For those following a ketogenic lifestyle, finding satisfying desserts that fit within their macros can sometimes be a challenge. However, these keto no bake cookies offer a delightful solution. They're sweet, chewy, and a little bit crunchy, hitting all the right notes for an easy, sugar-free treat. Imagine a low-carb version of those classic chocolate oatmeal no bake cookies, providing a guilt-free indulgence that satisfies sweet cravings without derailing your diet.
Why Keto No Bake Cookies?
These cookies are not only delicious but also incredibly convenient. They require minimal effort and time, making them perfect for busy individuals or anyone seeking a quick and easy dessert option. The recipe is customizable, allowing you to tailor the ingredients to your preferences and dietary needs. Plus, they can be stored in the freezer for up to two months, ensuring you always have a sweet treat on hand when cravings strike.
A Keto-Friendly Twist on a Childhood Classic
Many of us have fond memories of making no bake cookies as kids, typically involving boiling sugar and milk, then tossing in peanut butter and oats. While those versions were undeniably tasty, they were far from healthy. These keto no bake cookies bring back those nostalgic flavors without the sugar rush. They are a delicious addition to any list of easy keto desserts.
Key Ingredients and Their Roles
- Nut Butter: Peanut butter contributes to the tastiness of these cookies. Substitute the peanut butter for nut butter of choice. Like in almond flour peanut butter cookies, where I use almond butter instead - you’ll hardly taste the difference. You can also use almond butter or cashew butter.
- Butter: Butter is essential for creating the right texture and flavor. Coconut oil can be used instead.
- Cocoa Powder: Adds a rich, chocolatey flavor.
- Sweetener: Lakanto, Swerve, or Erythritol are excellent choices for keeping these cookies sugar-free. Lakanto and Swerve are 1:1 swaps with traditional sugar.
- Oats: You can use rolled oats or quick oats.
- Flaked Coconut: Coconut adds wonderful texture and flavor, but you can use more sliced almonds if you prefer.
- Sliced Almonds: Almonds provide the oat-like texture in these cookies.
- Pecan Halves: Again, the nuts provide structure and in this case, a little flavor and crunch.
- Collagen Protein: An important ingredient that helps hold the cookies together and gives them a chewy consistency.
- Vanilla Extract: This is to bring the recipe a little sweetness!
Customization Options
One of the best things about these keto no bake cookies is their versatility. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients to create your perfect flavor combination.
- Nut Butter Variations: Substitute peanut butter with almond butter, cashew butter, or any other nut butter you prefer.
- Nut and Seed Add-Ins: Incorporate your favorite keto-friendly nuts and seeds, such as chopped walnuts, pecans, or sunflower seeds.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger for a warm, comforting flavor.
- Dairy-Free Option: For a dairy-free version, ensure your chosen nut butter is dairy-free. Replace the butter with coconut oil or cocoa butter.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here's a detailed guide to making these delectable keto no bake cookies:
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- Grind the Nuts: Place the coconut, almonds, and pecans in a food processor and process until they resemble oat flakes. Add the collagen and salt and pulse a few times to combine.
- Melt the Nut Butter: In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the Cookie Butter and the butter together in 30-second increments, stirring until smooth. You can also do in a pan on the stove over very low heat.
- Stir in the Nuts: Once melted, stir in the powdered sweetener and the vanilla extract.
- Combine Ingredients: Then add the coconut and nut mixture and stir in to coat well.
- Form the Cookies: Drop by large spoonfuls onto a waxed paper lined cookie sheet to make about 16 mounds.
- Refrigerate: Refrigerate until firm, then peel off the waxed paper and enjoy!
If the mixture is very thin and goopy when you try to form the cookies, it means that the nut butter was too thin. You have a number of options to thicken it up. You can stir in more collagen, or you can stir in some coconut flour or nut flour to help firm it up.
Tips for Success
- Sweetener Choice: Avoid using allulose as the sweetener, as it tends to make the cookies overly soft.
- Storage: Store the cookies in the fridge to maintain their firmness, especially in warmer climates.
- Thickening the Mixture: If the nut butter is too thin, stir in more collagen, coconut flour, or nut flour to firm it up.
Serving Suggestions
These keto no bake cookies are delicious on their own, but here are a few ideas to elevate your dessert experience:
- Ice Cream Sandwiches: Cut the cookies in half lengthwise or make them thin to sandwich a scoop of low carb ice cream for homemade low carb ice cream sandwiches.
- Pudding Parfaits: Crumble the cookies and layer them with low carb pudding for a more refined dessert.
- Enjoy as a Snack: Simply grab one from the freezer whenever you need a sweet treat.
Nutritional Information
Traditional no bake cookies are full of sugar and carbs, but this keto version has only 6.3g of carbs and 3.8g of fiber per cookie, resulting in just 2.5g net carbs per serving.
- Calories: 100kcal
- Total Fat: 6g (10% Daily Value)
- Total Carbohydrate: 6g (2% Daily Value)
- Dietary Fiber: 1g (4% Daily Value)
- Protein: 3g (6% Daily Value)
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
The Keto Diet: A Brief Overview
The Keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat eating plan. Following a ketogenic diet can help shed excess water weight, curb cravings (since fat tends to keep you feeling full longer), and lead to substantial weight loss.
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