These Healthy No Bake Cookie Dough Bars are a perfect treat when you want something sweet but wholesome. Made with simple ingredients like oats, almond butter, and a touch of maple syrup, they feel like cookie dough but are good for you! Plus, they’re gluten-free and vegan, so everyone can enjoy them.
I love how easy these bars are to make—no oven required! I usually whip up a batch on weekends and keep them in the fridge for a quick snack during busy days. They’re chewy, nutty, and just sweet enough to satisfy my cookie cravings without any guilt.
For a little extra fun, I like to sprinkle some dairy-free chocolate chips on top before chilling, which adds a melty, chocolaty layer that everyone in my family digs. These bars are perfect for lunchboxes, afternoon pick-me-ups, or even a little dessert that feels like a treat but isn’t too heavy.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Gluten-Free Rolled Oats: These oats give the bars a chewy texture and are a great base for the dough. If you don’t have gluten-free oats, you can try oat flour or finely ground almonds for a slightly different texture.
Almond Butter: Almond butter adds creaminess and a nutty flavor. If you’re allergic to nuts, sunflower seed butter or tahini works well, too!
Coconut Sugar or Maple Syrup: Both add natural sweetness. Maple syrup gives extra moisture, so if using maple, you might need to adjust slightly less coconut oil. For a lower sugar option, use a bit of mashed banana or date paste.
Vegan Mini Chocolate Chips: These little chips bring sweetness and chocolate flavor without dairy. Look for allergen-free or make sure they fit your dietary needs. You can also swap for chopped nuts or dried fruit.
Dairy-Free Dark Chocolate & Coconut Oil: The coconut oil helps create a smooth, shiny chocolate topping that sets nicely in the fridge. You can switch to vegan butter if preferred.
How Do I Make the Bars Firm and Easy to Cut?
The secret to firm, neat bars is pressing and chilling!
- Press the dough firmly: When spreading the dough in the pan, press it down with a spatula or your hands. Doing this well helps the bars hold together.
- Even chocolate layer: Pour the melted chocolate carefully and spread it evenly. A smooth top helps the bars slice cleanly.
- Chill thoroughly: Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours or until fully set. This step is key for a solid texture.
- Use parchment paper: Lining the pan lets you lift out the bars easily for cutting without mess.
- Sharp knife tip: Warm your knife under hot water and dry it before slicing. This helps cut through the chocolate smoothly without cracking.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 8×8 inch baking pan – perfect size for shaping the bars and easy to line with parchment paper.
- Parchment paper – helps you lift the bars out without sticking or breaking.
- Mixing bowl – to combine all the ingredients easily without mess.
- Spatula – great for pressing the dough evenly and spreading the melted chocolate smoothly.
- Microwave-safe bowl – for melting the chocolate and coconut oil safely and quickly.
- Food processor or blender – handy to pulse the oats into oat flour for a smooth dough texture.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap almond butter for peanut or cashew butter to change the nut flavor and keep it creamy.
- Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and richness.
- Mix in shredded coconut or dried fruit like raisins or cranberries to boost texture and sweetness.
- Sprinkle cinnamon or a pinch of sea salt on the chocolate topping for a little twist that brightens the flavors.
Healthy No Bake Cookie Dough Bars (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookie Dough Base:
- 1 1/2 cups gluten-free rolled oats
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup coconut sugar or maple syrup
- 1/2 cup almond butter (or any nut/seed butter)
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1/3 cup vegan mini chocolate chips
For the Chocolate Topping:
- 1/2 cup dairy-free dark chocolate chips
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
Optional Garnish:
- Flaked sea salt or shredded coconut for topping
Time You’ll Need:
About 15 minutes to prepare and assemble your bars, plus at least 2 hours of chilling time in the fridge so they can set nicely before you cut and serve.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pan:
Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. Leave some parchment hanging over the edges — this will make taking the bars out of the pan super easy later on.
2. Make the Cookie Dough Base:
Put the gluten-free rolled oats into a food processor or blender and pulse until they look like a coarse flour. Transfer this to a mixing bowl. Add almond flour, coconut sugar or maple syrup, almond butter, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix everything together until you get a smooth, dough-like consistency.
3. Add Chocolate Chips and Press Dough:
Fold the vegan mini chocolate chips into the dough mixture. Then, press this dough firmly and evenly into your prepared pan, making sure it’s packed well.
4. Prepare the Chocolate Topping:
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the dairy-free chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring in between, until the chocolate is melted and smooth. Pour this over the cookie dough layer and smooth it out evenly with a spatula. If you like, sprinkle with flaked sea salt or shredded coconut for a little extra flavor and texture.
5. Chill and Serve:
Put the pan in the fridge and chill for at least 2 hours, or until the chocolate topping is firm. When ready, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper edges and cut into squares. Store your cookie dough bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.
Can I Use Regular Oats Instead of Gluten-Free Oats?
Yes, you can use regular rolled oats if gluten is not a concern for you. Just keep in mind that the texture might be slightly different, but the bars will still turn out delicious!
How Long Do These Bars Keep in the Fridge?
These bars stay fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2 months — just thaw in the fridge before enjoying.
Can I Substitute Almond Butter with Another Nut or Seed Butter?
Absolutely! Peanut butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter all work well as substitutes. Just choose your favorite or what you have on hand.
Is It Okay to Skip the Chocolate Topping?
Yes! You can enjoy these bars without the chocolate layer if you prefer. The cookie dough base alone is tasty and satisfying. Just press it well into the pan and chill until firm.
