These No-Bake Cookies are a classic treat that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without turning on the oven! With a rich chocolate and peanut butter flavor, a chewy texture, and a simple no-bake process, they’re a favorite for both kids and adults.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy and Quick: These cookies are incredibly easy to make, requiring no baking and only a few minutes of cooking time. They’re perfect for a quick and satisfying treat when you’re short on time or craving something sweet.
Nostalgic Flavor: These cookies have a classic, nostalgic flavor that brings back childhood memories. The combination of chocolate, peanut butter, and oats is a timeless favorite.
Perfect for Kids: These cookies are a great option for getting kids involved in the kitchen. They can help measure ingredients, stir the mixture, and even drop the cookies onto the baking sheet.

Ingredients

Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookies and helps to create a chewy texture.
Butter: Adds richness and flavor. Use salted or unsalted butter, adjusting the salt in the recipe accordingly.
Milk: Adds moisture and helps to bind the ingredients together.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds a rich chocolate flavor.
Creamy peanut butter: Adds a delicious peanut butter flavor and helps to bind the cookies.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
Quick 1-minute oats: Provides a chewy texture and a slightly nutty flavor. You can substitute with old-fashioned oats, pulsed in a blender to break them down.
Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make No-Bake Cookies

Step 1: Prep

Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or wax paper. Set aside.

Step 2: Boil Sugar and Butter

In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, butter, milk, and cocoa powder.
Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it comes to a rolling boil.
Once it reaches a boil, cook for an additional 1 ½ minutes, stirring continuously.
Immediately remove the saucepan from the heat.

Step 3: Add in Peanut Butter, Oats, and Vanilla

Stir in the peanut butter and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
Add the oats and a pinch of salt. Stir until the oats are well coated and the mixture is evenly combined.

Step 4: Drop and Cool

Drop spoonfuls of the cookie mixture onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie.
Let the cookies cool completely at room temperature until they are set and firm. This will take about 30-60 minutes.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Use a Timer: It’s important to time the boiling process accurately to ensure that the cookies have the right texture. Set a timer for 1 ½ minutes once the mixture reaches a rolling boil.
Don’t Overcook: Overcooking the mixture will result in dry and crumbly cookies.
Cool Completely: Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing them to prevent them from sticking together.

How to Serve

These No-Bake Cookies are delicious served:

On their own: Enjoy them as a simple and satisfying treat.
With milk: A classic pairing for cookies.
With ice cream: Crumble them over a bowl of ice cream for a delicious dessert.
Packed in lunchboxes: A fun and easy snack for kids and adults alike.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days, or in the refrigerator for 5-7 days.

Freezing

Freeze the cookies in a freezer bag or airtight container for 2-3 months.

FAQs

1. Can I use old-fashioned oats?

Yes, you can use old-fashioned oats, but pulse them in a blender a few times to break them down to a similar texture as quick oats.

2. Can I use a different type of milk?

Yes, you can use any type of milk you prefer, such as almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk.

3. Can I add other mix-ins to the cookies?

Absolutely! Feel free to add other mix-ins, such as chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or shredded coconut.

4. Why are my cookies too soft?

If your cookies are too soft, it’s likely that the mixture wasn’t cooked long enough. Make sure to boil the mixture for the full 1 ½ minutes after it reaches a rolling boil.