If you need something sweet to snack on, but don’t want to consume a bunch of empty calories or massive amounts of sugar, these cookies are the way to go! They’re made with simple, wholesome ingredients, and taste absolutely delicious. Plus they’re super easy and quick to whip up. You don’t even need to heat up the oven!
You can customize these cookies by making them more or less sweet, more or less chocolatey, and by adding whatever mix-ins you enjoy the best. I prefer a mix of unsweetened crispy rice and oats, but you can use different cereals, nuts, or even espresso beans if you want them to pack a little jolt.
Fair warning, though - they will melt all over your fingers as you eat them, so be prepared for some finger-licking… or keep a napkin handy!
Ingredients:
• 1 cup Coconut Oil
• 2 cups Peanut Butter or Other Nut Butter
• 1 cup Pure Maple Syrup, Honey, or Agave
• 4 tsp Vanilla Extract
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 12 Tbsp cocoa
• 4 cups Mix-Ins (crispy rice, oats, nuts, etc.)
Directions:
1. In a medium saucepan, melt the coconut oil over low heat.
2. Add peanut butter or other nut butter and melt together until smooth, then stir in the maple syrup or other sweetener (start with 1/2 cup and increase to taste if you don’t like things that are too sweet, or add a little extra if you want them super sweet).
3. Stir in the vanilla and salt.
4. Start adding the cocoa powder, stirring in a couple of tablespoons at a time. If you want them less rich, use less cocoa. If you like your chocolate super dark, add a few extra tablespoons.
5. Once everything is smooth, remove from heat and add your mix-ins.
6. Line a baking sheet (or two) with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Use a large spoon to drop clumps of the mix onto the sheet, spaced apart an inch or so.
7. Place baking sheet(s) in the refrigerator or freezer until the cookies solidify.
8. Once cookies are solid, you can remove them from the sheet and enjoy, or you can put them away.
These cookies should be stored in the refrigerator until you are ready to eat them, or they will melt and make a mess… but that’s really just part of the fun!