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I love baking. But sometimes more than that I love – not baking.
I mean I like no bake cookies like the ones I am going to share today.
You know, when you need something for yourself or your family but turning on the oven is just one more step you don’t want to take?
These no bake cookies are really kind of like cookies — kind of like candies.
Not sure, but they are great.
One thing that is really nice about this no bake cookie recipe is that they do not use rolled oats as one of the ingredients. Oats are super high in phytates, which are rough on your digestion and they pull nutrients out of your body. I really recommend your staying away from no bake oat cookies. If you soak your grains first you can remove some of the phytates.
The inspiration for these little cuties came from this recipe by Chocolate Covered Katie. I must say, I agree that they are addictive, but I have never been fond of the “crack” name – basically because that stuff has created so much havoc in people’s lives that I don’t like to use the name. (Yep, I can be picky about words.)
Anyway, I loved the idea and loved the little shapes that Katie of This Chick Cook made with hers. Why both of them are named Katie – funny, eh?
Well, I had to mess around with the recipe a bit to get it to what our family calls perfect. For some reason this reformed sugar-aholic thought the other versions were a little too sweet.
I call them Coconut Delights because they are that — a delight.
And also because we just watched The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Remember Edmond’s addiction to Turkish Delight? Well, I hope these don’t tempt you to that extent, but these are for sure good!
I think you are going to love them because they sure don’t stick around our kitchen very long.
No Bake Coconut Delights
Makes approximately 25
Ingredients
3 cups unsweetened, shredded coconut
3/8 cup coconut oil
1/2 cup sweetener (for candida friendly I used xylitol. My Sugar Substitute would work great as well. Subbing 4 scoops stevia extract would work as well. Make the healthiest choice you can.)
2 tsps vanilla (I recommend an alcohol free version like this one since you will not be baking these)
3/8 tsp salt (I recommend Real Salt)
Optional Toppings:
Homemade Chocolate / Carob Chips melted, for drizzle, coconut shreds, finely chopped nuts, etc.
Method
1. Put all ingredients in a food processor or blender.
2. Combine until the mixture is blended and sticks together. (Note: if you are using a high-powered blender like a Vitamix, do not turn your machine on high. You will likely end up with Coconut Butter. While it will be delicious, it won’t be these no bake cookies 
!)
3. Remove the mixture from the blender / food processor and form into desired shape. I really like the cute little shapes I was able to make with this little cookie scoop. I had a little trouble with the “balls” falling apart but just gently press them back into the desired shape.
4. Decorate with shredded coconut, cocoa or carob powder, crushed nuts, or melted chocolate (I used my Homemade Chocolate / Carob Chips, piped from a plastic baggie with a tiny hole cut in the corner) as desired. Or leave them plain. They are great just as is (but I do think a little coconut sprinkled on top adds a nice touch.
5. Leave to firm up on a plate. They will firm up at room temperature.
6. You really don’t need to store these in the fridge but I think they taste a tad bit better cold.
These would be a wonderful addition to a cookie exchange or packaged prettily almost like truffles in a candy box.
I love homemade gifts at Christmastime like this one. They cost less than most store-bought gifts and foodie gifts are easier than most to give.
For other healthified treats, check out:
- Silky Smooth Bean Fudge (also no-bake, vegan, sugar free)
- Almond Joy Bars (no bake, grain free, vegan, sugar free)
- Coconut Chocolate Chunk Macadamia Cookies (grain free, vegan, sugar free)
- Homemade “Jello”
How about you? What is one of the favorite treats in your home?
This post contains affiliate links. Please read my disclaimer.
Shared at Diet, Dessert, and Dogs,
I always think your recipes sound good, but I can’t tolerate artificial sweeteners. What’s the exchange for good old sugar or honey instead of the sweeteners?
Ann
You can just use them. I am in a quandary about how to list sweeteners. Sugar isn’t anything I would recommend anyone using at all. But honey is OK since I know a lot of whole foodies use it. I used to a lot. I’ll try to make a note in the recipe.
I have the ame question. What would be the amount to use for regular granulated sugar or honey? Thank you.
Same amount
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I love this because I CAN’T bake!!
I can cook, but I cannot bake. My cake’s turn out like pudding and my cookies get so big and fat you can’t even make out what shape they are supposed to be!! Thanks for sharing your recipe!
You’re welcome! It’s great for summer too!
Love how you drizzled on the chocolate, Adrienne. Your take looks very yummy!
Katie recently posted..Happy Birthday, Doctor Seuss! 11 Fun Snacks for Kids
Thanks, Katie #2! Thank you for the shape inspiration! My kids LOVE them …and I should say I do as well
!
Just wanted to say that these look and sounds wonderful. I hope to make them soon, and if I do I will be sure to blog about it and direct readers to your blog.
Thanks for sharing!
These look beautiful and sound delicious. I hope you’ll share them at our Holiday cookie recipe swap at http://thedomesticatedprincess.blogspot.com/2012/11/cookie-recipe-exchange-week-3.html
Adrienne, these look wonderful! I have to say, I had a craving for coconut today so when I saw these, I came running! I’m going to put these on my Christmas treats list for sure!
Diana recently posted..What is Advent? This Year, Let’s Celebrate Christmas Intentionally.
Thanks, Diana! I must say, we can’t keep them around for very long
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Newest follower from Transformation Thursday, would love if you could come by and follow back?
Erica
http://www.ericastartwalking.com
Erica recently posted..Fashion Fashion Fashion
I’m making these for my bf’s family for Christmas – they’re all about sugar free treats and LOVE coconut! My boss recently made peanut butter cups using xylitol, which is the first time I tried it. I couldn’t tell the sweetness wasn’t real sugar – excited to try your recipe!
