By Wendy Stoltz / Last Modified On May 9, 2023
Get ready for a mouthwatering treat with these fudgy and chewy gluten-free no bake cookies that are incredibly easy to make! With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you can have these delightful cookies ready in no time. The best part? No baking is required!
If you love gluten-free cookies, you'll want to make these Gluten-Free Chocolate Cookies next. You can also try these delicious gluten-free treats: Gluten-Free Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies, Gluten-Free Monster Cookies, Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies, Gluten-Free Brownies, and Gluten-Free Cinnamon Roll Cake.
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Gluten-Free No Bake Cookies Recipe
Soft, chewy, and irresistible, you'll love this gluten-free no bake cookie recipe. Just be sure to use certified gluten-free oats.
One of the many things that I love about this gluten-free no bake cookies recipe is that it is ready in minutes. You can have the cookies on the tray cooling in under ten minutes.
You can also speed up the setting process by placing the cookie sheet in the refrigerator or freezer.
In this post, we're sharing the different ingredients in gluten-free no-bake cookies, how to make gluten-free no-bake cookies, tips for making gluten-free no-bake cookies and talking all things gluten-free oats.
Why You’re Going to Love These Gluten-Free No Bake Cookies
Simple recipe with a handful of a few simple ingredients - A simple recipe for gluten-free no-bake cookies that uses only a handful of ingredients and can be ready in under 10 minutes.
No baking is required - They are perfect for hot weather when you don't want to turn on your oven.
Customize them - They can be customized to suit your tastes - you can add different types of nuts, dried fruit, or chocolate chips to the recipe.
Get the kids involved - They are a great way to get kids involved in the kitchen - they can help with measuring and mixing the ingredients.
Ingredients in Gluten-Free No Bake Cookies
Salted Butter - The butter and sugar melt together with the cocoa, giving that fudge-like texture. If you use unsalted butter, make sure to add ½ teaspoon of salt.
Granulated Sugar - We use granulated sugar, but you can mix it up and add half granulated sugar and half brown sugar if you want more of a browned butter or caramel flavor.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder - Hershey's unsweetened cocoa works well in this gluten-free no bake cookies recipe but feel free to use Dutch-processed cocoa if you like.
Milk - You can use any milk you like or even heavy cream. For a dairy-free version, we recommend almond milk.
Vanilla Extract - A touch of vanilla goes a long way. You can always leave it out, but we love adding vanilla.
Creamy Peanut Butter - No stir peanut butter works best, but you can use your favorite peanut butter in these no bake cookies. You can also use almond butter.
Gluten-Free Oats - Always check the labeling to ensure your oats are certified gluten-free. Quick oats work best. If you have rolled oats, give them a quick pulse in the food processor.
Equipment Needed for This Gluten-Free No Bake Cookies
A pot - A large pot helps you to combine all the ingredients in one place, ensuring an even distribution of all the ingredients.
A whisk, spoon, or spatula - A whisk, spoon, or spatula is handy for stirring the mixture, ensuring all the ingredients are properly mixed, and forming the cookie batter.
Cookie scoop - A cookie scoop is a useful tool to ensure that the cookies are evenly shaped and sized.
Parchment paper - Parchment paper is used to place the cookies on while they are setting, preventing them from sticking to the surface and making cleanup easier.
If you have any questions about making Gluten-Free No Bake Cookies, please leave a comment, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
How to Make Gluten-Free No Bake Cookies
I've included some step-by-step photos and a video, but you'll need to scroll below to the printable recipe card for the ingredient quantities.
- Add the butter, sugar, cocoa, and milk to a large pot and heat over medium heat until boiling.
- Once it's at a boil, allow it to continue to boil for 1 minute.
- Remove from the heat and immediately add in the vanilla, peanut butter, and gluten-free oats.
- Stir until combined.
- Using a cookie scoop, scoop cookies onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Allow to cool until set, or place them in the fridge or freezer to speed up the setting process.
These numbered steps match the numbered photos above and are for illustration purposes. Please see the recipe below for the complete list of ingredients and instructions for these gluten-free no-bake cookies.
