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 Furr
Can I use vegitable oil spread instead of butter
Sugar Spun Run
Hi, Jennifer! I don’t reccomend it. ๐
Marla T
Good but kind of fall apart when eating. Wondering may have been because I used ice cream scoop vs letting them drop.
Sam
Hi Marla! The ice cream scoop shouldn’t be the problem, they may have just boiled a few seconds too long.
Katrina F
Hi there! I usually love your cookie recipes, but this one was not that great for me. I found it too sweet and the flavour didn’t do much for me.
Sugar Spun Run
I am sorry that this cookie missed the mark for you, Katrina! Thank you for the feedback and for trying my recipe! ๐
Sally
Just like my Mom used to make!
Sugar Spun Run
I am so glad that this recipe brought back such sweet memories of your mother, Sally! Thank you for commenting. Enjoy! ๐
Mary
This is my favorite recipe, if you bake or make, I always follow. You have the best recipes ๐
Ps, sometimes I substitute the cocoa powder with Nutella…. itโs delicious too!
Sugar Spun Run
Thank you so very much for your sweet comment, Mary! I am so glad that you have enjoyed my recipes including this one. I also love the idea of your Nutella substitution. Nutella makes everything taste better. ๐
Danny Taylor
Donโt have salted butter on hand. Can I substitute unsalted butter that I have???
Sugar Spun Run
Hi, Danny! Yes, you can! I hope that you enjoy the cookies. ๐
Danny Taylor
Thank you so very much for the quick response ! Looking forward to enjoying these thanks to your help!!
Emma
Followed this recipe to a tee and they turned out fantastic! No bake cookies have always been a favorite of mine and these absolutely hit the spot. Will definitely be making again! ๐
Sugar Spun Run
I am so glad that you enjoyed the cookies, Emma! Thanks for commenting. ๐
Katie Flesher
Thank goodness I found this recipe. Mine was written on a small piece of paper that is yrs and yrs old and faded and I couldn’t read the measurements any 3. So thanks again for having it here
Sugar Spun Run
Absolutely! I hope that your cookies turn out perfectly, Katie! ๐
Roger
Love Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal No Bake Cookies .
Sugar Spun Run
Thank you so much, Roger! I am so glad that you enjoyed the cookies. ๐
Yvonne
This recipe was excellent, though I ignored several suggestions. I used Organic Cashew Butter (that I needed to finish) and Old Fashion Oats, because that’s the only kind I keep on hand. The results were incredible and addictive. I like the brown sugar (& reduced the white to 2/3 cup). The details about timing & cooking were spot on. Thanks for a superb re-visit to childhood favorite!
Sugar Spun Run
I am so happy to hear that your no-bake cookies turned out perfectly even with substitutions, Yvonne! Thank you for trying my recipe and for commenting. I hope that you enjoy this childhood favorite! ๐
Melinda
Sam, I love these cookies. I made them again yesterday. I think I have made them four times since Christmas. I love your recipes.
Sugar Spun Run
Thank you so much, Melinda! I am so glad that the no-bake cookies have become a family favorite of yours. Thanks for commenting. ๐
Ashley Cherry
Just made these awesome my mom and me loved them so much.
Sugar Spun Run
I am so glad that you both enjoyed the no-bake cookies, Ashley. Thanks for trying my recipe! ๐
Kari
These came out perfect and with delicious flavor! Found your recipe when I didnโt have enough white sugar; love this twist of a โsecret ingredientโ. Definitely a keeper!!
Sugar Spun Run
I am so glad that you enjoyed the no-bake cookies, Kari! Thanks for commenting. ๐
gerdesfam
Delicious! Thanks for the recipe!
Sugar Spun Run
Thank you for trying the recipe. I am so glad that you enjoyed the no-bake cookies. ๐
Tom
my eight year old granddaughter and I use this recipe it is absolutely delicious we made a double batch thanks
Sugar Spun Run
What a fun thing to make together, Tom! I am so glad that you both enjoyed the no-bake cookies. Thanks for commenting. ๐
Teresa
These ARE the best no bakes I have ever made but, let me tell you do Not be afraid to play with amount or type of peanut or almond butter, crunchy verses creamy. Or even a natural. I tried it with natural,crunchy almond butter with a little creay regular and all my friends are sold…..BEST EVER
Sugar Spun Run
That is wonderful, Teresa! I am so glad that you have enjoyed this no-bake cookie recipe. I also have a cookie butter no-bake cookie recipe you may also like to try. Thanks for commenting. ๐