Classic no bake cookies are ready in less than 20 minutes. Just 7 simple ingredients and no oven needed!
Plus, most of the ingredients are probably already in your pantry. These no bake cookies are quick, easy, and deliciously addictive.
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Easy No Bake Cookies Recipe
These no bake cookies are one of the very first cookies I made growing up. And they're still one of my all-time favorites.
The peanut butter and cocoa powder make for a deliciously fudgy combo. And let's face it… who can resist peanut butter and chocolate!?
It's an old-fashioned favorite that never gets old around our house.
These no bake cookies are perfect for those nighttime munchies. An after-school snack. Or pretty much anytime you're craving something simple and sweet.
Honestly, it's hard to go wrong when you mix peanut butter, cocoa powder, milk, sugar, and quick oats.
Ingredients
No fancy ingredients needed for these no bake cookies! I always have these pantry staples on hand.
- Quick Oats. The oats give this classic cookie that chewy texture that makes the recipe oh so good. I recommend quick oats, but you can also use old-fashioned. Just keep in mind it will create a chewier, thicker texture.
- Crunchy Peanut Butter. You can use crunchy or creamy. But I think the crunchy creates a perfect texture. A little crunch in every bite. But again, let your taste buds (and personal preference) lead the way!
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder. This gives no bake cookies that delicious chocolate flavor.
- Sugar. This recipe uses white sugar. But you can also change it up by using half white sugar and half brown sugar. In fact, for a completely new twist, I also really like just using all brown sugar. Takes this cookie to a whole new level.
- Milk. I use and recommend whole milk for these classic no bake cookies. But you can also use 2% milk, skim milk, or even almond milk. Again, mix and match to suit your tastes or dietary needs.
- Butter. I recommend that you use salted butter. But if you only have unsalted in the refrigerator, simply add 1/4 teaspoon of salt in with the butter.
- Vanilla Extract. This seems to be a requirement in nearly every dessert. The same is true for this one. You can never go wrong with a teaspoon of vanilla extract.
How to Make No Bake Cookies
Before you get started, I recommend that you gather all your ingredients and measure them out. This makes the entire recipe super smooth and simple.
Just a few minutes of prep work can make all the difference in the kitchen.
1. Boil the cocoa, sugar, milk and butter. Do this over medium heat in a saucepan. It's important to go slowly so nothing burns. And when it does boil, let it go for about 1 minute.
2. Add the oats, PB, and vanilla. Pull the saucepan off the heat after boiling. Add in the oats, peanut butter and vanilla. Mix well.
3. Cool then portion. Allow the mixture to cool for 1 minute, then drop teaspoonfuls onto wax paper to set.
The last step is the hardest – you have to let them cool completely.
When they're solid, you can dive in and enjoy!
No Bake Cookie Tips & Tricks
- Patience is key. Don't spoon the mixture onto the wax paper while hot! Allow it to cool so the cookies will be easier to form.
- Speed up cooling with a quick chill. Refrigerate the mixture for 10 minutes to speed up the cooling process.
- Rainy days ruin cookie dreams. This tip may seem strange, but it’s 100% legit. Don't make these cookies when it’s raining! The pressure in the atmosphere prevents the cookies from setting properly.
- Quick oats = tender; rolled oats = chewy. You can use either depending on how you like your cookies.
- Stir like your cookies depend on it. Stir the mixture constantly as you cook.
Recipe Variations
Want to change the recipe? Feel free to make it your own!
Here are a few fun ideas:
- Get crazy with almond extract. Try it instead of vanilla for an even more interesting flavor.
- Go nuts with chopped nuts! They'll give the cookies more dimension and crunch.
- Coconut shreds = tropical vibes. Coconut has a unique flavor that goes well with oatmeal, peanut butter, and chocolate!
- Use creamy peanut butter. Doing so will give you … well… creamier cookies!
- Looking for a healthier version? Use coconut oil instead of butter and agave instead of sugar. Your cookies will taste like an Almond Joy.
- A pinch of salt = flavor explosion. Sprinkle some over the cookies for the perfect finish.
- Experiment with ingredients. For instance, if you don’t have butter, try using cream cheese instead. These will give your cookies a nice, creamy flavor.
- Add some raisins. These will give your cookies extra chewiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Believe it or not, even a no bake cookie can be a fail. With that in mind, here are a few FAQs I often get asked:
How Long Do No Bake Cookies Last?
No Bake cookies will last for about a week when stored at room temperature. No need to refrigerate. But I do recommend putting them in an airtight container.
If you prefer to refrigerate them, you certainly can! In fact, I love my cookies right out of the freezer. Which leads us to our next question.
Can You Freeze No Bake Cookies?
Absolutely. In fact, these cookies will last up to 3 months in the freezer.
I put mine in a couple small Ziploc bags and pull them out whenever I want a little treat.
Can You Use Old-Fashioned Oats Instead of Instant Oats?
