These Healthy No Bake Oatmeal Cookies come together fast and keep well all week, which makes them great for meal prep, quick breakfasts, and easy snacks. They’re chewy, chocolatey, made with simple ingredients, and flexible enough for breakfast or dessert!

A Quick Look

Recipe Name: Healthy No Bake Oatmeal Cookies
Ready In: 10 minutes
Serves: 16 cookies
Main Ingredients: natural peanut butter, melted coconut oil, cocoa powder, honey, vanilla, quick oats, melted chocolate for drizzling
Why You'll Love It: Made with less than 10 ingredients and require just a few minutes of hands-on time, these healthy no bake oatmeal cookies are perfect for meal prep! They are gluten free, healthy enough to be eaten for breakfast or perfect as an afternoon snack.

The best healthy no bake oatmeal cookies

I love this recipe because it solves the snack problem and the breakfast problem at the same time. They taste like a treat, but they’re made with simple ingredients I usually already have in the pantry, and there’s no baking involved.

These are especially helpful on busy weeks when I want something ready to grab from the fridge. I can make a batch in a few minutes, chill them, and have an easy option for mornings, lunch boxes, or that afternoon moment when I want something sweet.

The texture is soft and chewy, the chocolate drizzle makes them feel a little more fun, and they freeze well, too. That combo is hard to beat!

If you love breakfast-friendly baked goods and snacks, try No Bake Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies or Healthy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies!

Photo of ingredients for Healthy No Bake Oatmeal Cookies with labels.

Ingredients you'll need for no bake oatmeal cookies

The best thing about these healthy no bake oatmeal cookies is that you don't need any flour or eggs! You only need a handful of pantry staples to whip these bad boys up. I promise, you won't be disappointed!

Natural peanut butter: You’ll need 1 cup of natural peanut butter for the rich, creamy base. Almond butter works well, too, and sunflower seed butter is a great nut-free option.
Coconut oil: You’ll need ⅓ cup melted coconut oil to help bind the cookies and keep them soft once chilled.
Cocoa powder: You’ll need ⅓ cup cocoa powder for a deep chocolate flavor. Unsweetened cocoa powder is best here.
Honey: You’ll need ⅓ cup of honey for sweetness and to help hold everything together. Maple syrup may work, but the cookies may be a little softer.
Vanilla extract: You’ll need 2 teaspoon vanilla for extra warmth and flavor.
Quick oats: You’ll need 2 cups of quick oats to give the cookies structure and chew. Use certified gluten-free oats if needed!
Chocolate chips: For the drizzle, you’ll need ½ cup of chocolate chips. This part is optional, but highly recommended if you want a more dessert-like finish.
Coconut oil: For the drizzle, you’ll need 1 teaspoon of coconut oil to help the melted chocolate smooth out.

Kitchen tools you'll need

Large saucepan
Spoon or spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Plate, tray, or small baking sheet
Microwave-safe bowl or small bowl for melting chocolate

How to make no bake chocolate oatmeal cookies

Add the peanut butter, melted coconut oil, and cocoa powder to a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir until everything is melted and smooth. This should only take a few minutes, and you want the mixture combined, not bubbling.

Turn off the heat and stir in the honey and vanilla. Once that’s smooth, add the quick oats and stir until everything is fully coated. The mixture will look thick, which is exactly what you want.

Transfer the saucepan to the fridge and let the mixture chill for 30 minutes. This step makes the cookies much easier to shape, so don’t skip it.

Once chilled, scoop and form the mixture into cookie shapes. You can make them as rustic or as neat as you want. Place them on a plate, tray, or cookie sheet.

For the chocolate drizzle, melt ½ cup chocolate chips with 1 teaspoon coconut oil in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each one, until smooth. Drizzle the chocolate over the cookies, then transfer them to the fridge for about 1 hour to set.

Recipe Tips

Below are some common healthy no bake oatmeal cookie questions. Don’t see the answer you’re looking for? Leave a comment at the bottom of this post! I’ll be happy to help.

WHAT MAKES THESE NO BAKE OATMEAL COOKIES HEALTHIER?

These cookies are made with simple ingredients like oats, peanut butter, honey, and coconut oil. They’re also refined sugar-free if you skip the chocolate drizzle or use a lower sugar chocolate option. The oats add fiber, and the peanut butter brings protein and healthy fats.

DO I HAVE TO USE QUICK OATS?

Quick oats work best for the texture here because they help the cookies hold together nicely. Rolled oats may work, but the cookies will be a little more textured and may not hold as tightly.

IS THE CHOCOLATE DRIZZLE REQUIRED?

No, but it’s a fun extra. The cookies are still delicious without it, especially if you want more of a breakfast-style cookie. If you want them to feel more like dessert, add the drizzle.

CAN I EAT THESE FOR BREAKFAST?

Yes. They’re made with ingredients like oats, peanut butter, and honey, so they work well as a quick breakfast or snack. Pair one or two with fruit or yogurt if you want to make it more filling.

HOW SHOULD I STORE THESE?

Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge so they stay firm and fresh. They’re best chilled, especially because of the coconut oil and chocolate.

CAN I FREEZE NO BAKE OATMEAL COOKIES?

Yes, these freeze really well. Freeze them in a single layer first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container once solid. That keeps them from sticking together.

Storing leftovers

Store the cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.

For longer storage, freeze them for up to 2 months. Let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before eating, or enjoy them straight from the fridge or freezer if you like a firmer texture.

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If you make this recipe, be sure to comment below and let me know how it was! Also tag @erinliveswhole on Instagram and use the hashtag #erinliveswhole so I can see it and feature you!

Erin Antoniak