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.
BARBARA Skaggs
just made these been cooling for 30 mins and they are not setting up, what did i do wrong
Sugar Spun Run
Hi, Barbara! Iโm sorry that has happened. If they wonโt set, the batter may have needed a few more seconds to cook. If there is higher humidity where you are baking that could cause this issue. I hope this helps. ๐
Brandy Lee Smith
I did the recipe to a T and they are so YUMMY!! REALLY moist and set up great. I added the ingredients really slow to the coco and liquid ingredients. I’m making another batch for gifts.
Thank you
Sugar Spun Run
That is wonderful, Brandy! I am so glad that you enjoyed the no-bake cookies. I hope that those you gift it to, enjoy them as well. ๐
Kay
I love these cookies, always use real butter not margarin, I use evaporated milk from a can it works great, and don’t start the 1 minute countdown until it starts a full rolling boil. Thanks for sharing this recipe.
Sugar Spun Run
Thank you for trying my no-bake cookie recipe, Kay! I am so glad that you enjoyed it! ๐
Karen E Pearson
These are the best! I’ve made other no bakes, but these are my favorite so far.
Sam
Thank you so much, Karen! I am so glad you enjoyed the cookies so much! ๐
Tana Shutt
I just made these as well. Fabulous.. Thank you!
Sugar Spun Run
I am so glad that you enjoyed them, Tana! Thank you for commenting. ๐
Erin
I donโt have brown sugar ๐ฉ do I use another cup of white sugar in its place?
Sam
Hi Erin! You can substitute regular granulated sugar here and they should still turn out. ๐
Jim E
I made these and followed to the second/letter. Iโm trying to freeze them now as they are not setting.
Sam
Hi Jim! I’m sorry that has happened. Unfortunately, freezing probably won’t help them. If they won’t set, the batter may have needed a few more seconds to cook. If there is higher humidity where you are baking that could cause this issue. I hope this helps. ๐
Nancy
Sadly I only had natural peanut butter – as such – my cookies are not setting up! I made them last year using regular peanut butter and turned out perfectly! So upset!! Also had steel cut oats and I think that was a mistake.. ughhh Live and learn!
Sugar Spun Run
Oh no, Nancy! I am sorry that it didn’t work out in your favor, natural peanut butter is tricky. ๐
April A
Delicious!!!! I grew up on the ones made with Nestle Quickโบ๏ธ
Sam
So glad you enjoyed the cookies, April! ๐
Melissa Rice
What happens if you use crunchy peanut butter?
Sam
Hi Melissa, you can use crunchy peanut butter without a problem. Enjoy! ๐
Prana
Hi Sam,
Why do you recommend not to use natural peanut butter?
Sam
Hi Prana! Unfortunately my experience with using natural peanut butter in this recipe has not been very good, the cookies just don’t turn out. I think it is because of the way the oil tends to separate.
Aspen Boomer
I just used natural peanut butter and they turned out amazing.
Shirl
Easy and delicious tasting cookies! Always a hit with my family.
Sugar Spun Run
Thank you so much, Shirl! I am so glad that your family enjoyed the no-bake cookies. ๐
Stormy
Took my time…followed your recipe to.the T and they came out PERFECTLY! Thank you for posting such a classic, good, tasty recipe!
Sugar Spun Run
I am so glad that you enjoyed the no-bake cookies, Stormy! Thanks for commenting. ๐
Hannah
I turned your cookie recipe into a vegan recipe because I can’t have dairy and they turned out perfect.
Sugar Spun Run
Hi, Hannah! I am so glad that the no-bake cookie recipe worked so well with the adjustments you made. Thanks for trying my recipe and for commenting. ๐
Maggie
How do u make them Vegan?
Prana
Hi Hannah, would love to hear how you made the cookies vegan.
Pam
These are the best No Bake Cookies hands down. I was not a No Bake Cookie lover before I found this recipe. The instructions are spot on and over cooking was probably the reason I never liked No Bakes before finding this recipe. Thank you Sam for you wonderful recipes and videos.
Sugar Spun Run
I am so happy that you enjoyed the cookies, Pam! I am glad that you have found the tips & video helpful. Thanks for commenting. ๐
Suzanne
I have made these several times now. The one minute boil is very important. The first time I made them, I let them boil for two minutes because I didn’t want to end up with goo. While still tasty, they were very dry and fell apart. So yeah, they really only need boiled for one minute (I know, I’m the worst about not following the instructions! haha!)
I have also made them with hazelnut spread. I swapped out the peanut butter (same amount of hazelnut spread as the recipe calls for with peanut butter.) I highly recommend this, if you have hazelnut spread lovers in the family. They were very tasty.
Thank you for such a terrific recipe! ( and congratulations on your beautiful new addition!)
Sugar Spun Run
Thank you so much, Suzanne! The boil is very important. Thanks for sharing your feedback. I am so glad that you enjoyed the no-bake cookies. And thank you for your good wishes. I appreciate it! ๐