Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Lemon Oatmeal No-Bake Cookies offer a delicious, healthy alternative to traditional cookies. The balance of tangy lemon, creamy peanut butter (or almond butter), and the chewiness of oats creates a snack that’s both refreshing and satisfying. Plus, they come together in no time and require minimal effort. Whether you’re looking for a quick treat, a healthy snack, or a light dessert, these cookies are a perfect choice!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- ½ cup natural peanut butter (or almond butter)
- ¼ cup maple syrup or honey
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil (melted)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, peanut butter, maple syrup (or honey), melted coconut oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
- Stir until all the ingredients are well combined and the mixture becomes thick and sticky.
- Using your hands or a spoon, scoop out small portions of the mixture and roll them into balls or flatten them into cookie shapes.
- Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet or plate and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow them to firm up.
- Once set, enjoy these zesty, no-bake cookies as a quick snack or a light dessert!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12 cookies
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes (includes chilling time)
Variations
- Nut-Free Version: Substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter for a nut-free alternative.
- Extra Zesty: Add extra lemon zest and juice for a more pronounced lemon flavor.
- Add-ins: Stir in some dried fruit like cranberries or raisins, or toss in a handful of chocolate chips for a sweet twist.
- Sweetener Swap: Use agave syrup or another sweetener of your choice instead of maple syrup or honey.
- Gluten-Free: Make sure to use certified gluten-free oats for a gluten-free version of these cookies.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store these cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: These cookies can also be frozen for up to 1 month. Just make sure to separate the cookies with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Reheating: These cookies are meant to be eaten cold or at room temperature, so no reheating is necessary.
FAQs
Can I use a different nut butter?
Yes! You can substitute the peanut butter with almond butter, cashew butter, or any nut butter of your choice for a different flavor profile.
Can I make these cookies without coconut oil?
Yes, if you prefer, you can substitute the coconut oil with an equal amount of melted butter or any other oil like olive oil.
How long do these cookies need to chill?
Refrigerating the cookies for at least 30 minutes is essential for them to firm up. You can chill them for longer if you prefer a firmer texture.
Can I use a different sweetener?
Yes, you can use other sweeteners like agave syrup, brown rice syrup, or even stevia, depending on your preference.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, if you use certified gluten-free oats, these cookies can be gluten-free!
Can I add more lemon juice for a stronger flavor?
Absolutely! You can adjust the lemon juice and zest to suit your desired level of tanginess.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, you can freeze the cookies. Just make sure they are fully set before freezing them in an airtight container or freezer bag.
How can I make the cookies firmer?
If you’d like the cookies to be firmer, try adding a little more oats to the mixture or refrigerating them for a longer period of time.
Can I use fresh lemon juice instead of bottled?
Yes, fresh lemon juice is preferred as it gives a more vibrant flavor compared to bottled lemon juice.
Are these cookies vegan?
Yes! This recipe is completely vegan as long as you use maple syrup instead of honey.
Conclusion
These Lemon Oatmeal No-Bake Cookies are a fun, healthy, and delicious treat that’s perfect for any time of the day. The zesty lemon, paired with the chewiness of oats, creates a refreshing snack that’s sure to brighten your day. Best of all, they require no baking and come together in just minutes, making them a great go-to option when you need something quick and satisfying!
Lemon Oatmeal No-Bake Cookies
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These Lemon Oatmeal No-Bake Cookies are a refreshing and healthy treat, combining the zesty flavor of lemon with chewy oats for a delightful snack or light dessert. They come together quickly and require no baking, making them a perfect go-to option for a light, sweet, and easy treat.
Ingredients
1 ½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats
½ cup natural peanut butter (or almond butter)
¼ cup maple syrup or honey
2 tablespoons coconut oil (melted)
Zest of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, peanut butter, maple syrup (or honey), melted coconut oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
- Stir until all the ingredients are well combined and the mixture becomes thick and sticky.
- Using your hands or a spoon, scoop out small portions of the mixture and roll them into balls or flatten them into cookie shapes.
- Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet or plate and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow them to firm up.
- Once set, enjoy these zesty, no-bake cookies as a quick snack or a light dessert!
Notes
You can substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version.
Add extra lemon zest and juice for a more intense lemon flavor.
Stir in dried fruits like cranberries or raisins or chocolate chips for extra flavor.
Use agave syrup or another sweetener of your choice instead of maple syrup or honey.
Ensure you use certified gluten-free oats for a gluten-free version of these cookies.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
