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30 Minutes or Less

5-Ingredient No-Bake Cookies

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no bake cookies piled on top of each other on a table.

I’ve been making a version of no-bake cookies my whole life, but this healthier twist is my new fave! They’re super easy to make, beginner-friendly, and come together in basically no time at all. Keep a batch in the fridge all week for an easy healthy snack, or in the freezer for whenever that chocolate-peanut butter craving hits. If you love easy no-bake treats, you’ll also love my Healthy Peanut Butter Cup Bars and Healthy Almond Joy Bars!

Why You’ll Love These No-Bake Cookies

  • Just 5 ingredients! Peanut butter, coconut oil, honey or maple syrup, cocoa powder, and rolled oats. No refined sugar, no butter, no dairy, no flour. Just healthier ingredients that come together into something genuinely delicious.
  • No oven required. These cookies are made entirely on the stovetop and set in the fridge — perfect for hot summer days when you want something sweet but absolutely cannot bring yourself to turn on the oven.
  • Healthy, gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free. Naturally sweetened with honey or maple syrup, made with gluten-free rolled oats, and completely free of dairy!
no bake cookies with a bite taken out.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I use instead of peanut butter?

Any creamy nut or seed butter works as a 1:1 swap! Almond butter gives a slightly milder, nuttier flavor. Cashew butter is lovely and subtly sweet. Sunflower seed butter keeps these completely nut-free and is a great option for school-safe snacks. Just make sure whichever butter you use is natural and unsweetened for the best results and flavor.

How can I make these gluten-free?

They’re very easy to make completely gluten-free! Simply use certified gluten-free rolled oats in place of regular oats. I buy these gluten-free rolled oats in bulk on Amazon! All other ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, so that one swap is all you need. Look for oats labeled “certified gluten-free” to ensure there’s no cross-contamination during processing.

What can I use instead of coconut oil?

If you don’t have coconut oil or prefer not to use it, vegan butter (like Miyoko’s or Earth Balance) works as a great dairy-free substitute and will give the cookies a richer, more buttery flavor. Regular unsalted butter also works if you’re not keeping this dairy-free. The texture may vary very slightly depending on which fat you use, but all three options will produce a delicious cookie.

overhead image of no bake cookies on a table with mini chocolate chips and sea salt on top.

Sam’s Recipe Tips

  • Work quickly when scooping. Once the mixture comes off the heat, it starts to firm up fast. Have your parchment-lined plate or sheet ready to go before you start cooking, and scoop the cookies as soon as the mixture is ready. If it starts to harden in the pan before you’ve finished scooping, pop it back over very low heat and stir until it loosens up again.
  • Don’t skip the fridge time. These cookies need the chill time to set up firm and hold their shape. 30 minutes is the minimum – if you’re in a warmer kitchen, give them a full hour. They’re also delicious eaten straight from the freezer if you love a firmer, fudgier cookie!
  • Use a cookie scoop for uniform cookies. A 2-tablespoon cookie scoop makes it easy to portion the cookies quickly and evenly so they all set at the same rate. Slightly flatten each cookie with the back of the spoon right after scooping for a more traditional cookie shape.

Made this recipe? I’d love to see it! Tag me on Instagram @samdoesherbest or TikTok @samdoesherbest – I repost my favorites! And if you loved it, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and written review below. It means the world and helps other readers find this recipe!

no bake cookies piled on top of each other on a table.
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5-Ingredient No-Bake Cookies

These no-bake cookies are a healthier twist on the classic cookie! Made with just 5 wholesome ingredients, naturally sweetened with honey or maple syrup, and completely gluten-free and dairy-free. They're the easiest, most satisfying treat and there's NO baking required!
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 16 cookies

Equipment

  • 1 medium saucepan
  • 1 cookie sheet

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter unsweetened
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil
  • 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 1/2 cups rolled oats

Instructions

  • Add the peanut butter, coconut oil, and honey or maple syrup to a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir continuously until melted and completely smooth.
  • Stir in the cocoa powder and rolled oats until fully combined. Cook and stir for another 2–3 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and quickly scoop 2-tablespoon portions onto a parchment-lined plate or baking sheet.
  • Refrigerate for 30 minutes or until firm. Enjoy or store in an airtight container!

