Peanut butter no bake cookies are a childhood favorite that I still can’t get enough of. Even now, no bake oatmeal cookies like these are my go-to treat when I’m feeling reminiscent of my childhood or just have a sweet tooth craving.
If you’ve always thought oatmeal no bake cookies were difficult, this classic no bake cookie recipe will change your mind. With these tips, you’ll end up with the perfect peanut butter no bake cookies every time!
I’ve been on a no bake cookie recipe streak this month, coming up with all kinds of no bake cookie ideas in the recipe that I figured it was finally time for me to share THE no bake cookie recipe.
You know, the classic peanut butter no bake cookies…or are they chocolate no bake cookies?
I’ve never known which flavor to call these, since they contain both cocoa and peanut butter. Whether you think the flavor is more chocolate or peanut butter, these classic no bake oatmeal cookies are a timeless favorite.
My mom made no-bake cookies when I was little and I thought she was a culinary genius. Whipping up the most imaginative an inventive recipes with the odds and ends in the pantry.
Turns out this classic no bake oatmeal cookie recipe is in a lot of places, including on the back of the oats package. Which is also funny because we didn’t eat these all that often and we never ate oatmeal, but for some reason we always had oats.
My mother was still a whiz in the kitchen, but I like to look back at how as a child she was all-the-things and how I looked up to her.
While peanut butter no-cake cookies are so simple, it is stupid, they can also easily be messed up. The two most common issues are being grainy because the sugar didn’t dissolve and that they didn’t set correctly.
So here is how to prevent no-bake cookie disasters. Okay, maybe that is a little dramatic.
The first mistake is boiling time, either too long or too little. Boil too little and the sugar doesn’t fully dissolve, boil too long and it loses too much moisture and burns.
Don’t be afraid to see some bubbles, but time it for 1 minute (don’t guesstimate) and remove it from the heat immediately.
The second mistake is not measuring properly. In order for the cookies to have the right consistency and hold together, you really do need to measure the ingredients out instead of winging it.
Believe me, it is hard for me to do as well, but you’ll be happy when your chocolate no bake cookies are perfect!
I guess what I’m saying is that the true secret to perfect no bake oatmeal cookies is patience and attention. A little bit of both and you’ll end up with the best Classic No Bake Cookies you’ve ever tasted.
And if you ever get wrangled into making something for a bake sale fundraiser, these will always be a hit…if you can stop yourself from each the entire batch yourself!
You may like these other no bake dessert recipes:
Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries
No-Bake Chocolate Cheesecake
Questions you might have about how to make no bake cookies:
Can I freeze no bake cookies? You can freeze no bake cookies, and in fact, this is one of my favorite things to do with them. Freeze them in an airtight plastic bag and just take them out as you want them.
How do I store no bake cookies? I keep them at room temperature or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Covered and packaged, of course. If you are layering them, separate using a piece of wax paper or parchment paper.
Are no bake cookies good for lactation? I am not a medical professional and am not going to provide medical advice. But I think there is a little bit of confusion here.
There are cookies out there that have some ingredients that are linked to improved lactation and they look similar.
These are delicious and might give nursing moms a moment of reprieve, but they are not lactation cookies.
Can you make no bake cookies without milk? I suppose you can substitute any liquid for the milk, including water, but I have not tried it. If you do, let us know how it went.
What can I substitute for vanilla extract? You can use any flavor of extract you like. My second favorite is almond extract. You can also omit all together.
How can I harden no bake cookies fast? Simply place them in the freezer for 15 minutes. The fridge works too, just not as fast.
Can I make these without peanut butter? Peanut butter is an essential ingredients in getting these to bind together, so I am going to say no.
Can I use quick oats instead of old fashioned oats? Be my guest! Since you aren’t actually cooking these, it doesn’t really matter.
Can I omit cocoa powder? Unsweetened cocoa powder and peanut butter are pretty essential for the recipe. You can
Can I add chocolate chips? Add chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, cherry chips… any kind of chip you want!
Classic No Bake Cookies
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups old fashioned oats
Instructions
- In a heavy bottom saucepan, combine butter, white sugar, brown, whole milk, cocoa powder and salt over medium-high heat, stirring to combine.
- When it comes to a rolling boil, allow it to boil 1 minute, then remove from heat.
- Quickly stir in creamy peanut butter and vanilla until smooth, then stir in oats.
- Spoon 2 tablespoons each onto parchment or wax paper.
- Allow to cool for 20-30 minutes.
- If you’ve tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was!
I haven’t tried this yet because I’d like to know if you can leave the peanut butter out? My husband doesn’t like it and I’m trying to find one for him.
Hi Tammie! I’ve never tried it without the PB. It adds to the texture so they don’t get too hard. You actually don’t taste that much PB. Of course, if he is allergic, that is another story. Have you tried using marshmallow fluff or almond butter instead?
Turned out great!
Yay! We love to hear that!
Delicious!!
Thanks, Judy!
This recipe is perfect! The cooking/boiling time really is the key!!
First time making no bake oatmeal cookies. They were a big hit in my house. Everyone loved them and so simple to make. Thank you for sharing
Fabulous! And thank you for coming back to let us know. Comments make us happy 🙂
You can leave out peanut butter. My grands are highly allergic to anything related to nuts. Just watch boiling time and you’ll have great cookies w/o the peanut butter and you kids will still be breathing after enjoying this wonderful chocolate oatmeal cookie.
Thanks, Pat!
I just love a classic recipe! These cookies look perfect for the holidays. I bet my kids would have such fun making them.
We make something similar but I have to admit – your recipe looks way better than the one I’ve been using!
I bet the flavor of these beauties is fantastic! Thanks for the recipe!
Reminds me of when I was a kid. My mother used to make these for us.
Love this very easy and quick cookie recipe! Absolutely looks so delicious!