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”. 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 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.
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!
Here's a video to show you just how easy these No Bake Coconut Cookies are….
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.
- 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.”
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 organic unsweetened shredded coconut
- 3/8 cup organic coconut oil
- 1/2 cup xylitol
- 2 tsp vanilla
- 3/8 tsp 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
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 found this recipe and was looking forward to making them.
The mixture was like sand and it didn’t stick together at all. I added in another 3/4 cup of coconut oil and it was still dry.
I ended up pressing the mixture into a pie plate and am hoping by some miracle they will be able to be cut and consumed.
Where did I go wrong? Other than adding in the extra oil I followed the directions. Help!
Hi there. Did you blend the coconut enough? It needs to be blended enough so that it sticks together, but not so much that you end up with coconut butter. Did you let the mixture sit out too long after blending before trying to mold them? Hope this helps! I was actually just eating some :).
Love these! They turned out great. Thanks. But I don’t see the calorie count in the nutrition facts. Do you have that? New to Keto and trying to keep strict track of all Macros!
Thank you! We are working on adding that to all the posts. Sorry it’s taking awhile!