No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies

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Take yourself back to your childhood with these nostalgic No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies. Whether enjoyed as a quick snack, a lunchbox surprise, or a dessert at gatherings, these cookies are sure to delight both young and old alike.

Overhead view and close up of no bake chocolate peanut butter cookie.

These were probably one of the first cookies I learned to make. They are the perfect recipe for kids because they are so easy to make and require no oven! My family loves the combo of chocolate and peanut butter and they also love these No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars. They are like a Reese’s peanut butter cup!

Why This Is My Favorite No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookie:

  • A family favorite tried and true recipe
  • You only need 7 easy-to-find ingredients, and you probably have all of them already!
  • Minimal dishes, so there is easy clean-up
  • Perfect for gatherings because it will please both the young and old
  • Freezer-friendly
Ingredients: oatmeal, cocoa powder, peanut butter, butter, sugar, milk, and vanilla.

Ingredient Notes:

This is just a quick overview of the ingredients that you’ll need for these cookies. As always, specific measurements and step-by-step cooking instructions are included in the printable recipe box at the bottom of the post.

OATMEAL: I have always used quick cooking oats but if you like a heartier cookie with more chew you can substitute old-fashioned oats.

PEANUT BUTTER: You can used creamy or crunchy!! My family likes both. If you use crunchy use a heaping 1/2 cup.
COCOA POWDER: For the classic recipe stick with natural cocoa powder but you can also use dark cocoa powder for a more intense cookie. The cocoa powder also thickens the cookie in this recipe.

Four pictures showing how to make these no bake cookies.

How To Make No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies

STEP 1: Combine the butter, sugar, milk, and cocoa powder in a large saucepan. Bring to a full boil and boil for 60 seconds.

STEP 2: Stir in the peanut butter and vanilla. Stir in the oats.

STEP 3: Drop spoonfulls onto parchment paper lined baking sheet and allow cookies to cool before enjoying!

Overhead view of cookies on a baking sheet cooling.

FAQs

WHAT IF MY COOKIES DIDN’T SET?

This can happen if the mixture wasn’t boiled at a soft boil long enough. The recommeded time is 60 seconds. Make sure to set a timer so you don’t boil too long!

WHY ARE MY COOKIES DRY AND CRUMBLY?

If this happens it means it was boiled a little too long. Try boiling for 10-15 seconds less next time.

HOW TO STORE OR FREEZE NO BAKE COOKIES?

Store completely cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. To freeze: place completely cooled cookies in a freezer bag with parchment in between layers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.

Overhead view of a cookie broken into pieces with a glass of milk in the corner.

Tips for Success!!

  • Be sure to measure out all your ingredients first because once it’s done cooking on the stove you need to have everything ready to pour in for the best results.
  • Use a timer to ensure you don’t overcook the mixture which will lead to dry and crumbly cookies.
  • Use a cookie scoop to make it easier to scoop the cookies and to keep them more uniform in size.
  • If you do use crunchy peanut butter add a little extra to avoid it altering the consistency of the cookies. (I use a heaping 1/2 cup)

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No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies

Course: Cookies, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: classic no bake cookies
Indulge in these No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies that will remind you of your childhood. They are made with simple, easy-to-find ingredients, and are so easy to prepare that even your kids can make them!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 29 cookies (about)
Calories: 206kcal
Author: Malinda Linnebur
Print Recipe Save Recipe

Ingredients

  • ½ cup (113g) butter, cut into pieces
  • 1 ⅔ cups (285g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (120ml) milk
  • cup (30g) cocoa powder
  • ½ cup (130g) creamy peanut butter
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla
  • 3 cups (300g) quick cooking oats

Instructions

  • Measure out all ingredients prior to starting this recipe. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper; set aside.
  • Combine the butter, sugar, milk, and cocoa powder in a large saucepan. Cook, stirring often, over medium to medium-low heat. Bring to a soft boil and boil for 60 seconds, stirring occasionally. *set a timer!
  • Remove from heat and stir in the peanut butter and vanilla. Stir in the oats mixing well to ensure all oats are coated. Use a 2 tablespoon cookie scoop and drops scoopfuls onto the parchment paper lined baking sheets. Allow to set at least 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

  1. STORAGE: Store completely cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. 
  2. FREEZER-FRIENDLY: Place completely cooled cookies in a freezer bag using parchment paper in between layers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.
  3. NUTRITION: Since different brands of ingredients have different nutritional information, the information shown is just an estimate. This website is not intended as nutritional advice, or a diet or health plan. Readers of this website are ultimately responsible for all decisions pertaining to their health.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cookie | Calories: 206kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 9mg | Sodium: 21mg | Potassium: 159mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 106IU | Vitamin C: 0.01mg | Calcium: 23mg | Iron: 2mg

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