You can make these peanut butter & chocolate no-bake cookies in less than 20 minutes! This super simple recipe is naturally egg-free and flour-free with just a few common ingredients. Recipe includes a how-to video!
Peanut Butter & Chocolate No-Bake Cookies
These no-bake cookies are quite possibly the easiest cookie you’ll ever make.
Not only are they made with a handful of pantry staples, but they cook for just a few minutes on the stove before you’ll scoop them onto a cookie sheet to firm up. Don’t worry, though, just because they’re simple doesn’t mean they’re boring! These cookies are rich and chocolatey, with undertones of peanut butter, oats, and vanilla. They can hold their own against even the most hearty cookies out there, except they take a fraction of the time to make.
No-bake cookies are quite different from other cookies, and if we’re getting technical, they’re actually more similar to a candy than a cookie. Because of this, they can sometimes be a little tricky to make, especially in humid environments.
To help those of you who are new to this recipe, I’ve included some troubleshooting below to help you avoid some of the more common issues with this kind of dessert. If you follow all of the tips in this post though, you’ll have perfectly set no-bake cookies in no time!
What You Need
These cookies are so simple that I bet you already have all the ingredients to make them! Here’s what you need (and what you don’t!):
- Butter. Unlike most of my recipes, I actually use salted butter for these no-bake cookies. If all you have on hand is unsalted, just add ยผ teaspoon of salt in with the butter.
- Milk. I recommend whole milk, but some of you have reported that 2%, almond, and even evaporated milk have all worked too.
- Sugar. I love using a mix of granulated and light brown sugar for rich, flavorful cookies. Most no-bake cookie recipes use just granulated, but I think the brown sugar just adds something special.
- Cocoa powder. My preference is natural unsweetened cocoa powder, but you could also use Dutch process cocoa if that’s what you have–the flavor will be more intense though!
- Peanut butter. Use regular peanut butter, not the natural kind that separates. Either crunchy or creamy will work!
- Vanilla. A generous splash adds a lovely flavor. If you’ve got some homemade vanilla extract sitting around, feel free to use it here!
- Oats. My preference is to use instant or quick oats, because they yield a chewier, more compact cookie; however, you could use the same amount of old fashioned or rolled oats if that’s what you have on hand.
And finally…these no-bake cookies are both egg-free and flour-free! Many of you have asked for recipes like this, and these cookies check both boxes without sacrificing any flavor or texture.
SAM’S TIP: You can always leave out the peanut butter or the cocoa powder, and your cookies will still turn out great! You could also substitute the peanut butter for another nut/seed butter (still make sure it’s not the kind that separates), and some people have even substituted Nutella. I even have cookie butter no-bake cookies!
Remember, this is just an overview of the ingredients I used and why. For the full recipe please scroll down to the bottom of the post!
How to Make No-Bake Cookies
- In a medium saucepan, combine the cocoa, milk, sugar, and butter. Heat this over low heat, stirring frequently, until the butter is melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Once the butter has melted, increase the heat to medium and begin stirring constantly. When the mixture begins to boil, keep stirring and let it boil for exactly one minute. Remove the pot from the heat and keep stirring for a few more seconds.
- Stir in the peanut butter and vanilla until they’re fully incorporated, then fold in your oats until they’re completely coated.
- Drop the cookies by 1 ยฝ-2 Tablespoon-sized scoops onto a wax paper lined baking sheet. Let them cool for about 20-30 minutes before enjoying.
SAM’S TIP: I highly recommend using a timer when you reach the boiling step. If you donโt boil the mixture long enough, your cookies may not set properly. On the other hand, if you boil it for too long, your cookies may turn out dry and crumbly. Using a timer for one minute avoids these issues and sets you up for beautiful, perfectly textured no-bake cookies!
