No Bake Chocolate Turtle Cookies (vegan & gluten-free)
Get your superfood fix in with these No Bake Chocolate Turtle Cookies made from pecans, dates, oats & peanut butter. Vegan, gluten-free & naturally sweetened.
I don’t know about you, but I love no bake cookies. I also love baked cookies, but no bake cookies are obviously more convenient: less time, no oven required, etc. Well, let me tell you, these are without a doubt my favorite no bake cookie! The dates add the perfect amount of sweetness, the cocoa powder adds a delicious chocolate flavor, the pecans add a slight nuttiness, and the peanut butter… well… who doesn’t love peanut butter and chocolate? The combination of flavors is just divine. If you’re craving a cookie but don’t feel like turning on the oven, make these wholesome No Bake Chocolate Turtle Cookies.
These cookies are sweet, rich, moist and fudgy. They’re made with quality, whole food ingredients, making them perfect for an indulgent, yet healthy sweet treat. Traditionally, turtle cookies are made using caramel – which is basically all sugar. Instead, we’re going to fill the center of each cookie with peanut butter, which is similar to caramel in consistency, but in my opinion, tastes much better. No yucky stuff to be found in these cookies – just simple, whole food ingredients! These cookies are no bake, vegan, gluten-free, refined sugar-free and oil-free!
Why You’ll Love These No Bake Cookies
- No need to turn on the oven – just mix all the ingredients together, roll into a ball, and BAM – you have a cookie.
- Made with 7 wholesome, superfood ingredients – these cookies are made with just 7 whole food plant based ingredients that all mend together to create the most delicious tasting cookie. A superfood cookie? Yes please.
- Chocolate & peanut butter – the best combo ever. What’s not to love? If you’re allergic to peanut butter, simply swap for another nut or seed butter. They will still taste delicious!
What You Need To Make Them
- Pecans
- Oats – rolled or quick oats.
- Cocoa Powder – I like Trader Joe’s brand for a quality chocolate flavor.
- Medjool Dates – to add sweetness! Dates are high in fiber and great for heart health. I use Joolies Organic Fresh Medjool Dates. Use my discount code: BOOBOO for money off. If your dates are hard and dry, add them to a bowl with hot water and soak them for 5-10 minutes until soft and juicy. Then, drain and pat dry.
- Peanut Butter – if you’re allergic to peanut butter, simply swap for another nut or seed butter such as almond butter, hazelnut butter (this would taste amazing in these), cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter.
- Vanilla Extract – to add a depth of flavor.
- Salt – just a pinch to bring out all the flavors.
- Vegan Chocolate Chips – I use Hu Chocolate. It’s my favorite chocolate. Be sure to use my code BOOBOO for a discount.
How To Make No Bake Chocolate Turtle Cookies
Step 1: Make the cookies. In a food processor, add the pecans, oats, cocoa powder, medjool dates, peanut butter, water, vanilla, and salt. Process this mixture until it starts to come together. If it’s not coming together and is still crumbly, you may need to add another tablespoon of water. The mixture should stick together when you form it into a ball with your hands.
Step 2: Roll into balls. Scoop 1-2 tablespoons of the cookie mixture and roll into balls. Roll the balls into the crushed pecans. Use your hands to press the pecans into the cookie. Place the balls on a parchment-lined pan and lightly press down to flatten.
Step 3: Fill with peanut butter. Use a 1/2 teaspoon or your thumb to make an indent in the middle of each cookie. Add a spoonful of peanut butter to the center of each cookie.
Step 4: Drizzle with chocolate. The best part! Drizzle melted chocolate on top of each cookie. Place the cookies in the fridge until the chocolate has set. Enjoy!
Optional Mix Ins
Want to take these cookies to the next level? Mix in some chia seeds, hemp seeds or your favorite protein powder to add some extra nutrients. Simply add them in when you’re making the base of the cookie in the food processor.
More No Bake Recipes
All vegan, gluten free and refined sugar free.
No Bake Chocolate Turtle Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup pecans
- ⅓ cup oats, rolled or quick
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- 10 medjool dates
- 3 tablespoons peanut butter
- 3-4 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup crushed pecans, for dipping
- 6 teaspoons peanut butter, for the thumbprint, ½ teaspoon for each cookie
- ½ cup vegan chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon refined coconut oil, optional, to help thin the chocolate for drizzling
Instructions
- In a food processor add the pecans, oats, cocoa powder, dates, peanut butter, water, vanilla and salt. Pulse until the mixture starts to come together.
- Scoop 1-2 tablespoons of the mixture and roll into balls. Roll the balls in the crushed pecans, using your hands to press the pecans in so they stick.
- Place the balls on a parchment-lined pan and lightly press down to flatten. Use a ½ teaspoon or your finger to make an indent in the middle of each cookie.
- Add about ½ teaspoon of peanut butter to the center of each cookie.
- Melt the chocolate and coconut oil (if using) in the microwave in 30 second intervals and stir until smooth. Drizzle the chocolate on top of each cookie. Place the cookies in the fridge until the chocolate sets, about 5 minutes. Enjoy!
One of the best desserts I have ever eaten! Simple ingredients and easy to make!
So glad to hear ☺️ I hope you’ll keep making them!