Tips for Making Gluten-Free No Bake Cookies
Follow the steps - These cookies are super simple to make, and I've found that you don't need exact measurements, but you'll want to follow the cooking instructions exactly as directed.
Use the correct oats - Make sure you are using certified gluten-free oats. Use certified gluten-free quick oats.
Line your baking sheets with parchment paper - The cookies will stick to the pan.
Use unsweetened cocoa - Make sure you are using unsweetened cocoa.
Boil for 1 minute - When you bring the mixture to a rolling boil, set a timer and only boil for 1 minute.
Use a scoop - Use a 1 ½ tablespoon or 2 tablespoon scoop.
Flatten the cookies - I like to flatten the cookie dough a little before it sets up, but you don't need to.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do Gluten-Free No Bake Cookies Last?
The short answer is that this no bake cookie recipe doesn't last long because they are super yummy. You can store no bake cookies in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Freeze no bake cookies in the freezer for up to 6 months.
Can You Make A Dairy-Free and Vegan Option?
These gluten-free no bake cookies are egg-free. To make them dairy-free or vegan, swap out the milk for almond milk and the butter for a dairy-free vegan butter. Earth balance buttery spread is a great vegan butter.
These gluten-free no bake cookies don't work with shortening.
What Substitutions / Replacements Can I Make in This Gluten-Free No Bake Cookie Recipe?
Oats - You can use rolled oats, old-fashioned oats, or steel-cut oats, but remember that the texture and flavor may differ. You can also use a combination of different grains, like quinoa flakes or buckwheat flakes, for a more varied texture.
Vanilla extract - You can use other flavor extracts, like almond, coconut, or peppermint, or omit them if you have none.
Milk - For a dairy-free no bake cookie recipe option, you can use any milk you like, such as almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk.
Peanut butter - You can also use almond butter.
What To Do If GF No Bake Cookies Didn't Harden?
- Reheat the mixture - Return the cookie mixture to the stovetop and reheat it over medium heat. Cook it for an additional 1-2 minutes while stirring constantly until it thickens.
- Add more oats - You can add an additional ¼-1/2 cup of oats to the mixture to help absorb the excess liquid and firm up the cookies.
- Chill the mixture - Place it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to help it firm up.
- Use a different brand of oats - Some brands of oats may absorb liquid differently, which can affect the texture of the cookies. You can try using a different brand of certified gluten-free quick oats to see if it helps with the hardening process.
- Use a candy thermometer - Use a candy thermometer to make sure the mixture reaches the correct temperature of 234-240°F (112-116°C). This will ensure that the cookies will harden properly.
ARE OATS GLUTEN-FREE?
Oats are naturally gluten-free, but they can become contaminated during processing if they are processed in a facility that also processes wheat or other ingredients with gluten.
Our favorite oats are Ancient Harvest, but you can use your favorite gluten-free oats. Just make sure they are quick oats.
ARE QUAKER OATS GLUTEN-FREE?
Quaker started offering a line of gluten-free oats. Oats are naturally gluten-free but can be cross-contaminated with gluten-containing grains, such as barley, rye, and wheat, during processing.
Check the label for the Quaker oats you are considering, and make sure it's labeled gluten-free and doesn't have a disclaimer about possible contamination during processing.
MORE COOKIE RECIPES
Gluten-Free Oatmeal Cookies - You can add raisins or chocolate chips to this gluten-free cookie recipe or both! Crunchy, chewy, and oh-so-delicious, these Gluten-Free Oatmeal Cookies will disappear in no time. This recipe is simple and doesn't use expensive ingredients or labor-intensive steps. You'll love how easy this gluten-free oatmeal cookie recipe is.
Gluten-Free Lemon Cookies - One of our favorite, zesty gluten-free cookie recipes. Tender, soft, gluten-free lemon cookies are packed with bright lemon flavor and topped with a sweet and zesty lemon glaze. These cookies are super simple to make.
