Classic no bake cookies are ready in less than 20 minutes. Just 7 simple ingredients and no oven needed!
Plus, most of the ingredients are probably already in your pantry. These no bake cookies are quick, easy, and deliciously addictive.
Easy No Bake Cookies Recipe
These no bake cookies are one of the very first cookies I made growing up. And they’re still one of my all-time favorites.
The peanut butter and cocoa powder make for a deliciously fudgy combo. And let’s face it… who can resist peanut butter and chocolate!?
It’s an old-fashioned favorite that never gets old around our house.
These no bake cookies are perfect for those nighttime munchies. An after-school snack. Or pretty much anytime you’re craving something simple and sweet.
Honestly, it’s hard to go wrong when you mix peanut butter, cocoa powder, milk, sugar, and quick oats.
Ingredients
No fancy ingredients needed for these no bake cookies! I always have these pantry staples on hand.
- Quick Oats. The oats give this classic cookie that chewy texture that makes the recipe oh so good. I recommend quick oats, but you can also use old-fashioned. Just keep in mind it will create a chewier, thicker texture.
- Crunchy Peanut Butter. You can use crunchy or creamy. But I think the crunchy creates a perfect texture. A little crunch in every bite. But again, let your taste buds (and personal preference) lead the way!
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder. This gives no bake cookies that delicious chocolate flavor.
- Sugar. This recipe uses white sugar. But you can also change it up by using half white sugar and half brown sugar. In fact, for a completely new twist, I also really like just using all brown sugar. Takes this cookie to a whole new level.
- Milk. I use and recommend whole milk for these classic no bake cookies. But you can also use 2% milk, sbeautyeval milk, or even almond milk. Again, mix and match to suit your tastes or dietary needs.
- Butter. I recommend that you use salted butter. But if you only have unsalted in the refrigerator, simply add 1/4 teaspoon of salt in with the butter.
- Vanilla Extract. This seems to be a requirement in nearly every dessert. The same is true for this one. You can never go wrong with a teaspoon of vanilla extract.
How to Make No Bake Cookies
Before you get started, I recommend that you gather all your ingredients and measure them out. This makes the entire recipe super smooth and simple.
Just a few minutes of prep work can make all the difference in the kitchen.
1. Boil the cocoa, sugar, milk and butter. Do this over medium heat in a saucepan. It’s important to go slowly so nothing burns. And when it does boil, let it go for about 1 minute.
2. Add the oats, PB, and vanilla. Pull the saucepan off the heat after boiling. Add in the oats, peanut butter and vanilla. Mix well.
3. Cool then portion. Allow the mixture to cool for 1 minute, then drop teaspoonfuls onto wax paper to set.
The last step is the hardest – you have to let them cool completely.
When they’re solid, you can dive in and enjoy!
No Bake Cookie Tips & Tricks
- Patience is key. Don’t spoon the mixture onto the wax paper while hot! Allow it to cool so the cookies will be easier to form.
- Speed up cooling with a quick chill. Refrigerate the mixture for 10 minutes to speed up the cooling process.
- Rainy days ruin cookie dreams. This tip may seem strange, but it’s 100% legit. Don’t make these cookies when it’s raining! The pressure in the atmosphere prevents the cookies from setting properly.
- Quick oats = tender; rolled oats = chewy. You can use either depending on how you like your cookies.
- Stir like your cookies depend on it. Stir the mixture constantly as you cook.
Recipe Variations
Want to change the recipe? Feel free to make it your own!
Here are a few fun ideas:
- Get crazy with almond extract. Try it instead of vanilla for an even more interesting flavor.
- Go nuts with chopped nuts! They’ll give the cookies more dimension and crunch.
- Coconut shreds = tropical vibes. Coconut has a unique flavor that goes well with oatmeal, peanut butter, and chocolate!
- Use creamy peanut butter. Doing so will give you … well… creamier cookies!
- Looking for a healthier version? Use coconut oil instead of butter and agave instead of sugar. Your cookies will taste like an Almond Joy.
- A pinch of salt = flavor explosion. Sprinkle some over the cookies for the perfect finish.
- Experiment with ingredients. For instance, if you don’t have butter, try using cream cheese instead. These will give your cookies a nice, creamy flavor.
- Add some raisins. These will give your cookies extra chewiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Believe it or not, even a no bake cookie can be a fail. With that in mind, here are a few FAQs I often get asked:
How Long Do No Bake Cookies Last?
No Bake cookies will last for about a week when stored at room temperature. No need to refrigerate. But I do recommend putting them in an airtight container.
If you prefer to refrigerate them, you certainly can! In fact, I love my cookies right out of the freezer. Which leads us to our next question.
Can You Freeze No Bake Cookies?
Absolutely. In fact, these cookies will last up to 3 months in the freezer.
I put mine in a couple small Ziploc bags and pull them out whenever I want a little treat.
Can You Use Old-Fashioned Oats Instead of Instant Oats?
Yes. You can use either. I prefer the quick oats because they have a great texture. But it all comes down to personal preference.
The old-fashioned oats are a bit chewier and thicker. But if you only have old-fashioned on hand – you’ll be fine!