Notes

  • Work quickly when scooping – the mixture firms up fast once off the heat!
  • Use certified gluten-free oats to keep this recipe completely gluten-free.
  • Any nut or seed butter works as a peanut butter substitute.
  • Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
  • These are also delicious eaten straight from the freezer!

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 115kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 8g | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g
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30 Minutes or Less

6-Ingredient Healthy Cookie Pie

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overhead image of healthy cookie pie in a pie dish with ice cream on top.

Ok, we need to talk about this healthy cookie pie for a second… because it might just be my new favorite thing I’ve ever made! Imagine a giant, warm, ooey gooey chocolate chip cookie that comes out of the oven with crispy edges, a fudgy center, and melty pools of chocolate in every single bite. Now imagine it’s made with just 6 wholesome ingredients, no refined sugar, and is totally gluten-free. That is exactly what this recipe is, and I am not exaggerating when I say that even healthy dessert skeptics will be going back for seconds (and thirds!!!).

This is the kind of recipe that proves that healthy eating doesn’t have to mean boring eating. It’s indulgent, deeply satisfying, and looks way more impressive than the effort it takes to make. If you like my 6-Ingredient Healthy Snickers or my 4-Ingredient Protein Brownies, then you’re going to LOVE this cookie pie!

Why You’ll Love This Healthy Cookie Pie

  • Only 6 ingredients! Almond butter, maple syrup, eggs, almond flour, baking soda, and chocolate chips. That’s the whole list – no pie crust, mixer, or complicated steps.
  • Ooey gooey and totally indulgent. 😍 This cookie pie bakes up with perfectly crispy edges and a soft, fudgy, pull-apart center that is genuinely irresistible. No one will believe it’s healthy.
  • Even healthy dessert skeptics will love it. I’ve made this for people who are convinced that healthy desserts are never as good as the real thing, and let me tell ya – they’ve eaten their words (see what I did there?? 😉).
  • Super easy to make! One bowl, one pie dish, 15 minutes in the oven. You can go from craving to eating in under 30 minutes.
  • Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free. Made with almond flour and naturally sweetened with maple syrup – no refined sugar, no gluten, no dairy.
  • Perfect for sharing. This cookie pie is the ultimate crowd-pleasing dessert. Serve it warm straight from the dish with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top – YUM!
close up image of healthy cookie pie being scooped out of a skillet.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

  • Almond Butter: Any creamy nut or seed butter works in this recipe. Peanut butter gives it a more classic cookie flavor, cashew butter is milder and slightly sweeter, and sunflower seed butter keeps it completely nut-free.
  • Maple Syrup: Honey is a perfect 1:1 swap. You can also use agave nectar or any other liquid sweetener you love.
  • Almond Flour: Oat flour works well as a substitute! Use the same amount. Just note that the texture will be slightly less dense and more cake-like.
  • Chocolate Chips: Swap for peanut butter chips, white chocolate chips, or cacao nibs for a different flavor twist. A mix of chocolate chips and chopped nuts is also incredible.
  • Add-Ins: Want to take it to the next level? Stir in ¼ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a nutty crunch, or swirl in a tablespoon of peanut butter over the top before baking.

Sam’s Recipe Tips

  • Don’t overbake it. I cannot stress this enough – the secret to the perfect ooey gooey cookie pie is pulling it from the oven when the center still looks slightly underdone. It will firm up as it cools, and you’ll be left with that dreamy soft, fudgy middle. If you bake until the center looks fully set, it’ll come out dry.
  • Use an oven-safe skillet for extra-crispy edges. A cast-iron skillet holds heat beautifully and gives you those perfect crispy, golden-brown edges with an extra gooey center. A standard 9-inch pie dish works great too!
  • Serve it warm. Cookie pie is 100% best served warm, straight from the dish. The chocolate chips stay melty and the center is soft and pull-apart perfect. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 20–30 seconds if needed.
  • Storing leftovers: Store any leftover cookie pie covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days. When you’re ready to eat, I recommend warming it back up in the oven for a minute or two!
overhead image of healthy cookie pie in a pie dish with ice cream on top.
4.80 from 5 votes

