Chocolate Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies Recipe

Introduction

Chocolate Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies are a deliciously quick treat that combines rich cocoa with creamy peanut butter and hearty oats. Perfect for a no-fuss dessert, these cookies come together fast and require no oven time, making them ideal for busy days or warm weather.

Ingredients

• 2 cups sugar
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup chunky peanut butter
• 3 cups quick cooking oats
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• Sprinkles, for topping

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, milk, butter, and cocoa powder. Stir occasionally until the butter has completely melted and the mixture is smooth and well combined.
2. Step 2: Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring frequently. Allow it to boil for 60 seconds to ensure proper thickening.
3. Step 3: Remove the pan from the heat. Immediately stir in the oats, peanut butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
4. Step 4: Use a small cookie scoop or dinner spoon to drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Step 5: Quickly sprinkle the tops of the cookies with sprinkles before they begin to set.
6. Step 6: Let the cookies firm up at room temperature for about 1 hour, or speed up the process by placing them in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Once set, transfer to an airtight container for storage.

Tips & Variations

• Use creamy peanut butter instead of chunky if you prefer a smoother texture in your cookies.
• For a nut-free option, substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor.
• Try using old-fashioned oats instead of quick cooking oats for a chewier texture, but note the cookies may take longer to set.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. If chilled, let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture. These cookies can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter in this recipe?

Yes, natural peanut butter works well, but it may make the cookies slightly softer due to its oil separation. Stir well before measuring to ensure even mixing.

Why do I need to boil the mixture for exactly 60 seconds?

Boiling the mixture for 60 seconds helps it thicken properly so the cookies set up with the right texture. Boiling for less time may result in gooey cookies that don’t hold shape.

Chocolate Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 148 reviews

These Chocolate Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies combine the rich flavors of cocoa and peanut butter with the wholesome texture of oats for a quick, delicious treat that requires no oven time. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with minimal effort, these cookies set quickly and feature a delightful sprinkle topping for added fun.

• Author: Elena
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes plus 30-60 minutes setting time
• Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups sugar
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 3 cups quick cooking oats
• 1/8 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup chunky peanut butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Toppings

• sprinkles

Instructions

1. Combine base ingredients: In a large saucepan over medium heat, add the sugar, milk, butter, and cocoa powder. Stir occasionally until the butter has completely melted and all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
2. Boil mixture: Bring the mixture to a full rolling boil, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Allow it to boil for exactly 60 seconds to ensure proper consistency.
3. Add mix-ins: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Immediately stir in the quick cooking oats, chunky peanut butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix well until all components are evenly incorporated.
4. Form cookies: Using a small cookie scoop or a dinner spoon, drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them apart as desired.
5. Add sprinkles: Quickly and immediately sprinkle the tops of the cookies with your desired sprinkles before the mixture begins to set.
6. Set cookies: Allow the cookies to cool and firm up by letting them set at room temperature for about 1 hour or speed up the process by refrigerating them for 30 minutes. Once firm, transfer to an airtight container for storage.

Notes

• Using quick cooking oats is essential for the right texture; old-fashioned oats may make the cookies too dry or crumbly.
• Be sure to boil the mixture for the full 60 seconds; under-boiling can cause the cookies not to set properly.
• Sprinkles are optional but add a fun and colorful touch to the cookies.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
• For a creamier texture, smooth peanut butter can be substituted for chunky peanut butter.

Keywords: no bake cookies, chocolate peanut butter cookies, quick dessert, easy cookies, oatmeal cookies