Why Are My Cookies Dry and Crumbly?
If your cookies turned out dry and/or crumbly it’s most likely because they boiled for too long or the heat was too high while cooking.
It’s very important to bring these to a boil slowly. I know it can be tempting, but keep these at medium heat.
I’ve been guilty of turning the temp up on recipes to get things boiling faster, but that can quickly ruin these cookies.
Patience is important during the boiling process. I promise it’s worth the wait.
Why Did My No Bake Cookies Not Set Up?
If your cookies did not firm up, most likely they did not boil long enough.
The humidity can also affect how the cookies turn out. For example, if you make these on a humid day, you might need to boil them a little longer.
But here’s a quick trick.
If your cookies did not set properly (or they seem a little too wet after you’ve let them cool for 20 – 30 minutes) place them in the refrigerator. This should help them firm up.
If that doesn’t work, here are a few more tips to make sure your no bake cookies harden.
Looking For More Cookie Recipes?
Peanut Butter Cookies
Homemade Peanut Butter Cups
Microwave Peanut Butter Fudge
No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie
No Bake Cookies
12
servings15
minutes348
kcalEasy No Bake cookies with just 7 simple ingredients. This classic peanut butter and chocolate combo is ready in less than 20 minutes!
Ingredients
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
2 cups white sugar
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup butter
3 cups quick cooking oats
1/2 cup crunchy peanut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, bring the cocoa, sugar, milk, and butter to a boil over medium heat. It’s important to bring these to a boil verrrrry slowly. Once they reach a rolling boil, boil for 60 seconds. Use a timer!
- Pull the saucepan off the heat after boiling. Add in the oats, peanut butter, and vanilla. Mix well.
- Allow the mixture to cool for 1 minute, and then drop by teaspoonfuls onto wax paper. Once cookies are placed on wax paper, allow them to cool until hardened.
- Enjoy!
I can’t wait 2 try some of these
Can I give this 10 stars? My Grandmother made these for me when I was little and it’s one of the first recipes I learned to make. Still love these.
I’m 67 yrs. old. My mom had made them since my brothers and I were young. She called them “Mystery Cookies”.
one of my favorite cookies, I just made some peanut butter no bakes yesterday! Great recipe
I was always told not to make these on a rainy day., Because they wouldn’t turn out right
Every years teacher at school would make these with the kids. They were called “cowpies”. ????
grew up on these. love them
Makes these and they were a great hit to this home! Will make many more times thank you so much for sharing this recipe!!
Ummmm, so yummy! A go to when we need something for an event.
These cookie look so yummy and I can hardly wait to try them.
These sound delicious. Can I use rice crispies instead of oats?
My mother was making these when i was 6 years old . I am now 66 .
We called them “cow patties” growing up and added raisins to them! Yummy!.?
Another variation of this cookie for those who do not like chocolate, just leave to cocoa out. Boil the sugar, milk, and butter for the 60 seconds, then add the peanut butter and oats and vanilla. You end up with a delicious peanut butter no bake instead!
I have made these for years, and I leave the peanut butter out due to allergies that I developed. They are as good if not better..
My mother made them with evaporated milk instead of whole milk. Delish!!
These are soooooo good and went soooooo fast!
I’m going to try rice krispies next time 🙂
Omg I love them
I’ve just swapped the peanut butter for lotus biscoff spread waiting for them to cool now can’t wait to try them!
These are very good! I just made a vegan batch. So delicious! I had to use vegan margarine tho, instead of butter, and they turned out fine. Using the almond flavour instead of vanilla was a great idea. Thanks for sharing your recipe.
These were so tasty! I’ve been needing a good chocolate fix since I went dairy free. I just subbed with rice milk and Earth Balance, and they were awesome. Next time I want to try using almond extract instead of vanilla like some have suggested!
I made these cookies tonight they’re soo good! I added coconut so they are chewy with the peanuts and oats, they’re really awesome!
Easy oh, and I used all brown sugar
Has anyone tried sugar alternatives with these cookies? I love the taste, but agave isn’t much better than actual sugar. Anyone done any sugar substitutes or half sugar substitutes?
These easy cookies are so yummy! I will definitely make them again!
Had no cocoa powder, so I used chocolate protein powder and Nesquick (desperate) , then I took your advice and added coconut and walnuts. Yummy! Thank you for your recipe!
You say they will least for a week. But I’ve never had them last that long, usually gone within two days.
Every time someone makes these I sneak and eat them and someone always says who’s been eating all the cookies? I say most be the kids. Even though I’ve ate some and put some in my purse for later. ( sneak sneaky ) then after dinner I ate more. Love those cookies.
Very tasty. I used one cup of white sugar and half a cup brown, they are still quite sweet. Next time I will try just one cup of sugar. Soo good!
Learned to make these from my Mom many years ago and I still love, love them! Easy and delicious!
Love these – so easy and so delicious – making them too often!!!!
Can these be made with old fashion oats instead of quick cooking ones? A friend served these at our women’s group. They were deñicious!
Yes, ma’am! They’ll be a little chewier and thicker, but they should still taste amazing. 🙂