These classic no-bake cookies combine chocolate, peanut butter, and oats for a quick, easy, and irresistible treat. They require no oven, making them perfect for when you need a sweet snack in a hurry. With a rich chocolate flavor and chewy texture, they’re a family favorite that’s simple enough for kids to help make.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy – Ready in just 20 minutes with minimal effort.
- No Oven Required – Perfect for warm weather or when you don’t want to heat up the kitchen.
- Simple Ingredients – Made with pantry staples you probably already have.
- Perfect Texture – A chewy and slightly firm cookie with a melt-in-your-mouth feel.
- Kid-Friendly – A fun and easy recipe for children to help with.
- Customizable – Easily adaptable with different add-ins like nuts or coconut.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Butter
- Granulated sugar
- Whole milk
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Creamy peanut butter
- Vanilla extract
- Rolled or quick-cooking oats
Directions
- Heat the mixture: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine butter, sugar, milk, and cocoa powder. Stir frequently until the butter melts and the ingredients are well combined.
- Boil: Bring the mixture to a boil and let it boil for exactly 60 seconds, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat: Take the saucepan off the heat and stir in the peanut butter and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add oats: Mix in the oats until they are fully coated with the chocolate mixture.
- Form cookies: Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto parchment paper. Allow them to cool completely before serving. The cookies will firm up as they cool.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 35 cookies
- Calories: 190 kcal per cookie
Variations
- Nut-Free Option: Use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter.
- Extra Chocolatey: Stir in mini chocolate chips before forming the cookies.
- Crunchy Texture: Add chopped nuts or shredded coconut for extra crunch.
- Less Sweet: Reduce the sugar slightly or use a sugar substitute.
- Dairy-Free: Replace butter with coconut oil and use a non-dairy milk alternative.
Storage & Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
- Refrigerator: Keep in the fridge for up to two weeks for a firmer texture.
- Freezer: Freeze in a single layer before transferring to a container for up to three months.
- Reheating: No need to reheat—just let frozen cookies sit at room temperature for a few minutes before eating.
FAQs
How do I prevent my no-bake cookies from becoming too soft?
Make sure you boil the mixture for exactly 60 seconds. Boiling for too little time can result in cookies that don’t set properly.
Why are my cookies too dry and crumbly?
Boiling for too long can cause the cookies to dry out. Stick to the 60-second boil time for the perfect texture.
Can I use old-fashioned oats instead of quick oats?
Yes! Rolled oats will give the cookies a coarser texture, while quick oats make them chewier.
Do I have to use peanut butter?
No, you can substitute peanut butter with almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option.
Can I make these cookies sugar-free?
Yes! You can try using a sugar substitute like monk fruit sweetener or erythritol, but it may slightly alter the texture.
How long do no-bake cookies take to set?
They usually set within 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the room temperature.
Can I add mix-ins like nuts or coconut?
Absolutely! Chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or even dried fruit can add great texture and flavor.
Do these cookies need to be refrigerated?
No, but storing them in the fridge can help them stay fresh longer and give them a firmer texture.
Can I make these vegan?
Yes! Use dairy-free butter and plant-based milk to make them completely vegan-friendly.
What should I do if my cookies don’t harden?
If they remain too soft, you may have under-boiled the mixture. Try refrigerating them to help them firm up.
Conclusion
No-bake cookies are the perfect quick and easy treat for chocolate and peanut butter lovers. With minimal ingredients and no oven required, they come together in just 20 minutes. Whether you're making them for a party, a quick snack, or just to satisfy a sweet tooth, they’re sure to be a hit. Try out different variations to make them your own and enjoy this simple yet delicious treat!
No-Bake Cookies
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 35 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These classic No-Bake Cookies combine chocolate, peanut butter, and oats for an easy, quick, and delicious treat—no oven required! Perfectly chewy with a rich chocolate flavor, these cookies are ready in just 20 minutes using simple pantry ingredients. Ideal for a last-minute dessert or a fun activity with kids!
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- Butter
- Granulated sugar
- Whole milk
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Creamy peanut butter
- Vanilla extract
- Rolled or quick oats
Instructions
Instructions:
- Prepare the mixture: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine butter, sugar, milk, and cocoa powder. Stir frequently until fully melted and combined.
- Boil: Bring the mixture to a boil and let it boil for exactly 60 seconds, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat: Take the saucepan off the heat and stir in peanut butter and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add oats: Stir in oats until fully coated.
- Form cookies: Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto parchment paper and let them cool completely. The cookies will firm up as they set.
Notes
- For softer cookies, make sure to boil the mixture for exactly 60 seconds.
- For a crunchier texture, add chopped nuts or shredded coconut.
- For a healthier version, use a sugar substitute or natural peanut butter.
- Dairy-free option: Substitute butter with coconut oil and use non-dairy milk.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
