I’m sorry, I’m terrible at naming recipes.
I’m not into cutesy names – I just want a recipe title to tell you what it is. And so often I end up with some crazy long name and I feel like you might get lost in it.
I wanted to name them “No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Lentil Oat Coconut Cookies” but I exercised some restraint.
I just didn’t want to leave out any of the important stuff, you know?
Because everyone loves a good no-bake cookie recipe. And everyone loves chocolate, peanut butter and cookies. But it’s the lentils that sets these apart. The oats and coconut? They’re old friends.
This is my second entry to the Lentil Recipe Revelations Challenge with Canadian Lentils. I entered two recipes last year, and when the chance came up to do some more…. “baking”… with lentils, I couldn’t resist.
I just love a challenge.
You know that I love a sweet treat here and there. And there and there and there.
I also love packing my sweet treats with better-for-you things, like whole wheat flour, and replacing fats with yogurt or applesauce and reducing the sugar. Yes, there’s a time and place (and I find lots of them) to go all out. But why not rejoice in the fact that you can feel less guilty about stuffing your face with chocolate and peanut butter?
I made four versions of this recipe before picking a favorite. F-O-U-R.
I haven’t made four versions of any recipe before.
The first time, the cookies were too gooey for my liking, and I used chocolate pudding mix in them. I wanted to stick with what I like to call “real” ingredients (though I love my shortcuts as much as the next person) in my second batch, and find a ratio that would set a little firmer.
The second time, the cookies turned out incredibly well. But then I thought that since this was a lentil recipe challenge, I should try to increase the amount of lentils.
I tried a third time. Too gooey.
I tried a fourth time. Too gooey.
And though I love my underbaked baked goods as much as the next person, for some reason I prefer a no-bake cookie that sets so that it’s dry on the outside. Maybe I’m crazy?
I’m not talking hockey puck dry, I just don’t want half of the cookie to remain stuck to my fingers after I’m done.
Thankfully my husband’s coworkers didn’t mind eating my “fails” too badly.
So I’m sharing with you the second recipe: it is absolutely delicious, with a combination of oats, lentils and coconut, and they set up beautifully so that they are firm at room temperature. You need to try these!
No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Lentil Cookies
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup split red lentils dry
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 tsp vanilla
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 5 tbsp cocoa powder
- 3 tbsp smooth peanut butter
- 1/3 cup milk
- 3 cups large flake oats
- 1 cup shredded coconut sweetened or unsweetened, according to your tastes
Instructions
- Line two baking sheets with wax paper and set aside.
- In a medium pot, combine lentils, water and vanilla. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, and cook, stirring, for 10-15 minutes until liquid is absorbed and lentils are tender. Turn off heat.
- Stir in the chocolate chips, sugar and cocoa powder and stir until totally combined. Add peanut butter and milk and stir until totally combined. Stir in oats and coconut.
- Spoon onto prepared baking sheets using a tablespoon. Let set on the counter or in the fridge for 2-3 hours or until completely set. You can speed up the process in the freezer.
- These freeze great and thaw quickly, but can also be stored in the refrigerator for a few days, if they last that long!
Nutrition Information
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Andrea says
I’m kind of a cooking newbie, I have all of these ingredients except flake oats, I have steel cut (from Costco so A LOT) you think they’ll work or should I go to the store ??.
Ashley Fehr says
Haha! I wouldn’t use steel cut oats in this recipe as they are pretty crunchy!
Shannon says
In my humble opinion these need a bit of salt. Next time I will add 1/4 tsp. Cool recipe. Love the lentils!
Ashley Fehr says
And I appreciate your opinion! Thanks 🙂
Kathy says
I’ve made these twice. With all the fiber, I’d say they’re healthy. I’ll test them on my grand kids and if they like them, they’ll be a great snack. Thanks for the rcipe.
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Kathy!
Grace says
Could you use green lentils too?
Ashley Fehr says
You might be able to, but I’ve never tried.
Victoria says
These cookies were AMAZING. Tried them a few weeks ago, making them again tonight as my one and only Christmas cookie. Great job on this one!
Ashley Fehr says
I’m so happy to hear that!
Jess @ Flying on Jess Fuel says
I love that you’re putting lentils in all your baked goods! So creative and such a great way to get some extra nutrients while enjoying a treat! Love it!
Ashley says
Thanks Jess!
Christina @ Bake with Christina says
Mmm these look SO yummy and chocolately! And I love the use of lentils in the recipe, super awesome!! 🙂
Ashley says
Thanks Christina!
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
These cookies are gorgeous, Ashley! I’m still amazed that there are lentils in here. No-bake cookies are on of my favorites, and this combo sounds fantastic!
Ashley says
Thanks so much Gayle!
Denise | Sweet Peas & Saffron says
You are so creative, Ashley! These look amazing. And I am so guilty of the extra long, descriptive names 😉
Ashley says
Thanks Denise!
Danielle says
I’m loving your chocolate and lentil recipes! I also love no bake cookies, you just can’t go wrong with them. But these have lentils so I can eat more, right?! Pinned 🙂
Ashley says
Absolutely! Thanks Danielle!
Jess @ On Sugar Mountain says
I love how inventive your lentil recipes have been Ashley! I’d never think to work with them in sweets but now I’m wondering why I haven’t yet. 😀 These cookies look lovely!
Ashley says
Thanks Jess! I don’t usually either — it’s a nice change!
Jacquee | I Sugar Coat It! says
These sound yummy! Love that they are no-bake.
Ashley says
Thanks Jacquee!
Kelly - Life Made Sweeter says
Your lentil recipes are seriously so creative and brilliant! I love that you made no-bake cookies, they look beyond amazing!!
Ashley says
Thanks Kelly! I thought the textures would work well together 🙂
Natalie @ Tastes Lovely says
You are the lentil baking queen! These cookies look mighty delicious!
Ashley says
Haha, thanks Natalie!
Cyndi - My Kitchen Craze says
I have never made a no bake cookie before and I’ve wanted to try them out for a while now. These look delicious! And using lentils. Your brilliant Ashley! Pinned! 😉
Ashley says
Never?! You need to try them! A childhood fave 🙂 Thanks Cyndi!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby cakes) says
Seriously craving these now. Cannot believe they are no-bake!
Ashley says
Nothing better than no-bake 🙂
Shashi at RunninSrilankan says
I still haven’t dried the drool off my chin from your lentil cake – and now these! These sound fantastic! I love healthier treats too and wow!
Ashley says
Thanks Shashi!