Chocolate Haystacks
August 1, 2012 in Cookies
These no-bake cookies are based on one my mom used to make when we were kids that was nuts and oats held together with chocolate. This paleo version ditches the dairy ingredients and the rolled oats. It’s almost like a super nutty chocolate bark. I like it as little haystacks but you could make it even simpler by spreading it out onto a cookie sheet and then breaking apart pieces like chocolate bark. Or you could put them is simple candy molds if you want to get fancy. You can use semisweet, bittersweet or even super dark chocolate, depending on your preference. Makes: 1 dozen
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Semisweet
or Bittersweet Chocolate
- 1 Tbsp Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
- ¼ cup Shredded Unsweetened Coconut
- ½ cup Sliced Almonds
- ¼ cup Walnuts
, chopped
1. Line a baking sheet or large plate with parchment paper or wax paper. Combine coconut, almonds and walnuts in a measuring cup or bowl.
2. Melt chocolate and coconut oil together in a large glass bowl in the microwave on medium power.
3. Stir in nuts into chocolate mixture.
4. Drop spoonfuls onto baking sheet while still warm. Refrigerate until set.
Do you need help finding any ingredients? Check out Important Pantry Items for the Paleo Baker.
I’ve been waiting patiently for this post
Question – is the chocolate supposed to be in liquid form?
I use 2 oz of baking chocolate and then melt with the coconut oil (step 2).
That’s awesome, they are getting made tonight. I have some fresh coconuts in the house as well so may shave off some big shards of coconut and get that into the mix as well (having a bit of a coconut thing at the moment – can’t get enough of it).
I loved these haystacks, or mudpies as we call them in our house. Can’t wait to try your recipe! Just might do it today, lol, just realized I have all the ingredients!
Soooo, chocolate qualifies as Paleo? Can’t imagine that working, really.
Yes, dairy-free, soy-free dark chocolate counts. It is high in phytic acid so many people don’t tolerate it. Many people also need to be mindful of carbohydrate intake so I always urge caution/moderation with any paleo baking/treats/desserts. Really what makes these paleo is that they won’t cause cut irritation or inflammation for most individuals.
Any ideas on how to melt the chocolate without a microwave? In fact what are your thoughts on microwaving food? I gave mine away when I started reading about how it damages the molecules of your food. As a fibromyalgic I need to pay attention to how I heat up food and if microwaving is bad I don’t want to do it! I also don’t have a double-boiler or anything fancy. Would a glass dish set in some hot water on a low burner work? Also would butter work instead of coconut oil? I reacted badly to coconut oil twice so I cannot have that. Thanks for any help! ~Tanya
I have absolutely no reservations about using a microwave. The molecular changes caused by microwaving are the same changes caused by conventional cooking methods.
I think a bowl over some boiling water would work well. Or even straight in a saucepan on low heat, stirring frequently. And I think butter would probably work to substitute for coconut oil.
Thanks for this! I wanted to find a paleo alternative to this cookie! I have an incredible sweet tooth and these are my favorite!
Hi,I was wondering if it would make a difference if I used cashews instead of almonds? My son is not crazy for almonds! Also wanted to “Thank You” for such great info, your amazing!
what if you used cocoa powder instead of the chocolate? Its VERY pastey!!