No-Bake Cocoa Tahini Oatmeal Cookies are a vegan, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free treat that's quick and easy to make with simple, wholesome ingredients.
These raw chocolate cookies are delicious, chewy, and melt in your mouth -perfect as a tasty snack or no-fuss dessert.
Try making tahini from scratch - my homemade tahini recipe is ready in 15 minutes.
I've been on a major no-bake kick lately, and these no-bake cocoa tahini oatmeal cookies are everything I'm looking for in a sweet treat. Seriously, they've got it all - they're soft, chewy, super chocolatey, and have the most incredible nutty flavor from the creamy tahini and crunchy almonds.
You might know by now that I'm obsessed with using dates for natural sweetness. They're just perfect in this recipe, pairing beautifully with the hearty rolled oats and a generous amount of rich cocoa powder.
If you've ever made my protein tahini date smoothie, you already know how I feel about using tahini in sweet recipes - it has a way of balancing everything out so perfectly.
One of my favorite things about these cookies is that they're a no-bake recipe. I'm all about quick, fuss-free desserts that still feel satisfying. When a craving hits, I don't want to mess with turning on the oven, which is why I'm always whipping up raw desserts like my peanut butter cocoa balls or those decadent vegan brownies with dates. It's just a win-win all around!
Jump to:
💭What is Tahini
Made from ground sesame seeds, tahini is a versatile, nutrient-rich spread with a smooth texture and deep, nutty flavor. It's commonly used in recipes such as hummus or creamy garlic tahini dressing, adding richness and balance to any dish.
🍯Ingredients
- Tahini: Use creamy tahini for a rich, nutty flavor; homemade gives extra freshness and control over texture.
- Rolled oats (gluten-free or regular): Opt for old-fashioned oats for chewiness. Quick oats can work, but may make cookies softer.
- Dates: Choose soft, naturally sweet dates for binding. Soak firmer ones in warm water for easier blending.
- Cocoa powder: Use unsweetened cacao for a deep chocolate flavor.
- Raw almonds: Use almonds or swap for your favorite nuts, like walnuts or pecans
- Maple syrup: Adds natural sweetness and moisture. Agave syrup is a great alternative.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all flavors.
- Coconut oil: Use melted for easy mixing. It also helps the cookies set while keeping them soft.
As always, you can find the full recipe with a list of ingredients with measurements in a printable recipe card at the end of this post.
🍪How To Make Cocoa Tahini Oatmeal Cookies
Prepare the dates: Pit the dates and soak them in warm water for 10 minutes if they're firm, then drain. Mash them with a fork until they form a sticky paste.
Combine: In a large bowl, combine the mashed dates, tahini, maple syrup, coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Stir in the rolled oats, cacao powder, and almonds. Mix until everything is well incorporated and the mixture holds together when pressed.
Form the cookies: Scoop about ¼ cup of cookie mixture, roll into balls, and flatten slightly to form cookie shapes. Place the cookies on a tray lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
📋Variations and Substitutions
- Nut-free option: Swap the almonds or other nuts for seeds like sunflower, pumpkin, or chia seeds.
- Sweetener swap: Replace maple syrup with agave nectar, date syrup, or brown rice syrup.
- Flavor boost: Add a pinch of cinnamon, instant coffee powder, or a few drops of almond extract for extra flavor.
- Chocolate upgrade: Stir in vegan chocolate chips for pockets of melty chocolate.
💡Marinela's Tips
- Use soft dates or soak them for easier mixing.
- Press the mixture firmly into balls or shape them into cookies.
- Toast nuts lightly for extra flavor.
- If the mixture feels too dry, add a little tahini, maple syrup, or water.
- Mix by hand for texture, or use a food processor for a smoother dough.
❓Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week, or freeze for longer storage to keep them fresh and chewy.
Yes! Almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter are excellent alternatives to tahini.
🧁No-Bake Vegan Dessert Recipes
- Oat flour protein balls
- Spirulina energy balls
- Leftover almond pulp cake
- Oatmeal date balls
- Peanut butter oatmeal granola bars
- Pumpkin pie bliss balls
- Peanut butter-stuffed dates
📖 Recipe
No-Bake Cocoa Tahini Oatmeal Cookies
Equipment
- 1 Bowl
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup smooth, runny tahini
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ¼ cup cocoa powder unsweetened
- ¼ cup raw almonds chopped
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 3 tablespoons refined coconut oil melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 5 dates pitted
Instructions
- Pit and soften dates by soaking in warm water for 10 minutes if needed, then drain. Mash the dates with a fork until sticky.5 dates
- In a large bowl, combine the mashed dates with the remaining ingredients and mix until the mixture holds together when pressed.⅓ cup smooth, runny tahini, 1 cup rolled oats, ¼ cup cocoa powder, ¼ cup raw almonds, 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup, 3 tablespoons refined coconut oil, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Scoop about ¼ cup of the mixture, roll into balls, flatten into cookies, and refrigerate on a parchment-lined tray for 30 minutes to firm up.
Notes
- You can mix by hand for a chewy texture or use a food processor for a smoother dough.
- Swap nuts for seeds if you want a nut-free option.
- Keep cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
If you try these cocoa tahini oatmeal cookies, let me know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don't forget to tag a photo @go_eatgreen on Instagram.
HUNGRY FOR MORE? Subscribe to my newsletter and follow along on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram for all of the latest updates.
Anaiah says
Oh my goodness, these look amazing and so delicious! I've been experimenting with making tahini cookies and I look forward to trying this chocolate no-bake recipe out. Even better that it's plant based and gluten free!
Marinela says
Thank you for the lovely review Anaiah! If you try this recipe, let me know how it turned out!
Kayla Houston says
Omg these cookies were so delicious! I loved every bite!
Marinela says
Glad you loved them, Kayla! And thank you for the lovely review!