Classic No-Bake Cookies Recipe

Introduction

Classic no-bake cookies are a quick and delicious treat made with rich cocoa, creamy peanut butter, and hearty oats. They come together on the stovetop and require no oven time, making them perfect for an easy dessert or snack.

The image shows a close-up of several round, thick oatmeal chocolate cookies with a rough and chunky texture, stacked and spread out on a white marbled surface covered with white parchment paper. Each cookie is made of visible oats mixed with chocolate, giving a brown and slightly shiny look. The cookies have uneven edges and a dense, chewy appearance, with some crumbs scattered around them. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup (115 grams) butter, sliced into pieces
  • 2 cups (400 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) milk
  • 1/4 cup (20 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup (125 grams) creamy peanut butter
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 3 cups (300 grams) quick-cooking oats

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Gather and measure all ingredients. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In a large saucepan, combine butter, sugar, milk, and cocoa powder. Heat over medium, stirring often, until butter melts and mixture is smooth. Bring to a rolling boil and boil for 60 seconds, stirring occasionally.
  3. Step 3: Remove from heat and stir in peanut butter and vanilla until fully combined. Then stir in oats until they are evenly coated.
  4. Step 4: Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheets using about 1.5 tablespoon scoop or spoon. Let cool for 20 to 30 minutes until set. Serve and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

  • Use natural peanut butter for a more intense peanut flavor, or substitute almond butter for a different twist.
  • Quick-cooking oats work best for the right texture, but old-fashioned rolled oats can be used if you prefer a chewier cookie.
  • Add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness if desired.
  • If your cookies are too soft, let them cool longer or place them briefly in the refrigerator to firm up.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To extend freshness, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. If chilled, allow cookies to come to room temperature before serving for best texture.

How to Serve

The image shows several no-bake cookies close up on a white marbled surface. The cookies have a rough, bumpy texture made of oats mixed with a light brown chocolate coating. One cookie is broken in half, revealing a dense inside that is also a light brown color with bits of oats visible. The cookies are rounded but unevenly shaped, and there are a few cookie crumbs scattered around them. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, crunchy peanut butter can be used and will add some extra texture to the cookies, making each bite a bit nuttier.

What if I don’t have quick-cooking oats?

You can substitute old-fashioned rolled oats, but the cookies may be chewier and slightly less smooth in texture. Avoid using steel-cut oats as they won’t soften properly in this recipe.

Print

Classic No-Bake Cookies Recipe

Classic No-Bake Cookies are a quick and delicious treat made with cocoa, peanut butter, and oats. These cookies require no oven time and come together with a simple stovetop cooking method, making them perfect for an easy dessert or snack.

  • Author: Elena
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup (115 grams) butter, sliced into pieces
  • 2 cups (400 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) milk
  • 1/4 cup (20 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup (125 grams) creamy peanut butter
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 3 cups (300 grams) quick-cooking oats

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients and Setup: Gather all ingredients and measure them out precisely. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside to cool the cookies later.
  2. Cook the Cocoa Mixture: In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter, granulated sugar, milk, and unsweetened cocoa powder. Stir frequently until the butter melts fully and ingredients blend smoothly. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil and maintain the boil for exactly 60 seconds, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
  3. Add Peanut Butter and Vanilla: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the creamy peanut butter and pure vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous.
  4. Incorporate Oats: Add the quick-cooking oats to the cocoa-peanut butter mixture. Stir well so that all oats are evenly coated with the chocolate mixture.
  5. Form Cookies: Using a tablespoon or a 1.5 tablespoon cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared parchment-lined baking sheets. Shape as desired.
  6. Cool and Set: Let the cookies cool at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes until they are set and firm enough to handle.
  7. Serve and Enjoy: Once cooled, serve the no-bake cookies as a delicious treat or snack.

Notes

  • Ensure to boil the cocoa mixture for the full 60 seconds to achieve the correct texture and consistency for the cookies to set properly.
  • If you prefer a chunkier texture, use old-fashioned oats instead of quick-cooking oats, but the setting time may vary slightly.
  • Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
  • For a nut-free alternative, replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter.

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

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