6-Ingredient Healthy Cookie Pie

This healthy cookie pie is a 6-ingredient, gluten-free dessert that bakes up with perfectly crispy edges, a soft fudgy center, and melty chocolate chips in every bite! Made with almond butter, maple syrup, and almond flour, it comes together in one bowl in under 30 minutes with barely any effort. If you're looking for an indulgent, crowd-pleasing dessert recipe that's actually healthy, this is it!
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 17 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Equipment

  • 1 9-inch pie dish
  • 1 large bowl

Ingredients

  • 1 cup creamy unsweetened almond butter or any nut/seed butter
  • 1/2 cup maple syrup or honey
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup almond flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9-inch pie dish or oven-safe skillet.
  • Whisk together the almond butter, maple syrup, and eggs in a large bowl until smooth and combined.
  • Stir in the almond flour and baking soda until a thick batter forms.
  • Fold in the chocolate chips, then pour into the prepared pie dish and spread evenly.
  • Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the edges are set and golden but the center still looks slightly underdone.
  • Let cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream!

Notes

  • Don’t overbake! Pull from the oven when the center looks slightly underdone for the best gooey texture.
  • Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
  • Freeze individual slices for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 320kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 22g | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 16g
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30 Minutes or Less

Single Serve Protein Cookie Skillet (30g protein!)

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close up image of protein cookie skillet with chocolate chips on top.

I’m the kind of girl that needs a little something sweet at the end of every day. And these days, I just don’t have the time to make big batches of sweet treats all the time – which is where my recent obsession for single serve desserts comes in. It started with my single serve gluten-free cinnamon roll, then my healthy mug cake, and now this single serve protein cookie skillet. Because another thing about me is that I’ve been working really hard on eating more protein. Protein keeps me fueled, satisfied, and curbs my appetite. But the cookie nature (if you will) of this single serve recipe keeps me happy! I’m seriously addicted to this single serve protein cookie skillet, and know if you give it a try that you will be too. 😍

Why You’ll Love This Single Serve Protein Cookie Skillet

  • Over 30 grams of protein in one serving!
  • Perfect single serve dessert.
  • Warm, gooey, and incredibly satisfying.
  • Gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free!
  • Comes together in minutes with minimal cleanup.
  • Made with wholesome, better-for-you ingredients.
overhead image of single serve protein cookie skillet with flaky sea salt on top.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much protein does this protein cookie skillet have?

This skillet cookie contains 30+ grams of protein, depending on the protein powder you use.

Can I make a larger skillet?

Yes! You can easily double or triple the recipe and bake it in a larger oven-safe skillet. Just add a few extra minutes to the bake time and keep an eye on the center.

What kind of protein powder did you use?

I used Aloha plant-based vanilla protein powder, but I’ve also made this with Vital Farms unflavored collagen powder, and it turns out just as delicious. Any vanilla or unflavored protein powder will work well.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

  • Make it Egg-free: Replace the egg with ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg.
  • Make it Nut-free: Use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter.
  • Lower sugar: Use sugar-free maple syrup or reduce the amount.
  • Different flavors: Add cinnamon, flaky sea salt, or swap chocolate chips for chopped dark chocolate.
close up image of protein cookie skillet with chocolate chips on top.
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Single Serve Protein Cookie Skillet (30g protein!)

This protein cookie skillet is a warm, gooey single-serve dessert with over 30 grams of protein! It’s gluten-free, dairy-free, refined sugar-free, and made with simple, wholesome ingredients. Perfect when you want a healthy cookie that tastes indulgent, this protein cookie skillet comes together in just minutes!
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 1 serving

Equipment

  • 1 small skillet

Ingredients

  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup almond flour
  • 2 tablespoons protein powder
  • 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter or any nut/seed butter
  • 1 tablespoon oil I used avocado oil
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup or any liquid sweetener
  • 2 tablespoons chocolate chips

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350° Fahrenheit.
  • Add all ingredients to a mini skillet, except for the chocolate chips, and mix together until a thick dough forms.
  • Sprinkle the chocolate chips on top of the skillet then bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookie is done to your liking (I like mine slightly gooey in the center). Let cool slightly then enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1skillet | Calories: 600kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 40g | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 15g
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30 Minutes or Less

Collagen Cookie Dough Protein Bars

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overhead image of sliced collagen cookie dough protein bars.