Troubleshooting
As I mentioned before, these no-bake cookies are a bit more like candy than actual cookies. While they donโt require a candy thermometer, theyโre subject to some of the same issues that you can run into when making other candy recipes. Humidity can keep them from setting up properly, so sometimes I have to boil them a bit longer if itโs a rainy day. However, boiling too long can make them dry/crumbly, so it’s a fine balance. It can be hard to salvage your cookies in either scenario, so read this post thoroughly, and make sure to watch the video for extra tips.
- Cookies that are dry and crumbly: You most likely cranked up the heat to speed things up, or you boiled the mixture for too long. Be patient while you cook, keep the heat on low/medium low, and boil the mixture for only one minute (set a timer)!
- Cookies that are liquidy, sticky, or won’t set: You probably didn’t boil your mixture long enough. This can happen from simply rushing or from high humidity in your environment. Always use a timer, and if you try to make these on a humid day, you will probably just need to boil them for a bit longer (roughly another minute or so).
Frequently Asked Questions
Nope! They’ll last for roughly one week stored in an airtight container at room temperature.ย If you prefer to eat them cold or just need them to last longer, you can always refrigerate them in an airtight container.
Yes! Just stir them in at the end when you add the oats. Don’t add too much (no more than a cup of add-ins), or you could risk making your cookies dry.
Yes! Place them in a single layer on a cookie sheet or plate and let them firm up in the fridge for a few hours. Once they’re firm, you can transfer them to a freezer bag and freeze.
Enjoy!
Letโs bake together! Iโll be walking you through all the steps in my written recipe and video below! If you try this recipe, be sure to tag me on Instagram, and you can also find me on YouTube and Facebook
No Bake Cookies
Ingredients
- ยฝ cup (113 g) salted butter cut into Tablespoon-sized pieces
- ยฝ cup (120 ml) whole milkยน
- 1 cup (200 g) light brown sugar, firmly packed
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- ยผ cup (25 g) cocoa powder
- โ cup (165 g) creamy peanut butterยฒ
- 1 ยฝ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups (285 g) instant/quick oatsยณ
Instructions
- Prepare two cookie sheets by lining with wax paper and set aside.
- Combine butter, milk, sugars, and cocoa powder in a medium-sized saucepan over low heat.ย Don't bump up the heat to speed up the process or you run the risk of your ingredients not combining properly and your cookies not setting properly.ยฝ cup (113 g) salted butter, ยฝ cup (120 ml) whole milkยน, 1 cup (200 g) light brown sugar, firmly packed, 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar, ยผ cup (25 g) cocoa powder
- Stir ingredients frequently until butter is completely melted (I recommend using a long wooden spoon as a metal spoon can become really hot).
- Increase heat to medium and, stirring constantly, bring to a boil.
- Boil, still stirring constantly, for 1 minute (I recommend using a timer, see post for more details on why it’s important to not over or under-boil) then remove from heat. Continue to stir the mixture for several seconds.
- Add peanut butter and vanilla extract, stirring until peanut butter is completely combined and melted into the mixture.โ cup (165 g) creamy peanut butterยฒ, 1 ยฝ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Add oats and stir until coated in chocolate.3 cups (285 g) instant/quick oatsยณ
- Drop no bake cookie mixture by approximately 1 ยฝ-2 Tablespoon-sized spoonfuls onto prepared cookie sheet.
- Allow to cool (approximately 20-30 minutes) before serving, the cookies will harden as they cool.
Notes
ยนMilk
I have only ever made these cookies using whole milk and that is what I recommend. However, readers have reported success using 2% milk, skim milk, evaporated milk, and almond milk.ยฒPeanut Butter
I do not recommend using a natural peanut butter (the kind where the oil separates).ยณOats
You may substitute old-fashioned oats but the cookies will have a different texture. Please see my post for more information.Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered an estimate only. Actual nutritional content will vary based upon brands used, measuring methods, cooking method, portion sizes, and more.
