No-Bake Chocolate Coconut Cookies

By
Kristina Vanni
Kristina Vanni
Kristina Vanni
An internationally recognized culinary authority, Kristina Vanni is well-known for her recipe development, food photography, and experience as a TV show host.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 03/23/22
Tested by
Kayla Hoang
Photo of Kayla Hoang
Tested by Kayla Hoang
Kayla Hoang is a freelance recipe developer, writer, and baker whose Bangladeshi and Vietnamese roots influence all she does. Her life revolves around food and she can almost always be found waiting by the oven for a fresh batch of cookies.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
No-Bake Chocolate Coconut Cookies

Kristina Vanni

Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 7 mins
Set: 30 mins
Total: 47 mins
Servings: 32 to 36 cookies
Yield: 24 cookies

If you love the ease of no-bake cookies, you will love this variation using coconut for added flavor and texture. The coconut adds an additional layer of sweetness and texture in addition to the oats.

No-bake cookies are great to make on days where you want a treat, but don't want to heat up the kitchen. The dessert is ready in a snap because the cookies start to firm up at room temperature in about 30 minutes. If you just can't wait that long, simply pop them in the refrigerator to harden quicker.

These are great to make with kids since they can assist with less supervision than cookies that require the oven. They are perfect for a casual weekday when you need to satisfy your sweet tooth.

"No-bake cookies are a great treat for when you just can’t get yourself to turn on the oven. Coconut in the mix provides wonderful flavor and chew. If you’re like me and like things less sweet, consider a sprinkling of flaky salt on top for extra crunch and saltiness." —Kayla Hoang

No-Bake Chocolate Coconut Cookies/Tester Image
A Note From Our Recipe Tester

Ingredients

  • 2 cups granulated sugar

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter

  • 1/2 cup milk

  • 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

  • 2 cups old fashioned rolled oats

  • 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    No-Bake Chocolate Coconut Cookies

    Kristina Vanni

  2. Line 3 large baking sheets with waxed paper or parchment paper. Set aside.

    No-Bake Chocolate Coconut Cookies

    Kristina Vanni

  3. In a large saucepan, combine the sugar, butter, milk, cocoa powder, and salt.

    No-Bake Chocolate Coconut Cookies

    Kristina Vanni

  4. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Continue to boil for 3 minutes.

    No-Bake Chocolate Coconut Cookies

    Kristina Vanni

  5. Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the oats and coconut.

    No-Bake Chocolate Coconut Cookies

    Kristina Vanni

  6. Drop by slightly rounded tablespoonfuls on to the prepared baking sheets (about 12 per sheet). Press down lightly to form a cookie shape. The cookies will harden at room temperature after about 30 minutes, or they can be placed in the refrigerator for 10 minutes to firm.

    No-Bake Chocolate Coconut Cookies

    Kristina Vanni

Tips

If your no-bake cookies do not seem to be setting right away, try the refrigerator method instead. If your kitchen is particularly warm it might take longer than usual for the cookies to set. Popping them in the refrigerator for a few minutes is an easy fix.

Variations

If you prefer a vegan and dairy-free version of these cookies, it is possible to use the equivalent amount of coconut oil instead of butter.  Follow the directions but allow the cookies to harden in the refrigerator instead of room temperature. This will help the coconut oil firm up.

Storage

No bake cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They can also be kept in the refrigerator for up to 1 month. If you choose to freeze the cookies, make sure they are tightly wrapped to prevent freezer burn. They will keep up to 6 months in the freezer. To defrost, place the cookies in the refrigerator overnight to thaw.

Can you use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?

With these no-bake cookies, both quick cooking oats and old-fashioned oats will work. The old-fashioned oats will have a coarser, chewier texture than the quick cooking oats. It is a matter of preference as to what to use in this recipe.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
98 Calories
4g Fat
16g Carbs
1g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 32 to 36
Amount per serving
Calories 98
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 4g 5%
Saturated Fat 2g 12%
Cholesterol 7mg 2%
Sodium 24mg 1%
Total Carbohydrate 16g 6%
Dietary Fiber 1g 3%
Total Sugars 12g
Protein 1g
Vitamin C 0mg 0%
Calcium 8mg 1%
Iron 0mg 3%
Potassium 31mg 1%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)