3-Ingredient Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies: A Wholesome No-Bake Treat

I discovered this brilliant recipe during my journey to find healthier dessert alternatives, and it’s become my go-to when craving something sweet yet nutritious. These cookies prove that delicious treats don’t need a long list of ingredients or complicated techniques. Made without flour, eggs, or dairy, they’re perfect for various dietary preferences while delivering rich chocolate flavor and satisfying texture.

Ingredients

Main Components

• 1 cup (90g) quick oats
• ¼-½ cup (40-90g) semisweet chocolate chips
• ½ cup (120g) unsweetened applesauce

Instructions

1. Oven Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C)
2. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat
3. Position oven rack in the middle position

2. Chocolate Melting Process

1. In a large microwave-safe bowl combine:

• Chocolate chips
• Applesauce

1. Microwave in 30-second intervals
2. Stir between each interval until completely smooth
3. Total melting time: approximately 1 minute

3. Creating the Cookie Mixture

1. Add quick oats to the chocolate mixture
2. Stir thoroughly until oats are fully coated
3. Let mixture rest for 2 minutes to allow oats to absorb moisture
4. Mixture should be thick but still easily scoopable

4. Forming the Cookies

1. Using a 1.5 tablespoon cookie scoop:

• Portion dough onto prepared baking sheet
• Space cookies 1.5 inches apart

1. With the back of a metal spoon:

• Flatten each cookie to ¼ inch thickness
• Shape edges if desired

5. Baking and Cooling

1. Bake for 10 minutes at 350°F (177°C)
2. Look for slightly firm edges
3. Allow to cool completely on baking sheet
4. This step is crucial for proper texture development

Recipe Notes

• Use certified gluten-free oats if needed
• Choose dairy-free chocolate chips for vegan version
• Don’t overbake – cookies should remain slightly soft
• Texture improves as they cool completely

Storage Instructions

• Room temperature: 3-4 days in airtight container
• Refrigerator: Up to 1 week
• Freezer: Up to 3 months when properly wrapped

Nutritional Information

Per cookie (recipe makes 12 cookies):

• Calories: 75
• Protein: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 1.5g
• Sugar: 5g
• Fat: 3g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Sodium: 1mg
• Iron: 0.5mg

Time Requirements

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Cooling Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 cookies

Variations and Add-ins

While keeping true to the simple nature of these cookies, you can enhance them with:

1. ¼ teaspoon cinnamon for warmth
2. Pinch of sea salt for flavor enhancement
3. 2 tablespoons chopped nuts for crunch
4. 2 tablespoons dried fruit for natural sweetness

Pro Tips for Perfect Results

1. Use room temperature applesauce for better mixing
2. Don’t skip the cooling time
3. For chewier cookies, use old-fashioned oats
4. For crispier edges, flatten cookies more
5. Check doneness at 8 minutes as ovens vary

These cookies showcase how simple ingredients can create something truly special. They’re perfect for:

• After-school snacks
• Pre-workout energy boost
• Healthy dessert option
• Quick chocolate craving fix

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and adaptability. Whether you’re following a specific diet or simply looking for a healthier treat, these cookies deliver satisfaction in every bite.