Why You’ll Love This Recipe
No Bake Horse Cookies are a fun and simple treat, perfect for equine enthusiasts or anyone who loves a rustic, wholesome snack. These cookies require no oven time, come together quickly, and feature oats, peanut butter, and molasses for a naturally sweet and chewy bite. Ideal for kids’ activities, themed parties, or just an easy homemade snack.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
old-fashioned oatspure molassesnatural peanut buttergrated carrotsapplesauceground flaxseedswater
directions
In a large bowl, combine the oats, grated carrots, and ground flaxseeds.
In a separate bowl, mix the peanut butter, applesauce, molasses, and water until smooth.
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until fully combined.
Using your hands or a cookie scoop, form the mixture into small balls or cookie shapes.
Place them on a tray lined with parchment paper.
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 20 small cookies.Preparation time: 10 minutesChilling time: 1 hourTotal time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Variations
Add shredded coconut for extra texture.
Mix in chopped dried apples or bananas for variety.
Use sunflower seed butter as a nut-free alternative.
Sprinkle cinnamon for a warm spice flavor.
storage/reheating
Store No Bake Horse Cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days.They can also be frozen for up to 2 months.Thaw before serving if frozen; no reheating necessary.
FAQs
Are these cookies safe for horses?
Yes, all ingredients are horse-friendly in moderation.
Can humans eat these cookies?
Absolutely, they’re made with human-safe ingredients.
Can I skip the molasses?
You can, but it adds flavor and binding—try honey or maple syrup instead.
Do they need to be refrigerated?
Yes, they are best stored chilled to maintain shape and freshness.
Can I use quick oats?
Old-fashioned oats are better for texture, but quick oats will work in a pinch.
Can I bake them instead?
They’re designed to be no-bake, but baking at 300°F for 10–12 minutes will make them firmer.
Do they harden completely?
They firm up in the fridge but stay chewy.
Can I use sweetened peanut butter?
Natural is preferred, but sweetened can be used if that’s all you have.
Can I make them without applesauce?
Try mashed banana or a bit more molasses as a substitute.
Are these good for kids?
Yes, they’re wholesome and fun to make with children.
Conclusion
No Bake Horse Cookies are an easy, nutritious, and versatile snack that’s both fun to make and enjoyable to eat. Whether you’re treating your horse, your kids, or yourself, these cookies are a wholesome option that comes together in no time—no oven required!
Print
No Bake Horse Cookies
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No‑Bake Assembly
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Adorable no‑bake horse‑face cookies made easy with Milano cookies, Nilla wafers, licorice, frosting, candy eyes and Tootsie Roll ears—perfect for kid‑friendly parties or horse‑themed events.
Ingredients
- 12 Milano cookies
- 12 mini Nilla wafers
- 3 strands rope licorice
- 1 small Tootsie Roll
- Black food coloring pen (or black frosting with writing tip)
- 24 candy eyes
- Brown or white frosting (with star tip)
- Toothpick (for applying frosting)
Instructions
- Set up workspace and pipe a tablespoon or two of frosting onto a plate; have a toothpick ready for picking up frosting.
- Use food‑coloring pen to draw a smile on each mini Nilla wafer.
- Use a small dab of frosting to attach each Nilla wafer smile to the curved bottom of a Milano cookie.
- Cut licorice ropes into 3–4 in pieces, wrap around the middle of each cookie and secure with frosting; trim ends as needed.
- Cut the Tootsie Roll into thin strips and shape triangles for ears; roll to smooth and attach to the opposite side of the cookie with a dab of frosting.
- In the center top of each cookie, pipe a tuft of “hair” using the star‑tip frosting.
- Add two candy eyes above the smile, allow frosting to set, then serve.
Notes
- You can substitute Milano cookies with any oblong plain cookie.
- Licorice colors can be mixed for creative manes.
- Let children help decorate: the cookies are simple and fun for parties.
- Allow cookies to sit for a few minutes for frosting to firm before serving.
- Makes about 12 cookies.