Skinny No Bake Cookies are packed with flavor and protein, and not the extra sugar! They’re a sweet treat you can feel good about eating.
For more no bake dessert recipes, try my Biscoff No Bake Cookies, which are loaded with irresistible cookie butter flavor, or make this No Bake Peanut Butter Eclair Cake to feed a crowd.
Why You’ll Love These Skinny No Bake Cookies
There are days when you’re in the mood for Chocolate Cheesecake. And then there are those days when you’re in the mood for chocolate cheesecake, but the scale says, “No way!”
These are the days for Skinny No Bake Cookies.
But I’ll let you in on a little secret—these cookies are so easy and so delicious, you’ll really want to enjoy them anytime. They don’t taste like you’re sacrificing anything!
Here’s why you’re going to love this recipe:
- Unlike other cookies, which are basically carbs and more carbs, these skinny no-bake cookies pack in some protein thanks to peanut butter and protein powder. This gives them staying power, making you feel satisfied longer!
- They’ve also got a hearty texture that makes them an amazing breakfast cookie option. You’ll feel like you’re eating a treat, but you’re getting oats, banana, and protein. (You’ll even get some caffeine too thanks to the espresso powder!)
- Best of all, as a no bake recipe, these cookies are incredibly easy. Just mix everything together and chill!
Important Ingredient Notes
- Granulated sugar – Yes, you do need some sugar to make these cookies taste good, but only 1/3 cup!
- Unsweetened cocoa powder – You can use natural cocoa powder for a more traditional flavor, or Dutch process for a little more richness.
- Skim fat free milk – Or another milk you have on hand, but skim will help keep this recipe light.
- Protein powder – You can use chocolate, vanilla, or even unflavored.
- Creamy peanut butter – This helps hold skinny no bake cookies together and also adds flavor.
- Banana – Use a ripe banana for natural sweetness and a stronger banana flavor.
- Espresso powder – To give you a little boost, and also add more depth.
- Quick cook oats – For a fantastic texture and fiber.
- Mini semi-sweet morsels – These are optional, for garnish. You can use regular-size chocolate chips, but I think the mini ones stick to the no bake cookies better.
How to Make Skinny No Bake Cookies
Make the Cookie “Dough”:
- In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, combine the sugar, cocoa, milk and protein powder.
- Stir constantly while heating until the mixture starts to bubble slightly.
- Remove from heat and stir in the peanut butter, banana and espresso powder. Fold in the oats until fully combined.
Form the Cookies: Spoon the “dough” onto parchment paper using a 2 tablespoon scoop. Use the bottom of the scoop or a spoon to make a small indentation in the middle of each cookie and press a few mini morsels on top.
Chill: Allow the skinny no bake cookies to set for about 30 minutes before eating or storing.
Tips and Tricks
- Store these skinny no bake cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- If you want to skip the protein powder, add an extra 1/4 cup cocoa powder during step 1.
- This is a recipe that’s easy to make your own. Fold chopped nuts into the cookies, drizzle them with melted dark chocolate instead of topping with chocolate morsels, or use a different variety of nut butter.
Recipe FAQs
The most likely reason for no bake cookies not setting is not boiling the mixture long enough. The cookies will still be edible, but they’ll be a bit soft and messy!
Yes! If you have an allergy or simply don’t like peanut butter, you can use an equal amount of sunflower seed butter instead.
Yes, you can freeze these skinny no bake cookies for up to 3 months. Let them thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
More No Bake Treat Recipes
- Looking for no oven cheesecakes? Make No Bake Cheesecake Bars and Funfetti No Bake Cheesecake for some nice creamy treats! Take them on the go with this Mini No Bake Cheesecakes version!
- No Bake Strawberry Lasagna is some of my favorite bites of the day!
- These delicious and easy No Bake Churro Bars go great with my Chocolate Syrup recipe!
- This creamy Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need this weekend!
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Skinny No Bake Cookies
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup skim fat free milk
- ¼ cup protein powder
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 banana mashed
- ½ teaspoon espresso powder
- 2 ½ cup quick cook oats
- 3 Tablespoons mini semi-sweet morsels optional, for garnish
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add sugar, cocoa, milk and protein powder. Stirring constantly heat until mixture starts to bubble slightly. Remove from heat and stir in the peanut butter, banana and espresso powder. Fold in oats until fully combined.
- Spoon onto parchment paper using a 2 Tbsp scoop. Using bottom of scoop (or spoon) make a small indentation and sprinkle a few mini morsels on top, pressing lightly with fingertips. Allow cookies to set, about 30 minutes.
- Store cookies in airtight container in refrigerator for up to one week.
Notes
- If you want to skip the protein powder, add in an extra 1/4 cup cocoa powder during step 1.
these are great!
I am totally making these this weekend! They look great for when you want a small sweet bite without ruining my calories for the day. Thanks for posting this, I think you saved me!!!
YUM is all I can say, plus these are super easy to make.
We are obsessed with these in our house. Super easy to make, delicious and the perfect after school snack. Thank you!
Perfect little cookie for my sweet tooth!! Love that these have so much less sugar!!
Aimee, do you still have Ascent Native Protein powder as your #1, or do you have any other brands that have a good flavor and yield a thick consistency that you have found in the past 5 years?
I love using Ascent protein powder for these cookies! I usually use their vanilla bean or chocolate! But the cappuccino is also delicious 🙂
I love these cookies because I can eat a ton of them and not feel guilty!!
This is a wonderful skinny version of my fave no bakes! Thank you!