It’s no secret I love cookie dough. The cookie dough obsession started with my viral healthy 4-ingredient cookie dough bark, then spiraled into an edible cottage cheese cookie dough and healthy cookie dough date bites. So up next in our cookie dough lineup are these seriously delicious collagen cookie dough protein bars. Made in just one bowl, with 7 simple ingredients – they’re totally gluten-free, dairy-free, and pack 15 grams of protein per bar! I’ve truly never found a protein bar recipe with cleaner ingredients than this one right here. I love meal prepping a double batch of these homemade protein bars, freezing half, then enjoying the other half as an afternoon protein snack all week long. So simple, healthy, and truly delicious!

Why You’ll Love These Cookie Dough Protein Bars

These cookie dough protein bars taste just like edible cookie dough, but with a healthy, nourishing twist! They’re no-bake, gluten-free, dairy-free, and made in just one bowl with 7 simple ingredients, perfect for busy weeks and meal prep. Each bar packs 15 grams of protein, making them a satisfying snack, dessert, or post-workout treat you’ll actually look forward to snacking on!

a bite taken out of a collagen cookie dough protein bar

Frequently Asked Questions

What collagen powder did you use?
I used Vital Proteins Collagen Powder, but Further Foods Collagen works just as well. Any unflavored collagen powder will work here without affecting the taste or texture.

Can I use a different nut or seed butter?
Yes! Cashew butter makes these bars extra creamy, but peanut butter works great too. For a nut-free option, sunflower seed butter is a solid substitute – just note it may slightly change the flavor.

How much protein is in each bar?
Each bar contains about 15 grams of protein, primarily from the collagen powder and nut butter, making them a great high-protein snack option!

Storage Tips

Store these cookie dough protein bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. For longer storage, keep them in the freezer for up to 2 months and let them thaw for a few minutes before enjoying. They’re best served chilled for that classic cookie dough texture.

overhead image of sliced collagen cookie dough protein bars.
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Collagen Cookie Dough Protein Bars

These cookie dough protein bars taste just like classic cookie dough, but are made with simple, better-for-you ingredients and 15 grams of protein per bar. They’re no-bake, gluten-free, and dairy-free, making them the perfect easy snack, dessert, or post-workout treat. Made in just one bowl with 7 ingredients, these healthy cookie dough protein bars are a must-make for meal prep.
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 10 servings

Equipment

  • 1 large bowl
  • 1 9×4-inch loaf pan

Ingredients

  • 1 cup almond flour
  • 3/4 cup creamy cashew butter or peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup collagen
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • pinch of salt
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Instructions

  • Mix together all ingredients except for the chocolate chips in a large bowl. Once the mixture has come together to resemble the consistency of cookie dough, fold in the chocolate chips.
  • Transfer the mixture to a 9×9-inch square baking pan lined with parchment paper, and press it down into an even layer in the pan.
  • Chill the bars in the fridge or freezer for about 30 minutes, then remove from the fridge and slice into 9 bars. Store the bars in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to eat.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bar | Calories: 280kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 20g | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 9g
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30 Minutes or Less

One-Bowl Gluten-Free Molasses Cookies

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overhead image of gluten-free molasses cookies on a table.

My focus this holiday season has been on creating family traditions. With the recent arrival of my second baby, I’ve fallen in love with the idea of creating family recipes that will hopefully last us generations – like the gluten-free cinnamon rolls I plan on making every Christmas morning and the gluten-free Christmas cookies we’ll bake for family and friends.

