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My family loves this coconut twist on classic no bake cookies. These sweet treats only need 4 simple ingredients so you can whip them up in no time!
Update: This no bake cookie recipe was originally published in 2019 and has been republished with all new photos.
I grew up with a mom who made the classic recipe for chocolate peanut butter no bake cookies (also known as preacher cookies) pretty regularly. I’m betting a lot of you did too! Making them for my kids wasn’t even an option though because my son has a peanut allergy. So I set out to create my own version that he could enjoy.
Today’s recipe for No Bake Chocolate Coconut Cookies captures the simplicity of those classic cookies, but honestly they’re even easier. No stirring milk, butter, sugar, vanilla, and cocoa powder. They can be whipped up in such a short time. Let’s keep things simple and fast, shall we?
Only 4 ingredients. No sugar included. No food processor required. You’ll spend about 10 minutes making these cookies. Then just let them rest in the freezer or fridge until firm!
I’m telling you, these are the cookies you can make totally last minute because the effort required is truly minimal and you probably have all the ingredients! I can’t wait for you to try this delicious recipe for yourself. Your sweet tooth will thank you!
If you’re wanting more no bake treats I have plenty of easy recipes for you. Try my No Bake Chocolate Chip Cookies Balls, No Bake Chocolate Cashew Cookies Balls, or Grain Free Cookie Dough Bites for healthy snacking. Another yummy cookie option is my recipe for No Bake Honey Almond Butter Cookies. Craving something more like a chocolate candy? You’ll love my 3-Ingredient Dark Chocolate Coconut Cups, Easy 4-Ingredient Almond Butter Cups, 5-Ingredient Paleo Dark Chocolate Cups, Dark Chocolate Blueberry Cups, and Easy Chocolate Almond Butter and Jelly Cups.
No Bake Chocolate Coconut Cookies Ingredients
- Chocolate chips: I prefer semi-sweet chocolate chips in these cookies but dark chocolate chips or milk chocolate chips also work well.
- Coconut oil: You’ll find both refined and unrefined coconut oil in your grocery store. Both will do the trick in this recipe. Refined coconut oil has less coconut flavor so it’s usually my pick for desserts but since we want the taste of coconut in this particular cookie feel free to use whichever you have.
- Shredded coconut flakes: Sweetened or unsweetened coconut flakes both work. Sweetened coconut flakes will give you a sweeter cookie with bigger coconut flavor.
- Oats: For these cookies you’ll want to use rolled oats. Both quick oats and old-fashioned oats are perfect. I do not recommend steel cut oats.
How to Make No Bake Chocolate Coconut Cookies
To make these easy cookies, melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil together. This needs to be done carefully and at very low heat so it doesn’t burn.
Then stir in the coconut flakes and oats.
Use a spoon or small cookie scoop to drop spoonfuls of the chocolate-oat mixture on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper so they’re not touching. Make sure you’re happy with the cookie shape because they won’t spread.
Allow cookies to firm up in the refrigerator or freezer. (Specific times are in the recipe card.)
Are these the same as classic no bake cookies?
No, the original recipe that I grew up on included peanut butter and about 10 other ingredients including cocoa powder, milk, butter, cane sugar, and vanilla extract.
This is a peanut butter free recipe that uses only 4 ingredients. It’s so simple you can keep these ingredients on hand to make whenever you want a quick treat!
What kind of oats are best to use?
I’ve tested this recipe with rolled oats – both quick cooking and old fashioned oats. You’re welcome to use either. I do not recommend steel cut oats for these cookies.
Are these cookies vegan and dairy free?
Yes, these no bake coconut cookies are vegan and dairy free if you use dairy free chocolate chips.
Are these cookies gluten free?
This is a great recipe to make gluten free. Simply use gluten free chocolate chips and oats.
What’s the best way to firm up no bake cookies?
These cookies firm up in the refrigerator or freezer. I know traditional no bake cookies sit at room temperature but the ingredients in this recipe are different and require either the refrigerator or freezer to achieve the right consistency.
I personally recommend the refrigerator if you have 30 minutes to wait! But if you’re in a hurry, 10 minutes in the freezer will do the job too!
How to store no bake cookies
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for a softer texture. They can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer if you like, but will need to sit out for a few minutes before enjoying.
More no bake desserts like this:
Easy Chocolate Almond Butter and Jelly Cups
3-Ingredient Dark Chocolate Coconut Cups
Easy 4-Ingredient Almond Butter Cups
No Bake Chocolate Coconut Cookies
Ingredients
- 10 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips, can use milk chocolate or dark chocolate if you prefer
- 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon coconut oil
- ¾ cup rolled oats, old fashioned or quick oats both work well
- ¾ cup coconut flakes, can use sweetened or unsweetened depending on how sweet you want your cookies
Optional: extra coconut flakes to top
Instructions
- Line a 9×13 sheet pan or baking dish with parchment paper. Set aside.
- Add chocolate chips and coconut oil to a small saucepan or pot on low heat. Melt, stirring frequently, until smooth. Then remove from heat so it doesn't continue to cook. (Don't use a higher heat and be sure to watch the chocolate carefully. We don't want it to burn and get thick.)
- Stir in oats and coconut flakes until well combined.
- Use a spoon or small cookie scoop to drop spoonfuls on the parchment paper so they're not touching. They won't spread so they don't need much room. Top with a sprinkle of extra coconut flakes (optional). Allow cookies to firm up either in either the refrigerator or freezer following instructions/times below.
- To firm in the refrigerator: Place cookies in the refrigerator a minimum of 30 minutes, until cookies are firm but not hard.
- To firm in the freezer: Place cookies in the freezer for 10 minutes, until cookies are firm but not hard. (Watch the time because they'll get hard and require thawing if you go too long.)
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
So easy and yummy. I didnt have enough chocolate chips so part was mint chocolate chips, wow
Love the addition of mint chocolate chips and so happy you enjoyed these cookies!