3 Ingredient No Bake Lemon Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
Introduction
These 3 Ingredient No Bake Lemon Oatmeal Cookies are a quick and refreshing treat perfect for when you want something sweet without turning on the oven. Combining bright lemon flavor with creamy white chocolate and hearty oats, they come together effortlessly and set in the fridge for a delightful bite.

Ingredients
- 1 cup (164 g) white chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) lemon juice + 2 tsp lemon zest
- 1/2 cup + 2 tbsp (57 g) quick oats
Instructions
- Step 1: Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper to prepare for shaping the cookies.
- Step 2: Place the white chocolate chips in a large microwave-safe mixing bowl. Heat in 15-30 second intervals, stirring with a spatula between each, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. Alternatively, melt the chocolate using a double boiler on the stove.
- Step 3: Whisk in the lemon juice until it is fully incorporated and the mixture becomes uniform in color and smooth.
- Step 4: Stir in the lemon zest and quick oats using a spatula until evenly mixed. The mixture should be thick.
- Step 5: Use a 1 tablespoon cookie scoop to drop the batter onto the prepared parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each scoop with the back of a spoon or your fingers into a thick round disk about 1/4 inch thick, smoothing the edges and top as desired. The cookies will hold their shape during setting.
- Step 6: If you like, sprinkle extra lemon zest on top for added flavor and color. Refrigerate the cookies for 30 minutes to 1 hour until firm. Once set, you can peel them off the parchment paper and let sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving, or enjoy chilled for a firmer texture.
Tips & Variations
- For a stronger lemon flavor, increase the lemon zest or add a few drops of lemon extract.
- Use rolled oats instead of quick oats for a chewier texture, but finely chop them for easier mixing.
- If you prefer, substitute white chocolate chips with milk or dark chocolate for a different taste.
- Garnish with chopped nuts or dried cranberries for added texture and flavor.
Storage
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week or freeze for longer storage. To enjoy, thaw frozen cookies in the fridge or at room temperature. Cookies can be eaten chilled or allowed to warm slightly for a softer texture.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these cookies without a microwave?
Yes, you can melt the white chocolate chips using a double boiler on the stove, stirring gently until smooth.
Will these cookies hold together well without baking?
Yes, the melted white chocolate acts as a binder to hold the oats and lemon zest together as the cookies set in the fridge.
Print3 Ingredient No Bake Lemon Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
These 3 Ingredient No Bake Lemon Oatmeal Cookies offer a simple and refreshing treat combining the creamy sweetness of white chocolate with the bright zest and juice of lemon, perfectly blended with quick oats. No baking required, making them a perfect quick and easy dessert or snack that’s tangy, chewy, and satisfying.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 40 – 70 minutes
- Yield: about 12 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Cookies
- 1 cup (164 g) white chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) lemon juice
- 2 tsp lemon zest
- 1/2 cup + 2 tbsp (57 g) quick oats
Instructions
- Prepare the workspace: Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking during the setting process.
- Melt the white chocolate: Place the white chocolate chips in a large microwave-safe mixing bowl. Heat in 15-30 second intervals, stirring with a spatula between each interval until completely melted and smooth. Alternatively, melt the chocolate on the stove using a double boiler method, stirring constantly for an even melt.
- Incorporate lemon juice: Using a whisk, add the lemon juice to the melted chocolate and whisk until the mixture is uniform in color and smooth, ensuring the lemon juice is fully incorporated.
- Add lemon zest and oats: Switch to a spatula and gently fold in the lemon zest and quick oats until they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture and the batter becomes thick.
- Shape the cookies: Using a 1 tablespoon cookie scoop, portion out the cookie batter onto the prepared cookie sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each scoop into a thick round disk approximately 1/4 inch thick using the back of a spoon or your fingers to smooth and shape the edges. The batter will not spread much, so shape them as desired for final appearance.
- Optional garnish and chilling: Sprinkle additional lemon zest on top of the cookies for enhanced flavor and color. Place the cookie sheet into the refrigerator and chill for 30 to 60 minutes until the cookies are firm and can be easily peeled off the parchment paper.
- Serving and storage: Let the cookies sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before eating for a softer texture, or enjoy them cold for a firmer bite. Store any uneaten cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Ensure the white chocolate chips are fully melted and smooth for best mixing consistency.
- If you prefer a stronger lemon flavor, feel free to increase the zest or lemon juice slightly.
- Quick oats work best for this recipe as they blend easily without a gritty texture.
- Do not skip refrigerating the cookies as it is necessary for them to set properly.
- Cookies are best enjoyed within a few days but can be frozen for longer storage.
Keywords: no bake cookies, lemon oatmeal cookies, 3 ingredient cookies, quick dessert, no bake dessert

