Chewy Coconut Dark Chocolate Energy Cookies (No Refined Sugar

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 cup rolled oats (100g / 3.5 oz)
• ¼ cup unsweetened shredded coconut (20g / 0.7 oz)
• ⅓ cup dark chocolate chips (60g / 2.1 oz)
• 2 tablespoons chia seeds (24g / 0.85 oz)
• Pinch of sea salt

Wet Ingredients:

• ¼ cup almond butter (60g / 2.1 oz)
• ¼ cup honey or maple syrup (60ml / 2 fl oz)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Equipment Needed

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cookie scoop (optional)

Detailed Instructions

Preparation Phase (5 minutes)

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)
2. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper
3. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best binding

Mixing the Ingredients (10 minutes)

1. Combine Dry Ingredients:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, shredded coconut, and chia seeds
• Add a pinch of salt to enhance flavors
• Stir well to distribute ingredients evenly

1. Mix Wet Ingredients:

• In a separate bowl, combine almond butter and honey/maple syrup
• Add vanilla extract
• Whisk until smooth and well combined
• Pro tip: Warm slightly if almond butter is too stiff

1. Combine Mixtures:

• Pour wet ingredients over dry ingredients
• Mix thoroughly until everything is well coated
• Fold in dark chocolate chips last to prevent melting

Forming and Baking (20 minutes)

1. Shape Cookies:

• Use a tablespoon measure or small cookie scoop
• Place 2-tablespoon portions onto prepared baking sheet
• Gently press down to form cookies about ½-inch thick
• Leave space between cookies for slight spreading

1. Baking:

• Place in preheated oven
• Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are golden brown
• Center should still be slightly soft
• Watch carefully after 10 minutes to prevent over-browning

Cooling and Storage (15 minutes)

1. Let cookies cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes
2. Transfer to wire rack for complete cooling
3. Store in airtight container

Storage Tips

• Room temperature: 5 days in airtight container
• Refrigerator: Up to 2 weeks
• Freezer: Up to 3 months

Nutrition Information

Per cookie (recipe makes 12 cookies):

• Calories: 145
• Protein: 3g
• Healthy Fats: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 16g
• Fiber: 3g
• Natural Sugars: 7g
• Iron: 1.2mg
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: 0.5g

Pro Tips for Perfect Results

1. Use old-fashioned rolled oats, not quick oats, for better texture
2. Choose runny almond butter for easier mixing
3. Don’t overbake – cookies should be slightly soft when removed from oven
4. Let cool completely before storing to maintain texture
5. For extra crunch, toast coconut before adding to mixture

These nutrient-rich cookies prove that healthy snacking can be delicious! They’re perfect for meal prep, on-the-go energy, or satisfying that sweet craving with wholesome ingredients. The combination of complex carbs, healthy fats, and natural sweeteners makes them an ideal pre-workout snack or afternoon energy boost.