Yes. You can use either. I prefer the quick oats because they have a great texture. But it all comes down to personal preference.
The old-fashioned oats are a bit chewier and thicker. But if you only have old-fashioned on hand – you'll be fine!
Why Are My Cookies Dry and Crumbly?
If your cookies turned out dry and/or crumbly it's most likely because they boiled for too long or the heat was too high while cooking.
It's very important to bring these to a boil slowly. I know it can be tempting, but keep these at medium heat.
I've been guilty of turning the temp up on recipes to get things boiling faster, but that can quickly ruin these cookies.
Patience is important during the boiling process. I promise it's worth the wait.
Why Did My No Bake Cookies Not Set Up?
If your cookies did not firm up, most likely they did not boil long enough.
The humidity can also affect how the cookies turn out. For example, if you make these on a humid day, you might need to boil them a little longer.
But here's a quick trick.
If your cookies did not set properly (or they seem a little too wet after you've let them cool for 20 – 30 minutes) place them in the refrigerator. This should help them firm up.
If that doesn't work, here are a few more tips to make sure your no bake cookies harden.
Looking For More Cookie Recipes?
Peanut Butter Cookies
Homemade Peanut Butter Cups
Microwave Peanut Butter Fudge
No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie
No Bake Cookies
12
servings15
minutes348
kcalEasy No Bake cookies with just 7 simple ingredients. This classic peanut butter and chocolate combo is ready in less than 20 minutes!
Ingredients
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
2 cups white sugar
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup butter
3 cups quick cooking oats
1/2 cup crunchy peanut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, bring the cocoa, sugar, milk, and butter to a boil over medium heat. It's important to bring these to a boil verrrrry slowly. Once they reach a rolling boil, boil for 60 seconds. Use a timer!
- Pull the saucepan off the heat after boiling. Add in the oats, peanut butter, and vanilla. Mix well.
- Allow the mixture to cool for 1 minute, and then drop by teaspoonfuls onto wax paper. Once cookies are placed on wax paper, allow them to cool until hardened.
- Enjoy!
83 Comments
Can you add cinnamon and if you can when would you do it
I have been making these for at least 55 years. I use to have a recipe with butterscotch pudding also but I lost it somewhere. It was really good also
I used to make these with my late son. he was going to chemotherapy and couldn’t taste anything unless it was very sweet or super salty and he loved these.
These are the best!!! Made them for many years!
Sooo much all fresh melts inside my stomach
These bring back so many good memories and they’re my favorite! They don’t last in my house! ♥️
I love these cookies! When my daughter comes, she wants this treat so i make them. The variation tips are great and i can’t wait to try some.
I make th r n all the time I don’t use that many cups of oats,maybe 2. Our whole family loves them Family favorite
my brother and I would make these when we were kids and I still love them. we called them fudgies. I add pecans to mine when I make them.
I’ve been making these for years. They are so simple yet so good. They always disappear quickly.
when I make these I make them for my grandsons and we or I put white chocolate chips or chocolate chips into them or we get Reese’s pieces and we mix them into them. The last. time we made them we mixed butterfinger pieces in one batch and Oreo pieces in the other batch. My grandsons love to mix all sorts of different things into everything I make when I make cookies or cake for them to take to school
I first ate these cookies when I was in the 4th grade at our school lunch room . I loved them. I am 77 years old. I am now very allergic to peanut butter. what can I do?
I really love this recipe. Most of the ingredients are staples we all have in our pantry. I can’t wait to try it.
i first learned about these no bake cookies in the 1970’s when I was in high-school and I made them as soon as I could. I always have the ingredients to make them and they have been my favorite no bake cookie through the years. I have made them with my children many times and they love them too. When my grandchildren were small we baked a lot together and when they went to school,they would sometimes ask me if I would make some so they could share them with their friends. The container always came back empty. I don’t know anyone who doesn’t love these amazing cookies. It only takes a few minutes to make them and it also makes a lot but they don’t last more than a day in my house. I really love all of the variations with this recipe and I love them with the brown sugar. Thank you so much for sharing this recipe and I will be making them again and again.
These are the best cookies, everyone loves them. You just have to be sure to have everything laid out and ready so you don’t overcook them and cause the cookies to be dry and fall apart easily. The only real issue is trying to keep everyone from eating them before they’re even done cooling.
Love this recipe. So quick and easy. Adding more peanut butter makes a creamier cookie.
These fast and easy to make. This recipe has been a long tradition in our family.
Perfect cookie for those of us who like to camp! Yummy without needing to use the oven! Super easy recipe and not too many ingredients. Try this recipe. Whether you camper or don’t, you won’t be disappointed!😃
I’ve tried these no bake cookies and it’s awesome when you want something fast!!!! Great for unexpected company!
The coconut flakes add a unique flavor to this no bake cookie recipe the almond extract was also a new ingredient. For such an old recipe it was a huge hit.