These classic chocolate peanut butter no bake cookies are the perfect treat. Chocolate and peanut butter combine to make the best cookie ever!
I know, you may not think this is a very special recipe, but it really is. I feel like everyone should have an awesome no-bake recipe because there are times you just need it. Like when you need a last minute treat to bring somewhere, or when you have something baking in your oven but you still want to make cookies, or when you want something that everyone is guaranteed to love.That's the truth. I've never met anyone who doesn't like these.
Except my mom who just informed me that she hates them as much as okra.
That doesn't even make sense. That's pure craziness! Moving on...
These come together really quick and you most likely have all the ingredients in your pantry already. Make sure you measure the oats out first so you're not rushing to do that while the chocolate is hot. Also, make sure you have a clear counter and put out wax paper to drop the cookies on.
I use a greased cookie scoop to portion these out onto wax paper because it makes them more consistent in size than using a spoon. That's definitely not necessary though. Use what you have.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Once you add all the ingredients to the pan it takes about 6 minutes before it comes to a boil. Just be patient and don't be tempted to turn it up. Once it starts boiling, I've found that exactly 4 minutes is perfect. I know that seems precise, but it does make a difference. Any less than that and they might not set properly and any more and they can become dry. Its also important to make sure your heat is only at medium. Any higher and 4 minutes is much too long.
I send these to my dad for his birthday and Christmas every year and he always eats them for breakfast. I mean, they do have peanut butter, oatmeal, and milk in them. That qualifies them as breakfast food I'm pretty sure.
These may be simple, but it's a cookie I will never stop making. The peanut butter and chocolate work so well together and the oats give it the perfect texture.
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Chocolate Peanut Butter No-Bakes
Ingredients
- 3 cups oats old fashioned or quick
- ½ cup butter
- ½ cup milk
- 2 cups sugar
- ½ cup peanut butter
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
- Measure oats into a large bowl and set aside.
- In a large skillet, combine butter, milk, sugar, peanut butter, and cocoa.
- Stir together over medium heat (no higher) until fully combined. Don't quit stirring.
- Once it is boiling while you stir (not just small bubbles around the edge, but a rolling boil) set the timer for 4 minutes.
- Continue stirring constantly making sure to scrap the sides of the pan as needed.
- When the timer goes off, turn off the heat and add vanilla. This will cause the mixture to bubble up. Stir to incorporate.
- Add the oats and mix until completely covered. Try to work fast as the start to harden as they cool.
- Scoop onto wax paper, using a greased cookie scoop if you have one.
- Let fully cool, about 20 minutes.
Nutrition Information
Are these cookies something you made growing up?
Taya says
They are in crumbs and and can't get them to become a cookie. I really was looking forward to no bake cookies but it was a fail 🙁
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Taya- it sounds like they cooked a little too long. Next time that happens add a tablespoon of water at a time until the mixture is smooth again- totally fixes it!
MJ says
I have found that cooking them no more than 1 1/2 minutes is plenty. 4 minutes is way too long!
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks, MJ. It sounds like your stove is different because I have made them hundreds of times and it's always 4 minutes. But maybe your stove is hotter or pan is different. Thanks for the feedback.
JeannieP says
The 4 min rule was the trick! They came out perfectly even after I had to wing it- didn't have cocoa powder so used half cup of chocolate chips and added in an extra bit of peanut butter. My 5 and 3 yr old girls loved scooping them out and licking the spoons! Fun summer recipe- quick and oven stays cold!
Thanks!
Jessica DeMay says
You're welcome, Jeannie! Thanks for trying my recipe! I'm so glad you and your girls enjoyed them 🙂
Debbie Ezell says
Just wondering how many cookies your recipe yields?? Didn't notice it listed in the recipe.
Thanks, Debbie in Nashville
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Debbie- it makes about 22 cookies, but it all depends how big you make them. You can make them bigger if you want. Hope you enjoy them!
Emily says
Needed something sweet tonight so I just made these. It's been so long that I'd made them that I had to double check the recipe and this was the closest to what I could remember. They came out perfect! These were the first cookies I learned how to make when I was young as well. I remember getting into a kick of making them about three times a week for a few weeks and my mother had to ands me to stop because I kept using up all of the ingredients that she needed for other things.
Jessica DeMay says
Haha- I love that story! I'm so glad you enjoyed them and found the recipe so you can make them again 🙂
Diana Holland says
I have made No Bakes for many moons... Occasionally they turn out perfect. Due to the weather.........the best time to make them is on a semi-cloudy day.... The temperature around 65--75 degrees... No joking... They are honory little critters to make. !! But so tastey... Yum yum......
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Diana- that's so interesting! I've never noticed the weather effecting them. I'll have to pay attention next time. 🙂
Kathy Foster says
You know, even if they DON'T set up, they still taste fabulous
Jessica DeMay says
Very true!
Krissy says
I always love the no bakes! I also just made this recipe with sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter, reduced the sugar by half because the sun butter already has sugar in it, and they are also gosh darn delicious. Thanks!
Jessica DeMay says
You're welcome, Krissy! Your version sounds delicious! Thanks for trying my recipe!
Lynnette Flegal says
These are awesome to make in the summer, when my kids ask for cookies. I try not to turn on the oven that adds heat to the house. Delish! My kids love them! ?
Jessica DeMay says
Yes! Thanks, Lynnette!
kris says
thoughts on whether you could replace butter w/coconut butter (manna - less coconut taste than coconut oil)?
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Kris- I don't think coconut butter would work. I'm sorry! I have this recipe-http://www.jaysbakingmecrazy.com/2015/08/17/coconut-oil-no-bake-cookies/ and if you use a refined coconut oil then they won't taste at all like coconut. Hope that helps!
Julia says
sooo good! way better with peanut butter added instead of just plain cocoa powder!
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks, Julia! Glad you like them!
shelly says
I wonder how old this recipe is? I know it has to be 50 years, minimum! I agree it is one of the easiest recipes to make! I think I learned it in Brownies or Girl Scouts! It was great for camp and hiking!
Jessica DeMay says
Yes, this is a tried and true recipe! One of my favorites 🙂
Kathy says
I'm nearing 70 and I remember having them when I was a little kid. Easy to make.
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks, Kathy! Yes, a classic that is well loved!
Clorinda Salim says
I'm 61 and made them in Girl Scouts!
Jessica DeMay says
They're a classic! 🙂
Felesha says
I've never tried a "No bake" before. Looks yummy!!
Jessica DeMay says
Really!?!? You have to try them! They were the first cookie I made by myself as a kid and they are delicious! You will love it!
Felesha says
Will do! Thanks Jessica!!
Rachel Bales says
I tried cooing them last night and they did not set thats why i came to this page lol thanks a lot
Jessica DeMay says
I hope it helped, Rachel!
Cathy says
Yea I just made them to didn't work out either I think instead of 1/2 cup of milk I will try 1/4
Crystal Taylor says
They are the best no bake cookies everrrr!!!! I love these my mom made them all the time when i was a young and they are the best!!u will love it i promise u..?☺??
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks, Crystal! I'm so glad you like them!
Nancy says
????EASY??
Fiona says
They are excellent! I love them!
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks, Fiona! I'm so glad you like them!
Pamela Henrickson says
Hard, hard hard no bake cookies worst cookies ever
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Pamela- I'm sorry they didn't turn out for you. It sounds like you over cooked the mixture- a common mistake! Next time just add a little water at a time (like 1 tablespoon) until the mixture becomes smooth again and scoop out.