These no bake coconut cookies are the perfect thing when you need a healthy treat in a flash. They come together super quick and are loaded with healthy ingredients.
Plus, they're grain free, keto, & sugar free too!
These cookies are basically like a raw coconut macaroon, aka "Super Tasty Easy Peasy Low-Carb On the Fly Sweet Treat", aka Cocoroon / Hail Merry Copycat. And we love them.
I love baking. But sometimes more than that I love not baking.
What I mean is that sometimes I want something yummy, but I don't have time for baking. I'm sure you agree.
At times like these, I really like no-bake dessert treats like these healthy chocolate truffles and the no-bake coconut cookies that 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 and kind of like candies.
Not sure which category they really fit into, but they are great.
One thing that is really nice about these no bake coconut cookies is that they do not use rolled oats as one of the ingredients like most no bake cookies do. Oats are super high in phytates, which are rough on your digestion and they pull nutrients out of your body. They also are high in carbohydrates so if you are watching your carbs, oat-filled no bakes aren't going to be a treat you should be eating often.
For the phytate reason, I really recommend your staying away from no-bake oat cookies unless you soak your grains first to remove some of the phytates.
Two Katies and the No-Bake Coconut Cookies
The inspiration for these little cuties came from this recipe by Chocolate Covered Katie and a similare recipe by another Katie (whom, I am sad to say, isn't blogging any longer).
The other gals called these cookies "coconut crack". Well, they are something I can't get enough of, 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.
Two Katies....2 coconut recipes.
Sorry I'm not named Katie.
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.
In many ways.
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 these no bake coconut cookies because they sure don't stick around our kitchen very long.
These are delights because:
They are EASY
They are HEALTHY
They're Super FRUGAL
And they're DELISH!
Recipe Notes and Substitutions for No Bake Coconut Cookies
- Blending: These no-bake coconut cookies come together really fast but if you make them in a high speed blender you will have to take great care to not over-blend. If you do, you will get flavored, sweetened coconut butter. They will still taste great, but just so you know :)!
- Sweetener: My Sugar Substitute would work great instead of xylitol. Subbing 4 scoops stevia extract would work as well. Or use 1/2 of one sweetener and 1/2 stevia. Coconut Sugar can be used but it will make the treats somewhat brown. Monk fruit is a great alternative as well.
- Stevia: See this post on Stevia: What It Is and How to Use It for tips on using this super-sweet, all-natural herb.
If you choose to use stevia in the no-bake coconut cookies, just note that 1/32 of a teaspoon equals 2 tablespoons of table sugar. These tiny measuring spoons are a HUGE help in any kitchen that uses this amazing sweetener. Oh and if you're concerned about stevia safety, you can read my post titled Is Stevia Safe?
Stevias do vary in strength and volume so play around to see what you need.
The 2nd smallest scoop is 1/32 of a teaspoon (the standard “stevia scoop” size) and it fits nicely in my small stevia container.
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.
- Vanilla: For vanilla, I recommend using an alcohol-free version since you will not be baking these.
- Toppings: I have listed several suggestions for toppings, but there are many other things that would work great as well.
- THM: For those on the Trim Healthy Mama plan, this recipe will fit in as an "S."
- AIP: Use carob instead of cocoa (if using drizzle), and coconut sugar, maple syrup, or honey for the sweetener. Maple sugar will yield a lighter color as a granulated option.
For other healthy 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"
No-Bake Coconut Cookies (Coconut Delights) (sugar, dairy, egg, and grain free)
Ingredients
- 3 cups unsweetened shredded coconut
- 3/8 cup coconut oil
- 1/2 cup low carb sweetener (or whatever sweetener you like--see Recipe Notes)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 3/8 teaspoon salt (adjust amount as desired)
Optional Toppings
- Homemade Chocolate / Carob Chips (melted for drizzle)
- coconut shreds
- finely-chopped nuts
Instructions
- Put all ingredients in a food processor or blender.
- 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 :-)!)
- 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.
- Decorate with shredded coconut, cocoa or carob powder, crushed nuts, or melted chocolate (I used my Homemade Chocolate or 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.
- Leave to firm up on a plate. They will firm up at room temperature.
