Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No baking required – Perfect for hot days when you don’t want to turn on the oven.
• Quick and easy – Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal effort.
• Simple ingredients – Uses pantry staples that you likely already have on hand.
• Kid-friendly – A great recipe for kids to help with in the kitchen.
• Gluten-free option – Use certified gluten-free oats for a gluten-free treat.

Ingredients

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

• Sugar
• Butter
• Milk
• Peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
• Vanilla extract
• Quick oats

Directions

1. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, butter, and milk over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the mixture comes to a rolling boil.
2. Allow the mixture to boil for about 1 minute, then remove from heat.
3. Stir in the peanut butter and vanilla extract until smooth and fully combined.
4. Add the quick oats and mix well to coat them evenly.
5. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto parchment paper or a lined baking sheet.
6. Let the cookies cool and set at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes.
7. Once set, enjoy your delicious peanut butter no-bake cookies!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Makes approximately 20-24 cookies
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Cooling Time: 20-30 minutes
• Total Time: About 40 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies – Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the sugar and butter mixture for a chocolatey twist.
• Nutty Delight – Mix in chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts for extra crunch.
• Coconut Lovers – Stir in shredded coconut for added texture and flavor.
• Healthier Version – Use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar and opt for natural peanut butter.
• Dairy-Free Option – Replace butter with coconut oil and use a non-dairy milk alternative.

Storage/Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Refrigeration: Keep them in the fridge for up to 2 weeks for a firmer texture.
• Freezing: Place cookies in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper, and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: No need to reheat, but if you prefer a softer texture, let frozen cookies sit at room temperature for a few minutes before eating.

FAQs

How do I prevent my cookies from becoming too dry?

Make sure you only boil the sugar mixture for about 1 minute. Overboiling can cause the cookies to be dry and crumbly.

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

Yes, but the texture will be chewier. Quick oats absorb the mixture better, creating a softer cookie.

What type of peanut butter is best for this recipe?

Creamy peanut butter works best, but you can use crunchy if you like a bit of texture in your cookies.

Can I make these cookies sugar-free?

Yes, you can use a sugar substitute like monk fruit sweetener or erythritol, but it may slightly alter the texture.

Why didn’t my cookies set properly?

This usually happens if the sugar mixture wasn’t boiled long enough. Ensure it reaches a rolling boil and cooks for a full minute.

Can I add chocolate chips to this recipe?

Yes! Stir in chocolate chips after adding the oats for a delicious peanut butter chocolate combo.

How do I make these cookies more firm?

Refrigerating the cookies helps them firm up faster and gives them a chewier texture.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use certified gluten-free oats. Regular oats may contain traces of gluten.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure you have a large enough saucepan to accommodate the increased ingredients.

Do these cookies need to be refrigerated?

No, but storing them in the fridge keeps them fresher for longer and gives them a firmer bite.

Conclusion

Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies are a simple, delicious, and convenient treat that anyone can make. Whether you need a quick dessert, a kid-friendly snack, or a gluten-free option, this recipe has you covered. With endless variations and easy storage, these cookies will quickly become a favorite in your household. Give them a try and enjoy a sweet, peanut buttery delight without ever turning on the oven