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
- No Bake Cheesecake Bars
- Funfetti No Bake Cheesecake
- No Bake Strawberry Lasagna
- Mini No Bake Cheesecakes
- No Bake Churro Bars
- Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies Recipe
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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.
Skinny and No bake, perfect. I would enjoy this anytime without feeling too guilty.
You had me at skinny and no bake! 😀 Looks amazing as always!!
Thanks so much girl 🙂
I need to start skinnifying all my recipes because it’s actually kind of fun making yummy snacks that are healthy! These are so pretty looking with the chips on top…and I love the banana in them!!!
Don’t skinnify too much, like all your amazing Reese’s and cheesecakes. Cause those are perfect as-is 🙂
i need skinny everything lately, too much junk!
I hear ya!!
Love this lightened up version of no-bake cookies!
Thanks Jessica!!
Hi, I was wondering…..could I swap the sugar for Splenda and the milk for Almond milk?
Anyone tried that to see if it works? If not, I will and let you know! These look so yummy!
Thanks!
Let me know if you try subbing the ingredients Denise. They sound like they should work (you will probably need less Splenda since it’s sweeter).
So game for a no-bake cookie with the heat that is about to hit us!
Stay cool Rachel!!
I’ve actually never tried a no-bake cookie before. Going to have to make one of yours asap!
Never? Oh Ashley you need to remedy that, quick!!
I love anything chocolate that has “skinny” in the title! 🙂 These look great, Aimee!
Thanks Ashley! These were a perfect indulgence!
They look great! I have a recipe for what I called Miracle Cookies from a couple months ago which use banana, PB, no egg, vegan, quick oats, choc chips, raisins, etc. And then back in 2009 I used to make granola bars with similar ingredients but added choc protein powder to those. These cookies combine all my fave elements! I know Sally has something very similar on her site, too. Great minds all think alike 🙂 It’s nice as a mom knowing we are making some healthier treats, isn’t it!
Seems like so many variations exist of healthy no bake cookies!!! Thanks for stopping by Averie 🙂
Wow! The protein in these means I could have them for breakfast… 🙂
That’s absolutely correct 🙂
Love this!
Thank you Nessa!
LOVE how it’s packed with so many healthy ingredients! Yum!
Thanks Kiran. I occasionally eat healthy-ish.
Absolutely love the fact that this has banana in it! Great addition!
Thanks Nancy! It gives them a delicious flavor too!
These are great after workout snacks!! Love that they are so easy to whip up.
Yep, gotta love a quick no bake treat that doesn’t hurt the diet (much 🙂
Wow! This is exactly like my recipe for Skinny No-Bake Cookies! I love eating them before I go running. I have to try adding protein powder next time.
After I photographed them with the mini chips on top I thought of you!!!
Love these cookies. I’m always trying to make cookies that are healthy so I feel like I’m getting my sweet tooth satisfied while I’m still eating decently. Fools the kids, too! Pinning these for sure.
Yeah, they had no idea these were low in sugar. I had to make a second batch!
These sound amazing! Love the idea of using protein shake mix.
Thanks Kelly! We go through a lot of protein powder in our house!!
Ohhhh I looove this idea!
Thanks Kayle!!
These look great, Aimee! I could eat several after I get home from the (ice) skating rink!
Yes exactly! And they have that protein which is perfect after a great workout!