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    Home » Recipes » No Bake Recipes

    No-Bake Cowboy Cookie Cups

    Published: Mar 20, 2018 · Last modified: Apr 13, 2022 by Leslie Kiszka / This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe Pin Recipe
    5 from 1 vote
    Paleo No-Bake Cowboy Cookie Cups: These cookie cups are like an almond butter cup and a cowboy cookie had a baby. Chewy oats, coconut and crunchy pecans are coated in smooth chocolate for a no-bake, no refined sugar, no gluten, no dairy, all paleo dessert! | stressbaking.com #stressbaking #cowboycookies #cookiecups #nobake #nobakedessert #dessert #almondbutter #paleo #glutenfree #refinedsugarfree #dairyfree #vegan

    These cookie cups are like an almond butter cup and a cowboy cookie had a baby. Chewy gluten free oats*, coconut and crunchy pecans are coated in smooth chocolate for a no-bake, no refined sugar, no gluten, no dairy dessert!

    Paleo No-Bake Cowboy Cookie Cups: These cookie cups are like an almond butter cup and a cowboy cookie had a baby. Chewy oats, coconut and crunchy pecans are coated in smooth chocolate for a no-bake, no refined sugar, no gluten, no dairy, all paleo dessert! | stressbaking.com #stressbaking #cowboycookies #cookiecups #nobake #nobakedessert #dessert #almondbutter #paleo #glutenfree #refinedsugarfree #dairyfree #vegan

    Paleo disclaimer

    I run on the belief that a few gluten free oats aren’t the end of the world and are okay for a paleo diet, but if you’re a strict paleo-diet follower you likely disagree. If so, try substituting them with quinoa flakes!

    This recipe was born from a craving and the refusal to get out of bed on a Saturday morning. I, along with probably most everyone on Pinterest, has drooled over this picture of almond butter cups (from Pinch of Yum), and/or this picture of salted caramel chocolate cups (from Creme de la Crumb).

    They’re perfectly portioned dessert perfection. They’re like Reeses peanut butter cups, but without all the ingredients you can’t pronounce, but even better because they’re homemade and tailored to the flavors that you want.

    Paleo No-Bake Cowboy Cookie Cups: These cookie cups are like an almond butter cup and a cowboy cookie had a baby. Chewy oats, coconut and crunchy pecans are coated in smooth chocolate for a no-bake, no refined sugar, no gluten, no dairy, all paleo dessert! | stressbaking.com #stressbaking #cowboycookies #cookiecups #nobake #nobakedessert #dessert #almondbutter #paleo #glutenfree #refinedsugarfree #dairyfree #vegan

    So, one Saturday morning I was in my bed, engulfed by blankets and pillow, and refusing to get out of said bed because it was winter and effing freezing. I grabbed my phone and started scrolling through Pinterest to find a breakfast recipe idea that would be motivating enough to make me want to leave my blanket cocoon and walk down three flights of stairs to the kitchen. 

    I didn’t find one.

    Paleo No-Bake Cowboy Cookie Cups: These cookie cups are like an almond butter cup and a cowboy cookie had a baby. Chewy oats, coconut and crunchy pecans are coated in smooth chocolate for a no-bake, no refined sugar, no gluten, no dairy, all paleo dessert! | stressbaking.com #stressbaking #cowboycookies #cookiecups #nobake #nobakedessert #dessert #almondbutter #paleo #glutenfree #refinedsugarfree #dairyfree #vegan

    But what I did find was those two damn pictures, over and over again in my feed. They called to me. They were just begging me to go downstairs, melt some stuff and stir it together. But for whatever reason, neither of them felt quite right. I didn’t want salted caramel, and straight almond butter filling didn’t feel like enough.

    I decided what I actually wanted was cookies. I wanted cookies that were loaded with all kinds of stuff – none of this basic chocolate chip cookie nonsense for me that day. We’re talking oats, nuts, coconut, cinnamon – hearty cookies. Cowboy cookies.

    But then I also wanted them to be covered in chocolate – not just filled with chocolate chips.

    Paleo No-Bake Cowboy Cookie Cups: These cookie cups are like an almond butter cup and a cowboy cookie had a baby. Chewy oats, coconut and crunchy pecans are coated in smooth chocolate for a no-bake, no refined sugar, no gluten, no dairy, all paleo dessert! | stressbaking.com #stressbaking #cowboycookies #cookiecups #nobake #nobakedessert #dessert #almondbutter #paleo #glutenfree #refinedsugarfree #dairyfree #vegan

    It kinda seemed like maybe chocolate covered cowboy cookies might be pushing it as a breakfast option, even if I tried to use the YOLO justification. So I figured… why not combine cowboy cookies with almond butter cups, and try to make them paleo?

