Classic No Bake Cookies
Classic No-Bake Cookies are a nostalgic childhood favorite, a simple recipe that needs no oven to make. Made with a handful of pantry staples like creamy peanut butter, rich cocoa powder, and hearty oats. The result is a cookie that’s rich, chewy, and utterly irresistible. Each bite is a reminder of simpler times and sweeter tastes.
While there are countless cookie recipes out there, no-bake chocolate peanut butter cookies hold a special place in many hearts, including mine. My love for baking and cooking started with this recipe.
Growing up, these no-bake cookies would be served in our school cafeteria every Friday. It was the best treat to end the week with. I can’t even tell you how many times I went back through the line to get another one. Lemon Cooler Cookies are another childhood favorite and so are Christmas Butter Cookies, remember the blue tin? Food has a way of bringing memories back!
Classic No Bake Cookies
These chocolate peanut butter no bake cookies are a quick, foolproof treat that satisfies every chocolate and peanut butter lover in the house. With just a few ingredients and a single pot, you’ll have a tray of rich, chewy morsels ready in no time. Really, the hardest part is waiting for them to cool and set up so you can eat a few.
While these sweet bites are usually made in the summer when it’s too hot to turn the oven on, they’re also perfect to make for the holidays. Add them to your dessert trays or package them in a pretty tin for gift-giving.
Timesaving Tips and Variations
- Be sure the chocolate mixture comes to a full rolling boil before setting the timer for one minute.
- For extra flair, stir in mini chocolate chips, shredded coconut, or chopped nuts when you add the oats.
- You can use gluten-free oats for this recipe.
- Substitute peanut butter for another nut butter like almond or cashew.
- You can speed cooling and setting process up by refrigerating for 15 or 20 minutes.
These tips will ensure that your recipe turn out perfectly chewy and delicious every time.
Storing and Freezing
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or longer in the refrigerator. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
What Kind of Oats for No Bake Cookies?
I prefer to use quick-cooking oats for this recipe, they just seem to set up better and make for a more tender bite. I have used whole rolled oats and they do work well.
Other No-Bake Treats
Keep these other treats in mind when you want something sweet but don’t want to turn the oven and bake.
- 3 Ingredient Old Fashioned Potato Candy
- No Bake S’mores Cereal Bars
- Easy No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake in a Jar
Quick desserts are always a win when you need to make something for an event or just because.
Essential Tools for No Bake Cookies
You’ll need just a few items to make this recipe but won’t you need is an oven.
- Baking sheets
- parchment paper
- measuring cups and spoons
- whisk
- wooden spoon
- OXO medium cookie scoop (1½ tablespoon scoop)
💡Explore my favorite Kitchen Essentials (Amazon affiliate link)
Ingredients
Simple pantry staples are all you need to make these sweet treats.
- butter
- sugar
- milk
- unsweetened cocoa powder
- creamy peanut butter
- vanilla extract
- quick-cooking oats
Directions to Make Classic No-Bake Cookies
Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside. Combine the butter, sugar, milk, and unsweetened cocoa powder in a Dutch oven or large saucepan and heat over medium heat, making sure to stir often until the butter is melted and everything is well combined. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil and allow to boil for 1 minute (make sure to set a timer!) stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat, and stir in the peanut butter and vanilla extract until fully combined.
Stir in the oats and mix until all of the oats are coated with the mixture and everything is well combined. Drop a spoonful of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheets (I like to use a 1½ tablespoon cookie scoop). Allow to cool for 20 to 30 minutes, serve, and enjoy! Sometimes I will place the cookie sheets in the refrigerator to speed this step up. It also depends on the temperature in the kitchen. They will be very soft at first but will continue to set up more as they cool.
Once they are cooled and set, commence eating! This is a perfect recipe to get the kids in the kitchen to help make.
Printable Recipe Card
Classic No Bake Cookies
Equipment
- Baking sheets
- wooden spoon
- OXO medium cookie scoop (1½ tablespoon scoop)
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, sliced into pieces
- 2 cups sugar
- ½ cup whole milk
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter (I use a no-stir one like Jiff or Skippy)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups quick-cooking oats
Instructions
- Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
- Combine the butter, sugar, milk, and unsweetened cocoa powder in a Dutch oven or large saucepan and heat over medium heat, making sure to stir often until the butter is melted and everything is well combined. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil and allow to boil for 1 minute (make sure to set a timer!) stirring occasionally.
- Remove from the heat, and stir in the peanut butter and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Drop a spoonful of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheets (I like to use a 1½ tablespoon cookie scoop). Allow to cool for 20 to 30 minutes, serve, and enjoy! Sometimes I will place the cookie sheets in the refrigerator to speed this step up. It also depends on the temperature in the kitchen. The cookies will be very soft at first but will continue to set up more as they cool.
Notes
Nutritional Disclaimer
“Blogghetti” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
Christmas Cookies Week
It’s that time again when several of my food blogging friends and I share an entire week of nothing but delicious cookie recipes. It’s one of my favorite events! Here’s what we’ve got for you today and is hosted by the lovely Jolene from Jolene’s Recipe Journal. Follow the #ChristmasCookiesWeek tag for even more.
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Enjoy!
I’ve never made no bakes because my kid had a peanut allergy into his teens. He’s outgrown it so I need to get these on my to-make list!
These cookies bring back so many memories. They were a regular at pretty much every church function I ever went to as a child!
I was searching no bake treats and these with peanut butter sounds awesome. I am having this on my list to make for a guilt free crave worthy snack.
Everyone needs a no-bake cookie or two in their back pocket!