Julia {The Roasted Root} recently posted..Pancetta, White Bean & Chard Pot Pies – A Smitten Kitchen Recipe
Let me know what you think! I have a “Reese’s” recipe on here as well. I think you’d like it!
These cookies look amazing, and I like not baking sometimes also. I would love to have you share this with this weeks Wednesday’s Adorned From Above Blog Hop. The link to the party is
http://www.adornedfromabove.com/2012/11/washi-tape-idea-book-and-wednesdays.html#
I hope to see you there.
Have a great week.
Debi @ Adorned From Above
Debi recently posted..Lemony Chicken Saltimbocca
Those look fabulous!
Yolanda recently posted..48 # of ground venison!
I’ve just started using xylitol in small amounts. I’ve heard that in larger amounts it can cause tummy trouble. I’m particularly thinking of my toddler. Did you find you had to work your way up to using larger amounts?
Amy recently posted..Ten Ways to be Greener Today
It can – I have heard you can start slow and work your way up. Also, erythritol supposedly causes no upset. Did you also check out my post on Sugar Substitute – like Truvia?
How do you find the flavour compares to xylitol? I really like how xylitol doesn’t leave an after taste.
Amy recently posted..Ten Ways to be Greener Today
I don’t find an issue w/ xylitol but I like both of them. I will say that if you mix alternative sweeteners you get a nicer result. Try that perhaps!
Oh boy! Delish. These are so perfect for the upcoming Christmas season. Like little snowballs. I look forward to trying these for our next treat.
France recently posted..Keep It Real Thursday – Your Week Is About To Get Much Better
I absolutely love treats like this Adrienne, and have been doing a lot with coconut. Your pictures are so enticing!
Alisa recently posted..Learning to Bake Allergen-Free: A Crash Course Cookbook
Thanks, Alisa. I know – we love coconut too and no bake is really enticing
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These look absolutely delicious, especially because I’ve loved coconut since my 1st birthday cake. I’m about to PIN this, in hopes to make them this holiday season!
Thanks! I can’t keep them around because my son keeps eating them all
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When you talk about using scoops for the stevia, are you talking about the scoop that comes with the stevia package? Thanks!
Yes, I am. However, some don’t come with it. Unfortunately I have found they might vary in amounts. The label on one said it was 1/64 tsp but I really think it was 1/32 so I am quite confused right now.
I am going to look into this and hope to figure it out. I think my scoop that I use is 1/32 tsp.
These look so good! This would be a perfect post to share at our Meal Plan Monday link-up at http://www.modernalternativekitchen.com! Hope to see you there tomorrow!
Jill recently posted..Real Food for Thought 12/1/12
I couldn’t find your link up – did I miss it? Thanks!
Hi Adrienne! No, you didn’t miss it…it is just buried because we are having huge giveaways this week! Here is the link: http://www.modernalternativekitchen.com/2012/12/meal-plan-monday-23
Jill recently posted..Christmas Giveaways-Bob’s Red Mill
Are you kidding me!? These look fantastic! So trying them.
Thanks for linking up to Thank Your Body Thursday! Hope you’ll come back this week and share some more great posts! http://www.thankyourbody.com
Robin recently posted..A “Just Because” Giveaway!
I have just started trying to get as much coconut in my diet as I can after reading about the benefits of it, so these have come at a perfect time. I generally use dates or date paste to sweeten food as I find it the least processed of everything. I can’t wait to try these.
Many thanks
Oh I love how easy these are! No Bake is always a great way to add that extra goody into the holiday baking mix! I would love to have you come over and link up to my new Linky Party “Show Me Your Plaid Monday’s”!
http://www.pandpkitchen.com/2012/12/02/show-me-your-plaid-mondays-1/
Chandra recently posted..Show Me Your Plaid Monday’s #1
I made these with honey and posted on them about a month ago. I like that you added chocolate. Love the snowball look! Thanks for sharing at Deep Roots At Home!
Jacqueline recently posted..Is Your TV Killing You?
Great minds think alike I guess. I subscribe to your blog but I must have missed that one
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I love that this is allergy-friendly for those who aren’t allergic to coconuts. My son will love these. thanks!
Are you kidding me?! This recipe look AMAZING and I will be making a batch this weekend. I think I might die and go to coconut heaven!!
Fantastic!
you could use coconut palm sugar (or date sugar) instead- its low glycemic and has minerals etc. ‘ve bought from this family for years, since I feel good about the source, but you can purchase it at whole foods etc. here is info on it http://www.realrawfood.com/coconut-nectar-and-sugar This recipe looks easy and quick and I have all the ingredients- yay! LOL
Yes, you can. Enjoy!!!
Just made these and they are insane! Added chia seeds for extra nutrients.
Yea! Great idea with the chia!!! Thanks for the inspiration!
I have made something very close to this same thing and lightly “cooked” it, on the raw heat setting on the dehydrator, both vanilla and cacao, very good. Thank you for sharing
Yum – sounds great!
I just made these for the second time and this time they don’t want to stick at all. Is it because of the reduced fat shredded coconut? Coconut oil I used has also separated in the jar and turned more liquid since last time. Could that have something to do with it?
Reduced fat shredded coconut? I’ve never heard of that but that sounds like the likely culprit to me. If the coconut oil is liquidy I don’t know. Is it pure coconut oil? I’ve never had that separate. You could blend it before using it. Hope it helps!
How do you make an alcohol free vanilla? I would love that.
Audy recently posted..Not just a diet a life change!
It’s coming
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Does it really need an extra sweetener? the coconut is super sweet.
I think so. Try it and adjust to your taste
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The look of your new webpage is awesome. The recipe seems good too.
Thank you! I had to do this in a hurry and was wondering about the colors. I appreciate your kind words!