    That’s a challenge for which I can get out of bed.

    Paleo No-Bake Cowboy Cookie Cups: These cookie cups are like an almond butter cup and a cowboy cookie had a baby. Chewy oats, coconut and crunchy pecans are coated in smooth chocolate for a no-bake, no refined sugar, no gluten, no dairy, all paleo dessert! | stressbaking.com #stressbaking #cowboycookies #cookiecups #nobake #nobakedessert #dessert #almondbutter #paleo #glutenfree #refinedsugarfree #dairyfree #vegan

    Easy to make

    I’m going to be honest – it really wasn’t that hard to whip up. I started with the almond butter base, and just added the rest of the ingredients in increments until I had the texture I wanted.

    I wanted them to be hearty, not runny. I didn’t want to bite into something that would drip out, I wanted it to stay in tact so that the messiness factor was minimal. 

    Mind you, you’ll always end up with chocolatey fingers, but that’s just a badge of honor IMHO.

    Paleo No-Bake Cowboy Cookie Cups: These cookie cups are like an almond butter cup and a cowboy cookie had a baby. Chewy oats, coconut and crunchy pecans are coated in smooth chocolate for a no-bake, no refined sugar, no gluten, no dairy, all paleo dessert! | stressbaking.com #stressbaking #cowboycookies #cookiecups #nobake #nobakedessert #dessert #almondbutter #paleo #glutenfree #refinedsugarfree #dairyfree #vegan

    Adjust accordingly

    Feel free to adjust to your personal preference, though – use more almond butter and less of the rest if you like the danger of not knowing if you might end up wearing your food. You wild child, you.

    Also, add a sprinkle of sea salt and shredded coconut on top. It makes them pretty, and the salt enhances the flavor of the chocolate (it’s a thing). 

    Paleo No-Bake Cowboy Cookie Cups: These cookie cups are like an almond butter cup and a cowboy cookie had a baby. Chewy oats, coconut and crunchy pecans are coated in smooth chocolate for a no-bake, no refined sugar, no gluten, no dairy, all paleo dessert! | stressbaking.com #stressbaking #cowboycookies #cookiecups #nobake #nobakedessert #dessert #almondbutter #paleo #glutenfree #refinedsugarfree #dairyfree #vegan

    How many cowboy cookie cups does this recipe make?

    This makes 12 cupcake-sized cups (diameter-wise, not height – that would be INTENSE), so keep that in mind if you decide to share. I’d hate for you to shortchange yourself because you were being a good person! ;)

    After you’ve made this recipe, please consider coming back to share your experience with others by leaving a comment below with a star rating!

    Paleo No-Bake Cowboy Cookie Cups: These cookie cups are like an almond butter cup and a cowboy cookie had a baby. Chewy oats, coconut and crunchy pecans are coated in smooth chocolate for a no-bake, no refined sugar, no gluten, no dairy, all paleo dessert! | stressbaking.com #stressbaking #cowboycookies #cookiecups #nobake #nobakedessert #dessert #almondbutter #paleo #glutenfree #refinedsugarfree #dairyfree #vegan

    No-Bake Cowboy Cookie Cups

    5 from 1 vote
    These cookie cups are like an almond butter cup and a cowboy cookie had a baby. Chewy gluten free oats, coconut and crunchy pecans are coated in smooth chocolate for a no-bake, no refined sugar, no gluten, no dairy dessert!
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 minutes
    Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
    Servings 12 cups
        ✓ Read the recipe from beginning to end
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              ✓ Properly measure ingredients
                ✓ Check butter temperature

    Ingredients
     
     

    • ¾ cup coconut oil, melted
    • 2-4 Tablespoons maple syrup, to taste (or honey, if not vegan)
    • Pinch of salt
    • ½ cup creamy, smooth almond butter
    • ⅓ cup gluten free rolled oats*, see notes
    • ⅓ cup pecans, chopped
    • ¼ cup shredded unsweetened coconut
    • ¼ cup mini chocolate chips, I recommend Enjoy Life brand
    • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
    • Pinch of cinnamon
    • ¼ cup maple syrup, to taste (or honey if not vegan)
    • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

    Instructions
     

    • Prep a muffin tin with liners and set aside.
    • In a medium microwave-safe bowl, melt coconut oil. Add cocoa powder, sweetener (to taste) and salt and whisk to combine. Set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
      ¾ cup coconut oil | ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder | 2-4 Tablespoons maple syrup | Pinch of salt
    • In a medium bowl, combine almond butter, oats, pecans, coconut, mini chips, vanilla and cinnamon. Stir to combine.
      ½ cup creamy | ⅓ cup gluten free rolled oats* | ⅓ cup pecans | ¼ cup shredded unsweetened coconut | ¼ cup mini chocolate chips | 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract | Pinch of cinnamon
    • Add sweetener and stir to combine. Add more (or less) to taste.
      ¼ cup maple syrup
    • Roll about a tablespoons of filling in your palms and flatten until it’s slightly smaller than the width of the liner.
    • Pour a thin layer of chocolate into the bottom of each liner, place a disc of filling on top, and top with enough chocolate to cover the filling.
    • Top with coconut, chopped pecans, or sea salt, if desired. Place in freezer for at least an hour to chill and set. Enjoy!

