Enjoy a practically effortless treat any time of year!

These no-bake cookies have a rich, chocolatey flavor with a hint of peanut butter and oats. Simmer on the stove, stir, and chill.

Perfect for a quick dessert or last-minute gatherings, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

stack of No Bake Cookies

Our Favorite No-Bake Cookies

  • Soft, chewy, and delicious peanut butter no-bake cookies are a quick and easy treat!
  • A favorite for kids and adults alike, these come together in minutes without having to turn on the oven!
  • Make ahead so they’re ready for last-minute get-togethers and gift-giving!
  • Just like no-bake energy balls, this no-bake cookie recipe is gluten and egg-free, making them a yummy snack anytime!
No Bake Cookies on parchment paper

No Bake Cookie Ingredients

Chocolate peanut butter no-bake cookies are easy to make, no eggs, oven, or candy thermometer required!

  • Base – Sugar adds sweetness but also creates the perfect texture. Butter adds flavor and milk give the right consistency.
  • Cocoa Powder Cocoa powder adds a rich chocolatey flavor.
  • Oatmeal – Quick cooking oats give these cookies a chewy texture and help bind the ingredients. If you have only old fashioned oats or rolled oats, give them a quick blitz in the food processor or blender.
  • Peanut Butter – Choose crunch or creamy peanut butter! Almond butter or cashew butter can be used as well. Sunflower seed butter is an excellent choice for nut-free cookies.
  • Variations – Chia seeds, coconut, semi-sweet or white chocolate chips, and chopped pieces of dried fruit make no-bake cookies extra tasty!
ingredients for No Bake Cookies on a marble board

How to Make No-Bake Cookies

  1. Bring sugar, butter, milk, and cocoa to a boil in a saucepan.
  2. Remove from heat and whisk in peanut butter, vanilla, and salt.
  3. Stir in oats and use a cookie scoop to drop onto a pan. Refrigerate until set.
No Bake Cookies oats and chocolate being mixed in a clear bowl

Storing No Bake Cookies

Store no bake cookies at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Place them in a zippered bag in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Best No Bake Treats

Did your family love these No-Bake Cookies? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below!

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stack of No Bake Cookies
4.98 from 81 votes↑ Click stars to rate now!
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No Bake Cookies

These No-Bake Cookies are so quick & easy, no oven required!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 24 cookies
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Ingredients  

  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • ½ cup butter
  • ½ cup milk
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ½ cup peanut butter
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • teaspoon salt
  • 3 cups quick oats

Instructions 

  • Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.
  • In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, butter, milk, and cocoa powder. Bring it to a boil over medium heat. Once it is at a rolling boil, boil for 1 minute.
  • Remove from the heat and whisk in the peanut butter, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Stir in oats. Drop by spoonfuls or use a cookie scoop to drop the oat mixture on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or until cookies are set.

Video

Notes

  • Use quick-cooking oats and real butter for the best consistency.
  • Bring to a full rolling boil over medium heat.
  • Allow the mixture to come to a rolling boil and boil for 1 minute. Start timing the mixture once it is at a full boil.
  • Avoid overcooking the mixture.
  • Cool completely before eating.
Store cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or on the counter for up to 1 week. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months. 
4.98 from 81 votes

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1cookie | Calories: 174 | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 10mg | Sodium: 68mg | Potassium: 103mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 128IU | Calcium: 17mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Cookies, Dessert
Cuisine American
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close up of No Bake Cookies with writing
chewy No Bake Cookies with a title
No Bake Cookies on a sheet pan and plated with a title

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About the author

Holly Nilsson is the creator of Spend With Pennies, where she creates easy, comforting recipes made for real life. With a passion for nostalgic flavors and simplified techniques, Holly helps busy home cooks create delicious meals that always work. She is also the author of “Everyday Comfort,” which promises to inspire even more hearty, home-cooked meals.
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Comments

  1. These have been a favorite of mine since I was a little girl and my mom would make them. I have a daughter and several grandchildren who are gluten free and am very aware of ingredients that they cannot have in recipes. Be sure to check that the oats you use for these cookies are gluten free if you are making them for those who cannot tolerate gluten.4 stars

  2. These no bake cookies were delicious with the perfect consistency. I enjoyed these were so easy make. I halved the recipe as I can’t be trusted with 24 cookies :-)5 stars

  3. I wish someone who come up with another ingredient instead of peanut butter. My husband is allergic. I know there are other nut butters but the consistency is different. They are much more oily.