Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Preparation: With simple stovetop cooking, these cookies come together swiftly, making them ideal for when you’re short on time.
No Baking Required: Enjoy homemade cookies without the need for baking, keeping your kitchen cool and your process hassle-free.
Customizable Flavors: The base recipe is versatile, allowing you to add ingredients like nuts, dried fruits, or coconut to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into tablespoon pieces
2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
3 cups quick oats

Directions

Prepare the Baking Sheets:

Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

Cook the Mixture:

In a medium saucepan, combine the butter, sugar, milk, and cocoa powder. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reaches a rolling boil. Once boiling, let it cook for 1 minute without stirring.

Combine Ingredients:

Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the peanut butter, vanilla extract, and salt until the mixture is smooth. Then, fold in the quick oats until well combined.

Form the Cookies:

Using a spoon, drop rounded portions of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Set the Cookies:

Allow the cookies to cool at room temperature until they firm up, approximately 20-30 minutes.

Servings and Timing

Servings: This recipe yields approximately 24 cookies.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 35 minutes

Variations

Nutty Addition: Incorporate chopped nuts such as peanuts, almonds, or walnuts for added crunch.
Dried Fruit: Stir in dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, or cherries to introduce a chewy texture and natural sweetness.
Coconut Twist: Add shredded coconut to the mixture for a tropical flavor.
Salted Caramel: Drizzle melted caramel over the cooled cookies and sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt for a sweet and salty treat.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Freezing: For longer storage, place the cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before consuming.

FAQs

How do I prevent the cookies from being too dry?

Ensure accurate measurements, especially for the oats and peanut butter. Also, adhere to the boiling time; boiling for exactly 1 minute is crucial for the right texture.

Can I use old-fashioned oats instead of quick oats?

Quick oats are recommended for this recipe as they absorb moisture better, helping the cookies set properly. If using old-fashioned oats, the texture may differ.

Why are my cookies too soft and not setting?

This could be due to undercooking the boiling mixture or not boiling for the full minute. Ensure the mixture reaches a rolling boil and cook for exactly 1 minute.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

Yes, by substituting the butter with vegan butter and using a plant-based milk alternative, you can make these cookies vegan.

How can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Use certified gluten-free oats to ensure the cookies are gluten-free.

Can I add chocolate chips to the mixture?

Yes, folding in chocolate chips after removing the saucepan from heat can add extra chocolaty goodness.

How do I store the cookies in hot and humid climates?

In humid conditions, it’s best to store the cookies in the refrigerator to prevent them from becoming too soft or sticky.

Can I use honey instead of granulated sugar?

Using honey will alter the texture and may make the cookies too soft. It’s best to use granulated sugar as specified.

Are these cookies suitable for people with nut allergies?

These cookies contain peanut butter. For those with nut allergies, consider using sunflower seed butter as a substitute.

Can I add a glaze on top of the cookies?

Drizzling a simple powdered sugar glaze or melted chocolate over the cooled cookies can add an extra touch of sweetness.

Conclusion

No-bake chocolate peanut butter cookies offer a delightful combination of rich flavors and textures, all without the need for baking. Their simplicity and adaptability make them a favorite treat for any occasion. Enjoy crafting these easy-to-make cookies that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth!

No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies

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These No-Bake Cookies are the perfect quick and easy treat! With rich chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and hearty oats, these cookies come together in minutes and require no baking. Ideal for a sweet snack or dessert, these no-bake cookies are sure to be a hit with anyone who loves chocolate and peanut butter.

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 20-24 cookies
Category: Dessert, Snack
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter
2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats

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Instructions

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the sugar, milk, and cocoa powder. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil. Let it boil for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the peanut butter and vanilla extract until smooth.
Add the oats and stir until the oats are fully coated with the chocolate-peanut butter mixture.
Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto parchment or wax paper, forming cookies. You can use a cookie scoop or just a spoon.
Let the cookies cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes to set.
Serve and enjoy!

Notes

You can store these cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
For a fun twist, add in chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or mini chocolate chips to the mixture before forming the cookies.
Make sure the mixture is boiled for the right amount of time to ensure the cookies set properly.