    Notes

    Store in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer for up to two weeks.
    *Note: I am of the belief that gluten free oats are okay for paleo (as long as you’re not consuming them by the barrel), but I know some others don’t feel the same way and follow the paleo diet very strictly. If so, try substituting quinoa flakes!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 276kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 54mg | Potassium: 177mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 10IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 28mg | Iron: 1mg
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Author Leslie Kiszka
    Tried this recipe?Leave a comment and rating!

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    About Leslie

    I'm the hot mess behind every recipe you see here! I use baking as an outlet for relieving stress and anxiety to provide you with approachable homemade recipes and a little humor, for good measure.

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Erin

      April 23, 2018 at 2:21 pm

      These candy cups look amazing! I think my boys would love these and wouldn’t know that they are actually a healthy treat.

      Reply
    2. Debbye

      March 25, 2018 at 11:41 pm

      These look so rich and decadent, I am glad I don’t have a plate of them next to me cause I’d eat every single one of them. Really delicious looking.

      Reply
    3. karyld2016

      March 25, 2018 at 5:17 pm

      Oh man, these look absolutely amazing. I spend a lot of time scrolling on Pinterest, and just like you I find myself finding different recipes than the one I’m looking for. That’s also how I’ve found some of my favorite things to make!

      Reply
    4. Heather

      March 25, 2018 at 4:38 pm

      These look amazing!! I love that you are using almond butter and coconut oil in these. Perfect combination of flavors and adding the oats is brilliant!

      Reply
    5. Big Flavors from a Tiny Kitchen

      March 25, 2018 at 2:58 pm

      I’m not super familiar with the paleo diet, but it’s good to know that there’s debate over oats for when I cook/bake for friends who are paleo. These cookie cups look like such a decadent treat!

      Reply
    6. jpinney13

      March 25, 2018 at 2:09 pm

      I’m always looking for new paleo recipes and this looks like an awesome dessert that would curb some of my sugar cravings. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
    7. prasanna hede

      March 25, 2018 at 12:40 pm

      These cookie cups look so amazing,chocolate and nuts! I love that these are no bake!

      Reply
    8. Anne Murphy

      March 25, 2018 at 12:04 pm

      I love the chewiness factor of adding the oats! What a great combination!

      Reply
    9. Marisa Franca @ All Our Way

      March 24, 2018 at 3:45 pm

      Well, I’d get out of bed for that too! Lordy, I must have missed that recipe from POY or I would have already make them. But yours look amazing too. I’m going to have to make them — I’ll be obsessed until I do.

      Reply
    10. Dixya @ Food, Pleasure, and Health

      March 23, 2018 at 11:31 pm

      this looks like something i want to have in the fridge at all times!

      Reply
    11. Kiki Johnson

      March 23, 2018 at 4:01 pm

      Oh, these could not come at a better time! I am putting together healthy-ish Easter baskets for my family this year and these would be the perfect addition! Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
    12. cheddarben

      March 22, 2018 at 5:40 pm

      Next time you get that urge… make your hubby make you stuff! ;) These look really good and I would totally eat these cookies.

      Reply
      • Leslie Haasch

        March 23, 2018 at 9:16 am

        Haha, you make a good point! I’ll tap Bill on the shoulder next time ;)

        Reply
    13. Ashima

      March 22, 2018 at 11:40 am

      I love no-bake recipes! these look yum..I want to pick one right up from your pictures :-) Can’t wait to try them out..Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
    14. gritsandpineconescom

      March 21, 2018 at 4:22 pm

      These cookie cups look and sound delicious! They would also make for a great food gift!

      Reply
      • Leslie Haasch

        March 22, 2018 at 10:36 am

        It totally would!

        Reply
    15. Jen

      March 21, 2018 at 8:34 am

      Ohh my gosh. These look incredible. I don’t think there’s any better combination than nuts and chocolate. And I love that they’re a treat that also happen to be full of good-for-you ingredients.

      Reply
      • Leslie Haasch

        March 22, 2018 at 10:36 am

        Super yum!

        Reply

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