Healthier No-Bake Cookies Recipe

I love no-bake cookies. Like, really love them. I have been known to stand next to the dessert table at many a party repeatedly stuffing no-bake after no-bake into my mouth like it was my job. I'm not even kidding.

They're fun to make, too. No stressing about under baking or burning, but you still get a delicious result at the end.

They're the perfect cookie, except for one thing.

They have quite a bit of sugar.

Now, I'm all about balance, and having a treat here and there. I don't eat sugar free and I never intend to. But sometimes I want to be able to enjoy a cookie and know that I'm not consuming huge amounts of sugar. These healthier no-bakes are perfect for that.

They're sweetened with just two tablespoons of pure maple syrup, which has a much lower glycemic index than sugar - and even honey - so they're going to be a lot easier on your blood sugar levels, while still tasting delicious.

So let's dive right into the recipe, shall we?

You'll need: 

- 2 tbs. butter*

- 1/4 cup natural peanut butter**

- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

- 2 tbs cocoa powder

- 2 heaping tbs. pure maple syrup***

- 1 cup oats 

Melt butter and peanut butter together in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. 

Remove from heat and add in vanilla, maple syrup, and cocoa powder. Stir to combine.

Fold in oats. 

Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a lined cookie sheet. 

Refrigerate for 30-35 minutes. 

Makes 1 dozen cookies. 

*You could probably use coconut oil in place of the butter for a dairy free/vegan version. I have not personally tried this, however, so I can't guarantee it. 

**Be sure to use a natural peanut butter. Regular peanut butter is laden with excess sugar, hydrogenated oils, and many other unhealthy ingredients. 

***Be sure to use pure maple syrup, and not a maple flavored syrup, otherwise these won't be any healthier than conventional no-bakes! 

And there you have it! Delicious no-bakes, without all the sugar. Enjoy! 

Until next time, 

Sierra