Soft, chewy, and best enjoyed straight from the refrigerator or freezer, these no bake power cookies are a healthy little indulgence. Each sweet bite is packed with loads of oat and seed goodness.
Bob’s Red Mill asked me to come up with a delicious recipe featuring their flaxseeds, but I simply couldn’t stop there. In fact, this delicious recipe for no bake power cookies looks like an ode to the Bob’s Red Mill pantry. I used three types of their Omega-rich seeds (flax, chia and hemp hearts), gluten-free quick oats, and coconut sugar.
Admittedly, these no bake power cookies are as much for me and Tony as much as they were for Bob’s. Tony is a bit of a sugar fiend (okay, I might be, too), so I wanted a treat that was more energizing and wholesome. After all, he’s going to eat cookies anyway, so I may as well make sure we have some healthier ones on hand. And as mentioned, these refrigerate and freeze like a dream. They stay tender and chewy when chilled, for a delicious no-bake, no-defrost snack or dessert. They do soften at room temperature.
Things You May Not Know About Flaxseeds
According to recent studies, flaxseeds can actually be heated. Obviously heating isn’t a concern in these dairy-free, no bake power cookies. But contrary to previous beliefs, you can use flaxseeds in your baking (whole or ground) with minimal loss in omega fatty acid benefits.
For shelf-life, it’s best to purchase whole flaxseeds and grind them for smoothies, oatmeal, these no bake power cookies, and other recipes, as needed. I use my cheap spice grinder to whiz them into a coarse powder in seconds. However, if you do opt to grind a bunch at once, simply store the ground flaxseed in a dark container in the refrigerator or freezer. It should keep for up to a couple of months.
This post is sponsored by Bob’s Red Mill, but the ideas, opinions, photos, and no bake power cookies recipe are my own. And indeed, my pantry has looked like a Bob’s Red Mill storeroom for many years! I can’t recommend their brand enough for quality, consistency, availability and competitive pricing.
Special Diet Notes: No Bake Power Cookies
By ingredients, this recipe is dairy-free / non-dairy, egg-free, gluten-free, optionally nut-free, optionally peanut-free, soy-free, vegan, plant-based, and vegetarian.
- ¾ cup coconut sugar (can sub white or brown sugar, but will be sweeter)
- ¼ cup unsweetened dairy-free milk beverage (of choice)
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- ⅓ cup creamy natural peanut butter, sunflower seed butter or almond butter
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon salt (optional if using salted nut butter, but we like the extra salt regardless)
- 1½ cups quick oats (gluten-free, if needed)
- 3 tablespoons ground flaxseed (see post notes above)
- 2 tablespoons shelled hemp seed hearts
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- Whisk together the sugar, milk beverage, and coconut oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil. Once rolling, cook and whisk as it bubbles for 1½ minutes.
- Remove from the heat and whisk in the nut butter, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt (if using) until well combined. Add the oats and seeds and stir to thoroughly combine. Let cool for 10 minutes.
- Scoop by the level tablespoon onto a plate or sheet lined with parchment or wax paper. You can leave them as mounds or flatten into cookie shapes.
- Place in the refrigerator to set up. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, or the freezer for as long as they last! Eat chilled.
40 Comments
So I just made these and I must have messed up somewhere because nothing would stick together to form the cookies… Lucky for me I was making apple pear sauce at the time and I just borrowed a little bit of the sticky liquid from that and it worked out great! They’re in the freezer now. I snuck a bite and they are delicious! 🙂
Hi Samantha, very odd as they definitely stick! Did you rolling boil for 90 seconds?
I did but I am not sure if I was just to slow on the draw with getting the oats in or if I boiled too long, or if I maybe used too much peanut butter… I couldn’t figure out what I did wrong. I will definitely be trying again as they ended up tasting great even with the little bit of applesauce syrup. I’m not very good in the kitchen, but I am trying. Thanks again for this recipe, I really like it.
Well, I’m glad they worked out! Some factors to consider that might help – once boiled, the liquid should be a little sticky, but not too thick, like a rich syrup. Be sure to use quick oats for best results – rolled oats will not gel as well. The ground flaxseed and chia seed help in binding as they gel up. I use natural creamy peanut butter as noted, which is runnier than processed pb’s or those with hydrogenated oils, sweeteners, etc.
These look so good! They would be a great little afternoon pick me up!
It’s all about the non-baking options in the summer! I am so into flax seeds so these would be perfect for me.
These look so easy to make! I will definitely have to make these for the family! They will love them.
Those look like perfect healthy bites! I could see enjoying them for breakfast, too.
Looks so appetizing and what a great flavor!
These look great and would be so great as one of my breastfeeding cookies! Thanks for sharing!
These look and sound delicious. These will be great for a toddler snack that mommy won’t feel guilty about giving to the children , and of course, eating herself!
No guilt at all! Though I think the half dozen or so my husband keeps eating for breakfast may be overdoing it 🙂
Bake or no-bake, if it’s cookies, I’m there! And these look so scrumptious. I bet whole flax seeds would work really well in these, too–flax on flax! 😀
They might! I can never bite through those little flaxseeds, but maybe if toasted!
These look so wonderfully gooey!! Can’t wait to try them out
Our pantries must look similar – Bob’s Red Mill all-the-things! 🙂 These cookies look so good!
These little bites look like they pack quite a nutritious punch! I need to keep snacks like these handy so that I don’t hit other items that may not be quite as healthy. :o)
I’ve always been a fan of no-bake cookies, and I’m loving this healthy spin on the classic!
Thanks Chrisy! I’m a big no-bake ANYTHING fan!
This is a great idea to add flax seed to these cookies yummy =)
I think so. The seedy goodness melds into these so nicely.
I just love any kind of cookie that tastes amazing and is healthy too! With a toddler around, its hard to find options that he likes, and these would be perfect!
Soft and easy to eat for little ones, too 🙂
These looks so good! I could snack on them all day long!
I have been! I think I made too many test batches 🙂
Yum, I bet all the seeds and everything make it so filling!
Not filling enough apparently, because I can eat several of them in one sitting 🙂
I love no-bake cookies! Who needs to heat up the oven in summer? These look great!
Thanks Julia! Admittedly, I like the no bake factor mostly for ease!
I love the healthy punch that these cookies bring. I love all those power houses – chia, flax and hemp. A great trio!
Agreed, cookies are a great way to sneak in healthy seeds and other goodies.
I’m all for cookies that I can make without turning on the oven this summer!
Seriously! I made several batches of these with ease and they are AMAZING cold. Still soft and chewy.
I’m pretty sure I need the POWER of these cookies right now! YUM!
Yes, you really do Rebecca. I promise, you’ll love them – right up your alley!