These classic chocolate peanut butter no-bakes 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.
Hungry for more? Subscribe to my newsletter and follow along on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram for all of the latest updates.
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?
Trish says
Can they be stored in freezer. I used cashew milk turned out great.
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Trish- I think that would work. They don't need to be, but could be. Thanks for trying them!
Jenn says
Love this recipe!
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks, Jenn!
Chandra says
Will almond butter work in these?
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Chandra- yes, that will work. Enjoy!
Lisa says
The absolute BEST no bake cookie recipe!!! My cookies turned our perfectly. Your instructions were superb! The secret was the medium heat, 4 minutes once the mixture is at a rolling boil! Thank you for sharing!!
Jessica DeMay says
You're welcome, Lisa! Thanks for trying them and for the great feedback!
Song Barba says
So yummy!!! I didn't even go to the store to get supplies. I had everything at home.
Jessica DeMay says
Awesome! Thanks for trying my recipe!
Isabel says
Can I use evaporated milk?
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Isabel- that should work. Enjoy!
Lydia Powers says
Amazing, I even doubled it. They turned out perfect ❤
Thank you!
Jessica DeMay says
You're welcome, Lydia! Thanks for trying them!
Bobbie jackson says
Late sat. Night need cookies for Sunday church Christmas party. 40 min. Later 50 cookies. Thank you.
5 stars
Jessica DeMay says
You're welcome, Bobbie! Thanks for trying them and I'm so glad you like them!
Kaylee says
I don't know why, but mine ended up in crumbles as my oats were added. They are not cookies...but a mess. I don't remember no bakes being this hard to make.
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Kaylee- I'm sorry about that. It sounds like the mixture got overcooked. Your stove could be a little on the hot side. To fix this issue, add 1 tablespoon on water to the mixture and stir until smooth. It's probably too late now, but you know for next time if that happens.
Dave Farris says
Made these for my daughter’s school Christmas party and they turned out great! Thanks!!
Jessica DeMay says
You're welcome! Thanks for trying them, Dave!