Oar says
These are Great!!! I really don’t like the flavor of dark amber maple syrup, so I use the light amber which has a very subtle maple flavor. My brothers made me drink a concoction of maple syrup, worcestershire sauce, etc., and have hated dark amber maple syrup ever since. BUT fabulous cookie with light amber!
Alyssa says
Glad you enjoyed the recipe! I’ve got a raspberry version up my sleeve for next month 😉
Sandy says
These are wonderful
Alyssa says
So glad you enjoyed them, Sandy! xo
Emily says
Hey, if you want these cookies to hold together without the freezer business do this: make sure you let the melted mixture come to a rolling boil for no less than 2 minutes and no more than 2 and 1/2 minutes. Remove from heat. Then add in the nut butter etc. Then once all the goodies are in there stir vigorously till it’s starting to look dull. Then scoop them out. Leave them right on the counter top to harden up. The regular old school oats version of this recipe has been in my family for years. This is the trick to make them stick!
Alyssa says
Awesome, thank you so much!
lucinda says
What can I use to substitute for the coconut flakes?
Alyssa says
I think you could try chopped nuts or seeds!
Rachel says
Made these, added some pure vanilla extract and some liquid stevia for added sweetness, loved them!
Alyssa says
So glad you liked them! xox