There is something incredibly comforting and nostalgic about the No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe that makes it an all-time favorite for cookie lovers everywhere. These cookies come together quickly with simple pantry staples and deliver a perfect balance of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter without ever turning on the oven. Whether you’re new to no-bake treats or revisiting a classic, this recipe promises a chewy, fudgy bite that is both satisfying and addictive—making it the perfect go-to when you want a delicious dessert in a flash.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This no bake cookie recipe shines because it relies on a handful of straightforward ingredients that each play an essential role in creating that irresistible texture and deep flavor. From the creamy peanut butter that lends richness, to the quick oats that provide chewy heartiness, every addition matters.
- Salted butter: Adds smoothness and a slight saltiness that balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Granulated sugar: Provides the necessary sweetness and helps achieve the perfect consistency.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Gives the deep, intense chocolate flavor that chocolate lovers crave.
- Milk: Ensures the mixture comes together smoothly and creates a luscious base.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor and adds subtle warmth to the cookies.
- Creamy peanut butter: Brings a rich, nutty creaminess that perfectly complements the chocolate.
- Quick oats: Provide texture and structure, making each cookie satisfyingly chewy—be sure to use quick oats for the best result.
How to Make No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Workstation
Start by lining two baking sheets with parchment paper or arrange about 29 cupcake liners. This will make it so much easier to drop and let your cookies set without sticking or falling apart.
Step 2: Combine Butter, Sugar, Cocoa, and Milk
In a medium saucepan (about 2.5 to 3 quarts), place the salted butter, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, and milk. This combination forms the rich, indulgent base for your cookies.
Step 3: Bring the Mixture to a Full Boil
Place your saucepan over medium heat and stir frequently. Watch as the butter melts and everything blends, keeping a close eye to avoid burning. Once the mixture reaches a rolling boil where bubbles cannot be broken by stirring, it’s time for the next step.
Step 4: Boil Without Stirring
Let the mixture bubble vigorously for exactly 60 seconds without stirring. This brief boil is key—it ensures the sugar reaches the right temperature to create the perfect cookie texture later on.
Step 5: Remove from Heat and Add Remaining Ingredients
Take the pan off the stove and immediately stir in the vanilla extract, creamy peanut butter, and quick oats. These ingredients fold in the irresistible flavors and hearty texture that make these cookies unforgettable.
Step 6: Form Your Cookies
Using a medium cookie scoop or two spoons (about 2 tablespoons per cookie), drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto your prepared baking sheets or into cupcake liners. This step is fun and gets you excited as your kitchen starts to smell amazing.
Step 7: Let Your Cookies Set
Leave the cookies at room temperature to set for 20 to 30 minutes. If you’re impatient like me, pop them in the refrigerator for a quicker chill, but letting them come to room temperature can give you a lovely chewy texture.
Step 8: Store Properly
Once set, transfer these beauties into an airtight container to keep them fresh. They’ll be ready anytime you want a quick chocolate peanut butter treat.
How to Serve No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are delicious on their own, adding a sprinkle of sea salt flakes on top before they set can elevate the flavor with a sophisticated salty contrast. Alternatively, a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate can make them look fancy for guests.
Side Dishes
Pair your no bake chocolate peanut butter cookies with a tall glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee or tea. They also complement a scoop of vanilla ice cream beautifully for a simple yet indulgent dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress? Arrange these cookies on a festive platter with alternating colors or shapes of cookies. You could even sandwich a dollop of marshmallow fluff or Nutella between two cookies for a playful twist. Serving in cupcake liners adds a charming homemade touch too.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These cookies stay fresh at room temperature in an airtight container for up to five days. Keeping them away from heat and humidity ensures they hold their chewy texture.
Freezing
If you want to make these ahead of time or save extras, you can freeze the cookies. Place them in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray to freeze individually first, then transfer to a resealable freezer bag. This keeps them from sticking together and preserves flavor for up to three months.
Reheating
Since these are no bake cookies, they don’t need reheating. If frozen, just let them thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before enjoying that perfect chewy texture once more.
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter instead of creamy peanut butter?
While you can substitute natural peanut butter, creamy peanut butter gives the best texture and flavor balance in this recipe. Natural varieties often separate and can affect the consistency of the cookies.
Why do I need to boil the mixture for exactly 60 seconds?
This step ensures the sugar reaches the right temperature to set the cookies properly. Too little time and they might be too soft; too long and they could become dry or crumbly.
Can I use old fashioned oats instead of quick oats?
Quick oats are recommended because they blend better and give the ideal chewy texture. Old fashioned oats may result in a chunkier, less cohesive cookie.
Is it possible to make these cookies vegan or dairy-free?
Yes! You can replace butter with coconut oil and use a plant-based milk alternative. Just be sure your peanut butter is also vegan if that’s a concern for you.
How can I make these cookies less sweet?
Try reducing the sugar slightly, but keep in mind that sugar helps with the texture and structure too. Cutting it too much might affect how the cookies set and their chewiness.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a quick, fuss-free dessert that hits every note of chocolate and peanut butter perfection, I genuinely can’t recommend the No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe enough. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug and comes together in no time—perfect for busy days or whenever you want to treat yourself with minimal effort. Give it a try and see just how addictive these cookies can be!
Print
No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 13 minutes plus 20-30 minutes setting time
- Yield: 29 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
These classic No Bake Cookies are quick and easy to make, combining rich cocoa, creamy peanut butter, and hearty oats into chewy, chocolatey treats. Perfect for a simple dessert or snack without turning on the oven.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (113g) salted butter
- 1 3/4 cups (350g) granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup (32g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup (120ml) milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2/3 cup (160g) creamy peanut butter
- 3 cups (275g) quick oats (do not use old fashioned oats)
Instructions
- Prepare baking sheets: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or arrange approximately 29 cupcake liners to prevent sticking.
- Combine base ingredients: In a medium 2.5 to 3 quart saucepan, add butter, sugar, cocoa powder, and milk.
- Heat mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir frequently until the mixture reaches a full boil.
- Boil mixture: Let the mixture boil for 60 seconds without stirring to ensure proper thickening.
- Add remaining ingredients: Remove the saucepan from heat immediately and stir in vanilla extract, creamy peanut butter, and quick oats thoroughly.
- Form cookies: Using a medium 2 tablespoon cookie scoop or two spoons, drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheets or into cupcake liners.
- Set cookies: Allow the cookies to set at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes. To speed up the setting process, refrigerate the cookies.
- Store appropriately: Once set, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Use quick oats for best texture; old fashioned oats will result in a chewier cookie.
- Do not skip the 60-second boil, as it is critical for the correct cookie texture.
- Refrigeration speeds up the setting but is optional.
- Cookies can be stored at room temperature for up to a week in an airtight container.
- For a nut-free version, substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter.