Ugotmelol3119
Great recipe
Cheri L Harris
We used to call these Jiffy Cookies. Our family has been making them for almost 100 years. We always laid out wax paper on the counter to drop them on. When we came home from school and saw the wax paper on the counter we got so excited. Thanks for sharing the recipe.
Sam
You’re very welcome! Love the name Jiffy Cookies!
Lisa
Is it possible to replace the 3 cups of instant oats with flour? If so, how much flour?
Sam
I’m sorry but I wouldn’t recommend it
Peggy
With flour? Why would you want to use flour? Flour has to be cooked or baked in order not to, just taste like flour. Oats are pretty much the last thing you add, so if you added flour last (instead of oats) then no way it would be cooked enough. Were you wanting to try and make a different kind of cookie maybe?
Brittany
Can I make this without the peanut butter?
Sam
Yup!
Darcy
Good recipe, quick and easy to make, but the cookies are too sweet.
Darya
Great recipe!
Sam
Thanks, Darya! So glad you enjoyed ๐
Christina Nichols
These are delicious! Never made them with brown sugar just made these exactly as you wrote it and they turned out fabulous thank you!
Sam
I am so glad you enjoyed the cookies, Christina! ๐
Rhondajacobs
Thank been looking for the recipe for while they turned out great!
Sam
You’re very welcome ๐
Mary
I followed your recipe, except that I used old fashioned oats, which made the cookies very, very chewy. Yours look way better in the middle, a different texture entirely. Next time, quick oats. Still yummy though.
Sam
I am so glad you enjoyed the cookies, Mary! ๐
Mary
I made these cookies a second time using Quick Oats, per the recipe, instead of Old Fashioned. Much better. Also, I started the timer after several large bubbles had formed. The first time I stated it too soon, I think, which made the cookies too fudgy.
I could really have a lot of fun with this recipe as a springboard. Nutella instead of peanut butter. Coconut instead of oats. Etc.
I am wondering if a โblondeโ version, without cocoa powder, would work.
Sam
I’m so glad you enjoyed, Mary! and yes, you can make them without cocoa powder. I’ve also made them a cookie butter version.
Brenda
Can rice krispies be used instead of oatsBrenda
Marsha Beck
I was first Introduced to Chocolate No Bake Cookies at Girl Scout Camp in 1966. 10 years ago I wanted to make some. Gathered all my ingredients, I had no Peanut Butter. I had Cream Cheese on hand and used that in place of the PB. OMStars! DELICIOUS๐๐ค
Sam
That sounds like an interesting substitution, I will have to give it a try! ๐
Rosita
Pamella, what do you mean by a prepared baking sheet?
Dena
Could these be made with skim milk?
Sam
I haven’t tried with skim milk, hoping someone else who has can chime in!
Joy McKellips
Works just fine with skim milk.
Diamond
Almond milk?
Afej
I used 2% milk and that worked well.
Rah
I used lactaid 2% for a lactose free version. Works great!
Valerie Esque
I have made no-bakes many times but never used brown sugar in mine, only granulated sugar. I wonder what the difference it makes in the cookies?
Sam
Hi Valerie! It adds a little more depth of flavor. I think you’ll really enjoy it. Give it a try and let me know how you like it. ๐
Joyce
Could these be made Keto with Stevia or another natural sweetner?
Sam
Unfortunately I’m not sure, hoping someone else can chime in!
Courtney
If I am making a double batch should I boil for 2 minutes? Or do I just keep it at the 1 minute mark? I fail everytime during this stage but am determined to get it down!
Sam
Hi Courtney! It still only needs to boil for that 1 minute. ๐
Carlene Herring
Better than my old recipe
Sam
I’m so happy to hear you enjoyed, Carlene!
Pamella
I made this recipe over the weekend and they are great. I have never really liked No Bake Cookies but they are one of my moms favorites. I like the taste and texture of this recipe much better than the one my mom uses.
Sam
I am so glad you enjoy the cookies, Pamella! ๐