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?
Carrie says
Double the recipe double the cooking time?
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Carrie- I wouldn't recommend it. When I want to double it I make two separate batches. Hope you try them!
Kimh says
I want to retract my previous comment that my cookies didn’t turn out! I just hadn’t given them enough time to settle. After they did, they were PERFECT! Keeping the recipe!
Jessica DeMay says
Awesome! I'm so glad they turned out for you! Thanks for trying my recipe!
Kimh says
Mine didn’t turn out, although I followed the rexip exactly as written. The cookies were way too runny. I think quick oats work better than regular. I used regular.
Saundra Martinez says
This recipe isn't quite right. I have made these for my kids ands grandkids for years and thought I'd try this recipe. The cookies did not harden. The recipe I've always used calls for the peanut butterto be added with the peanut butter, vanilla, and oats at the end and you only need to boil it for 1 minute, not 4.
Karen says
Very easy and yummy. Thank u for the recipe. Good Bless
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks for trying my recipe, Karen! So glad you like them!
Michael says
To clarify, am I to use 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for this recipe? Thanks for sharing your wisdom. You are enhancing the Christmas season for many with chocolaty goodness. May God bless you and yours
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Michael- yes, that is correct. You're welcome! Thank you for those kind words. God bless you as well 🙂
Liz says
No bakes are my husbands favorite cookie. So I made this recipe tonight. The balance of chocolate to peanut butter was great. But, mine came out shiny and sticky (kinda gooey, tacky and very chewy). I don’t know why. I thought I did it just right but I don’t think I did. Oh and they really flattened out. Any suggestions?
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Liz- thanks for trying my recipe! It sounds like they were slightly undercooked. Try cooking them 20-30 seconds longer next time, or add some more oats because if they flattened like that sometimes more oats help. I hope that helps and I hope they were still enjoyed! Let me know if you have more questions.
Barb says
Thanks for this advice. I followed a recipe on another sight that recommended "quick cooking oats". Between that and not boiling for 4 minutes my cookies were shiny and sticky as well. I remember following a recipe years ago that recommended the 4 minute boil .when I added the oats it kind of seized up and did not turn out. I will try it again with your recipe. Still nervous about boiling for 4 minutes though. Lol Looking forward to some yummy cookies! Ty again
Jessica DeMay says
You're welcome, Barb! Well, I have a great tip for you! I've also overcooked these cookies many times before I got the timing perfect. Just add a tablespoon or 2 of water, stir again, and scoop out. Even if they're dry and hard, they will soften back up. Just add a little at a time though or they will be too runny. Hope you have success next time 🙂
JONI HOADLEY says
Would these work with a non-dairy alternative? I'd love to make these, but my daughter and I are both lactose-sensitive. Thanks!
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Joni- Yes!! Here is my recipe on Golden Barrel's site: https://www.goldenbarrel.com/recipe/coconut-oil-no-bake-cookies/
I hope you and your daughter love them!
Brenda Hild says
Jessica, I have made these cookies since I can remember and I love them, but since they have so much sugar I don't make them very often...maybe holidays only. I wanted to ask if you could use coconut sugar instead of regular sugar and, if so, at what ratio? Looking forward to your reply. I love your site!!! I have printed several Paleo recipes that I am excited to try. Thank you. Brenda
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Brenda- yes, coconut sugar would definitely work! It would be the same amount. I have had people reduce it to 1 cup with good results so you can try that. Thanks, I'm so glad you are enjoying my site!
Robin says
They are OMG Good
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks, Robin! 🙂
Kathy Snyder Guerke says
Can these be made in advance and frozen?
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Kathy- I've found they don't save well. It's best to make them and eat them within an week. I hope you try them!