- You really don't need to store these in the fridge but I think they taste a tad bit better cold.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is merely an approximation. Optional ingredients are not included and when there is an alternative, the primary ingredient is typically used. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site. Erythritol carbs are not included in carb counts since they have been shown not to impact blood sugar. Net carbs are the total carbs minus fiber.
The above nutrition facts are estimates only. Please read my Nutrition Disclaimer here.
I hope you love these No Bake Coconut Cookies as much as we do!
What a favorite treat in your home?
I can't get my blender to operate with this mixture unless ime doing something wrong
Hi there. What kind of blender do you have?
Oster
I'm not sure as I don't have a regular blender any longer but a blogger friend of mine has been successful making coconut butter in hers. How many batches are you trying?
COuld you please give me the nutritional value for this recipe?? Carbs, etc.
Hi there. We are working on getting this functionality for the blog but it might be awhile as we are possibly changing up the recipe card function. In the meantime you can use your favorite online calculator for that info - thanks!
I don't see the nutritional value on this recipe like I do the others. Is it on here somewhere? Maybe I missed it?
Hi there. I'm so sorry we are trying to add that to all of the recipes but it's taking awhile and we have a ton of things to deal with that are slowing us down. In the meantime, you could plug the ingredients into an online calculator that you trust. Sorry for the delay in responding--I didn't have the ability to respond to comments for a long time and just got it back so trying to catch up. 🙂
Hi, where is the nutritional info on these?
Hi there. We are trying to get this functionality up on the blog but we're having to move all of the recipes over first and it's taking a very long time. In the meantime please use an online calculator that you trust. Thanks for your patience!
These are fantastic! I’m working the Keto diet and added a tap of cinnamon to the mixture, O M G! Thanks for the awesome recipe!
So glad - thanks!!!
Hi Adrienne, I am a health coach and am always looking for recipes to give to my clients so they can have a healthy treat. This is fantastic. I just want to know when you say 1/2 cup of sweetener, which sweetener are you speaking of. I have liquid lakanto and liquid monk fruit drops. How would that work and how much approximately.
Love your site and all your wonderful recipes!!
Hi Carla. I just updated the recipe so it's more clear. I typically use something that is a 1:1 sub for sugar and then convert from there. Let me know if that help and thanks so much for the kind words!
Boy am I glad I found this recipe! I just finished week one of an elimination diet and I’m dying for a sweet and chewy healthy snack! Would agave work as the sweetener or does it need to be a dry ingredient ? I’ll be using a blender.
You can for sure use it - enjoy!
I substituted monk fruit sweetener. THESE ARE TO DIE FOR!
YAY!!!
I subbed half Coconut Mana for the Coconut Oil, and added raw Hemp Hearts and Chia seeds, these thing are amazing! A great little energy packing breakfast bite! Thanks for this amazing recipe!
That sounds amazing!!!!! I'm so going to try this! How much did you add in?
These look fantastic! I only have sweetened coconut at the moment though. Do you think that would work then minuse the sweetener?
Yes, that would work--but I think they will be quite a bit sweeter than what I usually make. But I'm sure they will be yum!
Can Substitute stevia with castor sugar. Stevia is very expensive in South Africa. I know the cookies won't be so healthy but I would still like to make them. I just love anything that contains coconut. Thanks Dana
Yes - just you will need more of it. https://wholenewmom.com/kitchen-tips/stevia-what-it-is-and-how-to-use-it/
How many cookies does the recipe yield? I'm sure it's variable depending on the scoop you use to form the balls but generally speaking please.
Hi there. Sorry for the delay. Hmmm... I use a Tbsp scoop. I think I get about 18-24 from each batch perhaps? I will have to count. It depends on how finely the coconut gets ground up as well.
Hey there, Adrienne! (my granddaughter is Adriene!) -
Can't wait to make these delish coconut cookies! Do you happen to have the nutritional breakdown for them that you could send me? Or perhaps you've posted it already and can direct me. Thanks so much!
xo - P
I don't sorry - we are trying to get that function up and going on the site. Thanks for your patience.