These gluten-free molasses cookies are classic and totally timeless – yet easy to make in just one-bowl, NO chilling required! It’s these minor tweaks I made over rounds of recipe testing that I hope one day even my great grandkids will appreciate. I also baked these cookies with my toddler last week, and it passed the kid-friendly test with flying colors! He loved rolling the cookies in sugar, and I loved that I only had one bowl to clean. 🙂 Win, win!

a gluten-free molasses cookie with a bite taken out.

What Makes These the BEST Gluten-Free Molasses Cookies

These gluten-free molasses cookies check every box:

  • Soft, chewy, and perfectly spiced like classic bakery-style molasses cookies
  • Made in one bowl with easy pantry-staple ingredients
  • No chilling required—meaning cookies in under 20 minutes
  • Naturally gluten-free, and easily dairy-free/vegan with simple swaps
  • Perfect crackly tops thanks to rolling the dough in sugar
  • A reliable dough that doesn’t spread too much and bakes evenly every time

If you’ve been looking for a gluten-free molasses cookie that tastes exactly like the real thing, this is the recipe you’ll keep forever!

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

  • Molasses: I recommend using unsulphured molasses and avoiding blackstrap molasses – it’s more bitter and a little too thick for this cookie recipe.
  • Gluten-Free Flour: A high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour with xanthan gum works best. I love and recommend either the King Arthur Gluten-Free Flour or Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 Gluten-Free Flour. If your blend does not contain xanthan gum, add ½ teaspoon.
  • Butter: To make these cookies dairy-free, swap the butter for vegan butter sticks or softened coconut oil.
  • Spices: The spice blend of ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves gives these cookies their classic “gingersnap meets molasses cookie” flavor. Adjust ginger for more or less spice!
one gluten-free molasses cookie with a bite taken out.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I store these gluten-free molasses cookies?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 4–5 days. They also freeze beautifully – store baked cookies in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months, thawing on the counter before enjoying.

Can I make them dairy-free?

Yes! Replace the butter with vegan butter or softened coconut oil. The texture remains soft and chewy.

How do I also make these cookies vegan?

Yes – simply use vegan butter and replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp flax meal + 2.5 tbsp water). Bake time remains the same!

Sam’s Baking Tips

  • Don’t skimp on the spices! Molasses cookies need a strong spice profile.
  • Avoid over-mixing once the flour is added to keep the cookies chewy and tender.
  • Roll in sugar for that perfect crackly top and bakery-style finish!
  • Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized cookies that bake uniformly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These gluten-free molasses cookies are soft, chewy, perfectly spiced, made in one bowl, and require no chilling—a holiday win! They taste just like the classic version, and no one will ever guess they’re gluten-free or dairy-free.

overhead image of gluten-free molasses cookies on a table.
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One-Bowl Gluten-Free Molasses Cookies (no chilling required!)

These soft and chewy gluten-free molasses cookies are packed with warm holiday spices and made in just one bowl – no chilling required! They bake up with perfectly crackled tops, rich molasses flavor, and a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture no one will believe is gluten-free. The perfect easy Christmas cookie that’s also dairy-free friendly and ideal for gifting, parties, or cozy winter baking!
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies

Equipment

  • 2 large cookie sheets
  • 1 large bowl

Ingredients

  • 6 tablespoons butter softened (or non-dairy butter)
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar or coconut sugar for a healthier option
  • 1/3 cup molasses
  • 1 egg at room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 3/4 cups gluten-free all purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Optional:

  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar for coating the cookies

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350° Fahrenheit and line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper.
  • Beat butter and brown sugar together in a large bowl with either a hand or stand mixer, until light and fluffy. Add in molasses, egg, and vanilla extract and beat again until combined.
  • Add in the gluten-free flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Mix again just until a dough forms – careful not to over-mix the cookie dough!
  • Scoop 2 tablespoon-sized balls of dough, roll the dough between the palm of your hands to form a smooth ball, then roll the ball in sugar before placing it on your prepared baking sheet.
  • Lightly press down each cookie just a little to flatten it, then bake the cookies for about 10-12 minutes. Remove the cookie from the oven and transfer to a wire cooling rack to cool completely before serving or storing.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cookie | Calories: 90kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 0.5g | Fat: 3g | Sugar: 7g
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