Cocoa Oatmeal Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies

No bake cookies are a timeless dessert that many of us remember from childhood. With the yummy combination of chocolate and peanut butter, they’re both fun to make and eat. Best of all, they’re very simple and one of the easiest cookies you’ll ever make.

Why I Love No Bake Cookies

No bake cookies are one of those easy, dependable treats you can throw together when you want something sweet without turning on the oven. They’ve been in my family for years. My mom made them for us growing up, and I made them for my kids, and they in turn have made them for their kids. They’re quick and somehow always hit the spot. Chocolate and peanut butter is a combination that just works together.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1/2 cup salted butter
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 cups quick oats
  • 3/4 to 1 cup creamy peanut butter

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. In a medium saucepan bring the sugar, butter, cocoa powder, and milk to a rolling boil. Boil for 2 minutes.
  2. Remove saucepan from the heat and immediately stir in the vanilla extract, peanut butter, and quick oats. Mix until everything is evenly combined.
  3. Carefully but working quickly, drop spoonfuls onto waxed paper - I use a large tablespoon per cookie. 
  4. Let the cookies cool at room temperature until firm. To speed up the process, place them in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes.

Tips for No-Bake Cookies

  • Let the mixture reach a full rolling boil. If the cookies don’t set and seem too wet, increase the boiling time by 15 seconds the next time you make them; if they’re dry or crumbly, reduce the boil by 15 seconds.
  • Use unsweetened cocoa so it gives the cookies a rich, pure chocolate flavor without added sweetness or fillers, helping them set properly and preventing them from becoming overly sweet.
  • Creamy peanut butter works great and what I typically use, but crunchy peanut butter can add texture and my husband loves the crunchy. If using crunchy, increase the amount slightly to maintain consistency.
  • Use Quick Oats: Skip the old fashioned oats and use quick oats, they help create the ideal texture and help the cookies set properly.
  • Choose Real Butter: Avoid margarine, as it can alter the flavor and texture due to its added water content.

No Bake Cookies Are Classic

No bake cookies aren’t just easy to make; they’re also really good to eat and a time honored classic cookie.

Recipe Card

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No Bake Peanut Butter Oatmeal & Cocoa Cookies

Servings: Depends on how many you eat per serving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1/2 cup salted butter
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 cups quick oats
  • 3/4 to 1 cup creamy peanut butter

Instructions

  1. In a medium saucepan bring the sugar, butter, cocoa powder, and milk to a rolling boil. Boil for 2 minutes.
  2. Remove saucepan from the heat and immediately stir in the vanilla extract, peanut butter, and quick oats. Mix until everything is evenly combined.
  3. Carefully but working quickly, drop spoonfuls onto waxed paper - I use a large tablespoon per cookie.
  4. Let the cookies cool at room temperature until firm. To speed up the process, place them in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes.

Notes


  • Let the mixture reach a full rolling boil. If the cookies don’t set and seem too wet, increase the boiling time by 15 seconds the next time you make them; if they’re dry or crumbly, reduce the boil by 15 seconds.

  • Use unsweetened cocoa so it gives the cookies a rich, pure chocolate flavor without added sweetness or fillers, helping them set properly and preventing them from becoming overly sweet.

  • Creamy peanut butter works great and what I typically use, but crunchy peanut butter can add texture and my husband loves the crunchy. If using crunchy, increase the amount slightly to maintain consistency.

  • Use Quick Oats: Skip the old fashioned oats and use quick oats, they help create the ideal texture and help the cookies set properly.

  • Choose Real Butter: Avoid margarine, as it can alter the flavor and texture due to its added water content.