No Bake Chocolate Turtle Cookies (Vegan & Gluten-Free)
Satisfy your sweet tooth with these No Bake Chocolate Turtle Cookies made with wholesome ingredients like pecans, dates, oats, and peanut butter. Vegan, gluten-free, and naturally sweetened for a healthier treat!
If you love no bake cookies, you’re in for a treat!
I don’t know about you, but I love no bake recipes—especially no bake cookies. While baked cookies have their place, no bake cookies are the ultimate convenience—no oven needed, less prep time, and they’re just as delicious.
These No Bake Chocolate Turtle Cookies are hands down my favorite no-bake recipe.
Sweet dates provide natural sweetness, rich cocoa powder brings that perfect chocolate flavor, and crunchy pecans add a nutty twist. Plus, peanut butter and chocolate are a match made in heaven.
This recipe is a healthier twist on traditional turtle cookies which use sugary caramel in the center. Instead of caramel, I’ve used creamy peanut butter and it’s just as good!
Why You’ll Love These No Bake Cookies
- No baking required. Simply mix the ingredients, roll into balls, and you’ve got yourself a cookie. It’s that easy!
- Made with 7 superfood ingredients. These cookies are packed with 7 plant-based ingredients. A superfood cookie? Yes please.
- Chocolate & peanut butter. AKA the best combo ever. If you have a peanut allergy, feel free to swap the peanut butter for another nut or seed butter. They will still taste delicious!
Ingredients in Vegan Chocolate Turtle Cookies
Scroll down to the recipe card to get the full recipe with measurements.
- Pecans – adds crunch and richness.
- Oats – rolled or quick oats work great in this recipe.
- 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 Joolie’s Organic Fresh Medjool Dates (you can shop with my discount code: booboo for money off). If your dates are 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 – to drizzle on top of the cookies.
How To Make No Bake Chocolate Turtle Cookies
- Make the cookies. To a food processor, add the pecans, oats, cocoa powder, medjool dates, peanut butter, water, vanilla, and salt. Process until the mixture starts to come together. If it’s too crumbly, add an extra tablespoon of water. The dough should stick together when you press it into a ball.
- Roll into balls. Scoop 1-2 tablespoons of the mixture and roll into balls. Coat each ball in crushed pecans, pressing the pecans into the cookie with your hands. Place the balls on a parchment-lined pan and gently flatten them with your palm.
- Fill with peanut butter. Use a 1/2 teaspoon or your thumb to create an indent in the center of each cookie. Add a spoonful of peanut butter to the center of each cookie.
- 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 for an extra nutrient boost. Simply add them in when you’re making the base of the cookie in the food processor.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I store these cookies?
Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for 5-7 days, or in the freezer for about 2 months.
Can I use a different nut butter instead of peanut butter?
Yes! If you’re allergic to peanuts or prefer another flavor, feel free to swap in almond butter, cashew butter, hazelnut butter, or sunflower seed butter.
More No Bake Recipes
All vegan, gluten free and refined sugar free.
Find all my no-bake recipes here and more dessert recipes here.
If you make this recipe, please be sure to leave a comment and ★★★★★ star rating below letting me know how you liked it! This helps others find my recipes. I appreciate your support, as always. xo, Megan
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. Coat 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 create an indent in the middle of each cookie.
- Add 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!