Keto No Bake Cookie

Photo from All Day I
Dream About Food

Even though my recipes of late might not show it, I really am trying to eat a little less—and especially cut back on sugar. That's easier said than done when you love to cook and have a soft spot for comfort food.

My introduction to no-bake cookies came from my Grandma Spaid. One summer we made a batch together, and after that we seemed to make them over and over again. They never lasted very long in her kitchen, and honestly, I don't remember them lasting much longer anywhere else either.

I've become a huge fan of the All Day I Dream About Food blog. Nearly every recipe I've tried has been a success. The recipes are well-tested, dependable, and turn out beautifully—assuming I follow directions, of course. User error doesn't count.

When I saw her recipe for these no-bake cookies, I knew it was exactly what I needed. I was never much of a sweets person, but ever since starting a diabetes medication, my sweet cravings have definitely increased. Apparently that happens to a small percentage of people, so lucky me.

These cookies are fantastic and will absolutely be going into my regular rotation. The recipe says it makes 10 cookies, but that really depends on how large you make them. I used a 2-tablespoon scoop and ended up with 12¾ cookies. One was noticeably smaller than the rest, which naturally made it the official test cookie.

One thing to note is that the mixture is fairly loose at first. You'll want to let it sit for a bit before scooping. After shaping mine, I popped them into the refrigerator to help them firm up, and they were perfect after that. I left a couple out to enjoy right away and wrapped the rest in parchment paper before stashing them in the freezer. The recipe says they'll keep for up to six months. That's adorable. There is absolutely no chance they'll survive that long in my house.

I skipped the pumpkin seeds, but not intentionally. This was one of those classic "I know I have some somewhere" situations. I searched the pantry from top to bottom and couldn't find them. Later, Blueberry wandered into the kitchen and reminded me that I'd sent the remainder of the bag home with her months ago because I was convinced I'd never use the rest. So much for that plan. Thankfully, the cookies were delicious even without them.

Keto No Bake Cookie

Recipe from All Day I Dream About Food

Makes 10 cookies - ish

• 1/2 cup pecans
• 1/2 cup flaked coconut; I got Bob's Red Mill unsweetened coconut. I love that stuff
• 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds, Pepitas
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup granular sweetener, allulose recommended. I used this one.
• 3 tbsp almond milk, or any low carb milk
• 3 tbsp cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup peanut butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

In a food processor, combine the pecans, coconut, and pumpkin seeds. Pulse a few times until everything is coarsely chopped without too many bigger pieces.

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter, sweetener, almond milk, and cocoa powder. Stir until the butter has melted and the ingredients are combined.

Let the mixture come to a boil and cook for 30 seconds.

Remove from heat and let stand a few minutes, then add the peanut butter and vanilla and stir until smooth.

Stir in the chopped nut/seed mixture until well coated. Spoon into 10 mounds on a waxed paper lined cookie sheet and gently pat into circles about half an inch thick.

Chill 10 to 20 minutes to firm up.