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.
Amanda
My grandma and generations before her made these and I plan on keeping it going with my children today thanks to you hun.
Sugar Spun Run
I am so glad that the no-bake cookie brings back so many wonderful childhood memories, Amanda! I hope that your children enjoy them too!
Lexi
I am vegan. Can I use margarine? plus with maybe a little refined coconut oil? I am making these tomorrow, one way or another!
Thanks
Sugar Spun Run
Hi, Lexi! Yes, you should be fine to use margarine. As far as coconut oil, I have not tried it so I can not advise. If you do, let me know how it works. I hope that you enjoy the no-bake cookies! ๐
Pat Lewis
Can these no bake cookies be frozen, if so how?
Sugar Spun Run
Hi, Pat! They should freeze just fine. I would put them in the refrigerator not touching each other to cool then transfer them to a freezer bag and freeze them that way. ๐
Emily
Delicious!!!!
Sugar Spun Run
Thank you so much, Emily. I am so glad that you enjoyed the no-bake cookies. ๐
gina mele
Hey Sam!
Just when I thought I’ve almost completed my yearly Christmas Cookie baking, 25 handed down recipes, this year updating 10 with your AMAZING recipes, I get your no bake cookie recipe! On the list it goes! I will let you know how my family enjoys it.
Sugar Spun Run
That is a lot of cookies, Gina! Thank you so much for including my recipes in your mix. I hope your family enjoys them! ๐
Hope
How many cookies does the recipe produce?
Sugar Spun Run
Hi, Hope! This no-bake cookie recipe makes approximately 22 cookies if you do 1 ยฝ-2 Tablespoon-sized spoonfuls. I hope that you enjoy them! ๐
Elaine J Schoenecke
Our family favorite 4 sure! Could not be any better!
Sugar Spun Run
Thank you so much, Elaine! I am so glad that the no-bake cookies are such a hit! Thank you for commenting. ๐
Jake
There is not any serving measurements. Are we supposed to just guess and “eyeball” it. Add lib?
Sam
Hi Jake, all of the measurements are in the recipe at the bottom of the post, so I’m not sure what you mean. I definitely wouldn’t recommend eyeballing it…
Darlene
I have made these for many years and they are a big favorite. One change I made about 40 years ago (truthfully) is to use a cup and a half of the oatmeal and then a cup and a half of pecan pieces. My husbandโs favorite!
Sam
YUM I love the sound of the addition of pecan pieces to the no-bake cookies! Thanks for commenting, Darlene!
Tammy
Hi. I’m getting ready to make these in just a little while. I’ve made these for years! I always boiled them for 3 minutes and it worked fine. But… In the last year Everytime I have made them they were to runny or hard!! I’ve thrown so many away!! I cannot wait to try you’re recipe and see how they turn out tonight ๐ Thank you for this recipe!! I’ll let you know how they turn out.
Sugar Spun Run
Hi, Tammy! I hope that you enjoy the recipe. Let me know how they turn out. Happy Baking. ๐
Nan
This recipe was in our family for 4 generations. My mom, as a kid, would make these and then seperate them in baggies for lunches and freeze them. So when put in our lunch box they were frozen and by the time we had our lunch they were just right! These were always part of the comfort food and great memories! Thanks for you in depth directions and explanation!
Sugar Spun Run
Thank you so much, Nan! Yes, these were such a staple and wonderful treat in my home as well. No-bake cookies are one of my favorites to this day. I hope that you enjoy the recipe. ๐
Cynthia Thomas
My mom made these as a treat and left me a basic recipe but they never quite set up right and your explanation was fantastic! They were perfect with the minute timer trick and I certainly appreciate your insight with this cherished memory! My daughter even came home to visit just to make them with me, it meant the world to both of us! Seriously cannot thank you enough!
Sugar Spun Run
Hello, Cynthia! I am so happy that you and your daughter had quality time baking these No-bake Cookies together. I am so glad it was a nice experience and that they tasted delicious. I hope that you both try more of my recipes together soon. ๐
Voula
Hi, loved making the no bake cookies
But some of my family found them a bit sweet can I use less sugar
Sam
I haven’t tried with less sugar so I’m not sure. I think some reduction would probably be OK though!
Lynne Ham
Sam
You are awesome sauce! I’ve been making this recipe for many years, however, not like yours with brown sugar. Oh, my! It’s a game changer. I don’t use peanut butter bcoz my grandson is deathly allergic. That being said, I have never had an issue with my old recipe setting up. You say boil 1 minute whereas mine says 3. When I did 1 minute I ended up with goo. Not that there’s anything wrong with goo when it’s chocolate goo! When I boiled your recipe 3 minutes it worked for me. Btw, Jonathan, my little 5 yo grandson, he will gobble them up no matter whether they set up or not. He got the chocolate gene passed down from his Meemee and Pawpaw ๐. I follow your recipes always! You are the best blogger out there!
Sugar Spun Run
Lynne, Thank you so much for your kind words. I am so happy that you enjoy my blog. I’m sorry that the timing was off slightly for you but glad you adjusted it to your liking. I also hope Johnathan saved you some of the no-bake cookies! ๐
Skylar
I made these today and my faimoy absolutely loves them even my sister who doesn’t like chocolate.
Sugar Spun Run
I am so glad that everyone enjoyed the no-bake cookies, Skylar! ๐
Logan
Theyโre perfect! We want to make them again but hoped to use coconut sugar instead of the regular white and brown sugar. Would this be a recipe destroyer?
Sugar Spun Run
Hello, Logan! I am glad that you enjoyed the no bake cookies. I personally have not substituted coconut sugar myself so I can not advise. If you give it a try, let me know how it turns out. ๐
PammyG
Iโve been making no-bake cookies for several years but had never used brown sugar before. My family says these are THE BEST ones ever! (I agree!)
Sugar Spun Run
Thank you so much, Pammy! I am glad that you enjoyed the No Bake Cookies. The brown sugar really adds so much flavor. Thanks for commenting. ๐