Gluten-Free Monster Cookies - Monster cookies are super colorful and full to make. They are almost what you'd call a kitchen sink cookie, in my opinion. Soft-baked and oh-so-delicious, these Gluten-Free Monster Cookies will disappear quickly. This recipe is simple, and you can add your favorite cookie add-ins. These gluten-free cookies have the new gluten-free Oreos in them (optional).
Gluten-Free Lady Fingers - We love making ladyfingers. They are fun to make, and kids love them too. Ready for dunking into your coffee or creating a homemade tiramisu, Gluten-Free Ladyfingers is a simple-to-make cookie that you'll want to make often. These ladyfingers are as good as, if not better than, anything you can buy in the store. They are fresh, airy, and have the perfect texture for dunking and soaking up flavors.
Gluten-Free Shortbread Cookies - You can enjoy these cookies year-round, although we tend to increase our batches for the holidays. These gluten-free cookies make great gifts. They are sturdy, crispy, cut-out cookies made with only 5 simple to find ingredients. Enjoy these shortbread cookies with a cup of coffee or tea, and you'll be well on your way to bliss.
What is your favorite cookie? Leave us a comment below, letting us know.
Gluten-Free No Bake Cookies
Get ready for a mouthwatering treat with these fudgy and chewy gluten-free no bake cookies that are incredibly easy to make!
Ingredients
- ½ cup (113g) salted butter
- 1 ¾ cup (350g) granulated sugar (or use half granulated sugar and half brown sugar)
- ⅓ cup (32g) unsweetened cocoa
- ½ cup milk (regular or dairy-free)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup (160g) creamy peanut butter (or almond butter)
- 3 cups certified gluten free quick oats
Instructions
- Line 2-3 baking sheets with parchment paper; set aside.
- Add the butter, sugar, cocoa, and milk to a large pot and heat over medium heat until boiling.
- Once it's at a rolling boil, set a timer and continue to boil for 1 minute.
- Remove from the heat and immediately add in the vanilla, peanut butter, and gluten free oats.
- Stir until combined.
- Using a cookie scoop, scoop cookies onto a parchment lined baking sheet.
- Allow to cool for 30 minutes or until set or place them in the fridge or freezer to speed up the setting process.
Notes
- Make sure you are using certified gluten-free oats.
- Line your baking sheets with parchment paper, or you're cookies will stick to the pan.
- Use certified gluten-free quick oats.
- Make sure you are using unsweetened cocoa.
- When you bring the mixture to a rolling boil, set a timer and only boil for 1 minute.
- Use a 1 ½ tablespoon or 2 tablespoon scoop.
- I like to flatten the cookie dough a little before it sets up, but you don't need to.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
24Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 10Total Fat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 7mgCarbohydrates: 1gFiber: 0gSugar: 1gProtein: 0g
This nutrition info is based on the exact ingredients and brands that I used a the time. It may not be 100% accurate. Please check your ingredients nutrition labels.
Did you make these Gluten-Free No Bake Cookies? Please leave a comment below and let us know what you thought.
Dee
Is there a nut free option?
chrystal
Hi Dee,
Great question! You can use sunflower seed butter in place of the peanut butter.
Best,
Chrystal
Anita
Will there be a difference if I use old-fashioned rolled oats?
chrystal
They won't have the same texture, and they may be a little brittle.
Best,
Chrystal
Eric
Hello. Question on the yield of 1g of sugar per cookie. I'm not sure I follow how that's possible given 1 cup of sugar = 200 grams. Can you explain how you came up with 1g of sugar per cookie? Perhaps I misunderstand the ingredients or how to calculate the sugar. Thanks!
chrystal
Hi Eric,
I use a 3rd party nutrition calculator and sometimes it resents the info incorrectly when it updates. There is more than 1g. of sugar per cookie. I'll try and reset it again. It's always best to calculate the calories and macros using the exact ingredients you are using.
Thank you for letting me know.
Best,
Chrystal
Gail Morrison
So many people with celiac cannot tolerate even gluten free oats! I found 1 recipe that called for Quinoa flakes and they were good,but the flakes are hard to find. No Bakes we’re my favorite!
Wendy Stoltz
Thanks for sharing, Gail!