Wardee- i make a liquid stevia by soaking dried leaves in heated water to add to my cold drinks- can this be used in baking or making of any grain free sugar free treats ? I'm trying to keep my husband off sugar.. thanks
Yes, you can but the strength will vary. I should do a post on this. And I'm Adrienne - not Wardee, but that's OK. She's a sweet woman. I just had the pleasure of meeting her earlier this year :).
The link for this recipe won't work for me. Can you give me so ideas on how to open it
Hi there. Can you explain what is happening please? Thank you! Happy to help.
Click on the Print Recipe button and it comes up. Not sure why the other button doesn't work.
Hi Helen. Thanks. There is something wrong on mobile -some of the posts aren't showing up. I'm trying to figure out why.
Are you saying that you go to the post and you can't read it or that you are clicking on the Jump to Recipe and it isn't working? Thanks!
It doesn't work on my iPad
I'm so sorry - I'm trying to figure this out.
Hi Cristina, it should be working on mobile now too - we found the problem but now have to figure a way to get around it. Thanks again for your patience and for letting me know!
Hi Cristina, it should be working now - we found the problem but now have to figure a way to get around it. Thanks so much for letting me know and so sorry for this!
Sorry, I didn't see my comment posted and I wrote again ?
No worries! Thanks!
Hi Leslie - it should be working now - we found the problem but now have to figure a way to get around it. Thanks for your patience and for letting me know you were having troubles!
Does anyone have the nutritional info and net carbs for these. They are so yummy
Hi Lindsay - we're working on trying to get that option on the site soon. I'm having technical issues w/ it right now. In the meantime I think the best thing to do is to put the ingredients that you are using in an online calculator and get the info. Thanks for your patience and so glad you like them!
I'm a husband who never cooks, but has to start to eat low carb. This is my second batch (first batch I had a little too much salt). These little coconut candy/cookie things are awesome. I use a mixer and it works fine, I added some chopped pecans and drizzled some hellaciously dark chocolate over them. Thank you very much for a great recipe!!
What a great twist!!!! You used a mixer? What kind? I'm doing the pecan thing for sure next time. Thanks for taking the time to comment and so glad they worked for you. Have you seen these? https://wholenewmom.com/recipes/snickerdoodle-cookie-dough-balls/ I'm working on another similar snack now.
I would think you would like these as well. https://wholenewmom.com/recipes/homemade-coconut-chips-like-dang-brand/
This recipe is good but having the fat grams, etc. would be helpful too.
Hi Vonnie.
I'm sorry but since there are variations in my recipes I don't do this, but I will consider it. You can plug the info into an online calculator as well. Thanks and hope you like them!
I just made this for a nice little low carb/high fat snack. They're delicious! However, they didn't come out as planned. For starters, I was using a blender. But, I don't understand how I'm supposed to blend dry ingredients together. The little amount of vanilla extract wasn't enough, so the ingredients didn't really mix. So, I added a bit of water to help things mix. That helped but then they got soggy and didn't hold together at all 🙁 Fortunately, I still spooned them out of the blender and gobbled up clumps of it!
Any suggestions for how to make this with a regular blender without adding water? Am hoping to keep it dairy-free.
I haven't tried it in a normal blender. You need to get the dried coconut to start to blend kind of into butter. Do you have a food processor? That will work as well.
Don't have a food processor 🙁 The instructions said you could use a blender, but perhaps not.
Yes, you are right. I'm fairly sleep deprived this week. So you tried in the blender and it didn't congeal at all? I think it should work, but you will have to blend and then scrape down the sides and then keep going that. With the high powered blenders you can use a tool to push the coconut towards the blades that helps it get going. Adding water will for sure not work.
Maybe melt the coconut oil? The would give the mixture some liquid and maybe help it to blend.
This looks great but can you please put the measurements in grams? Cup and tablespoon sizes differ depending where in the world you are.
I'm sorry but I'm swamped - it's tax time here. Do you have an easy online calculator that you could use? Thanks!
Amanda, I suggest you invest into a spoon + cup measuring set, you can find them for as low as $10 on E-bay with free international shipping. Just got my set last week, it's saved me loads of time trying to convert recipes (usually with less than great results).