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.
Jennifer
I have made these a couple of times and they are delicious! Thank you for sharing. These don’t last long at our house ๐
Sam
I am so glad you enjoy the cookies so much, Jennifer! ๐
Cat
Just made these with 3/4 cup of sugar instead of 2 cups and they were plenty sweet. Great recipe otherwise!
Sugar Spun Run
Hello, Cat! I am happy that you enjoyed the No Bake Cookies. Thanks for commenting. ๐
Tina
Can you use rolled oats?
Sam
Hi Tina! If you use rolled oats, the cookies will turn out a little course and definitely chewy.
Olga
I tried Low-fat milk and it cause these cookies from setting up?
Sugar Spun Run
Olga, I am so sorry to hear that the No Bake Cookies did not set up. Others have used low-fat milk and have had success, so I don’t think it is that. Sometimes, if the cookie mixture did not cook long enough this could happen or it could be from humidity. ๐
June Abrams
I can’t have chocolate. Could I use white chocolate chips instead. I love these cookies. I had them as a child. Thank you.
Sugar Spun Run
Hello, June! I have not tried using white chocolate chips, however, you can remove the cocoa powder in this recipe. I do have a no bake cookie butter recipe you could try instead. Let me know what you end up doing and how it works out for you! ๐
Kelly
If you can’t have chocolate, white chocolate isn’t a substitute. It’s still chocolate.
Sugar Spun Run
My apologies, you are correct. I would try the Cookie Butter No Bake Cookies instead. ๐
Logan
There is no cocao in white chocolate. What part of chocolate can you not have? The actual cocao, or any of the ingredients added to it to create a chocolate bar?
Trish Godin
Very good. I did not have salted butter so I added a half teaspoon of salt. I also did not have whole milk so I substituted with 1/4 cup 10% cereal cream and 1/4 cup water. I used Jiffy peanut butter which I find has a much better peanut taste than some others.
Sam
I am so glad you enjoyed the no bake cookies, Trish! ๐
Brittany
I love this recipe! Could it be made with old fashioned oats? Is that a large change?
Sam
Hi Brittany! You can use old fashioned oats, the texture will just be a little different. ๐
Blythe
Have you tried freezing these before? If so, how do you do it and how long do they keep? Thanks!
Sam
I have not tried freezing them, although I don’t think it would be an issue to do so. ๐
Joyce
Due to a peanut allergy, could I leave out the peanut butter and add shredded coconut instead?
If that could work do you have a guess at how much coconut I should use?
These look very yummy!
Sam
Other people have left out the peanut butter with success! As for the coconut, I’d probably use about 2/3 cup. I Hope you love the no bake cookies, Joyce!
Teri Andrick
I have made no- bake cookies for many years, however, I have never used brown sugar in mine. I use 2 cups of white sugar, the remaining ingredients are the same. I have never had a problem with them setting up.
Sam
Brown sugar adds some extra flavor but will not keep them from setting up. I hope you enjoy the no bake cookies, Teri! ๐
Teresa
How can i adjust recipe if only have powdered milk instead of regular and sweet cream unsalted butter.
Sam
Hi Teresa! The milk is a big change, so I’m not sure what else you’d need to do to make them still turn out.
Teresa
Has anyone tried to make these with natural peanut butter? That is just ground peanuts with out the added oil and sugar?
Sam
Hi Teresa! Natural peanut butter may work here, but I don’t recommend it because of the way the natural peanut butter separates.
Kelsie
Love this recipe!!
Sam
Thank you so much, Kelsie! I am so glad you enjoy the no bake cookies so much! ๐
Linda
Delicious!!!!
Never made No-Bakes before and I am so pleased with how well they turned out…
Used half&half for the milk…
Sam
I am so glad you enjoyed the cookies, Linda! ๐
Teresa
Love this recipe! Combination of white and brown sugar really seems to make a difference. It’s probably a good thing that only a few make it back home, cause it would be easy to eat way too many of these.
Sam
I know how that goes! I am so glad everyone enjoyed the cookies, Teresa! ๐