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This No-Bake Cookie is the perfect treat when you want something sweet but don’t want to turn on the oven! They come together in just a few simple steps using pantry staples, making them ideal for last-minute desserts or a fun activity with kids.
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Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Cooling Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Servings: 30 cookies
Why You’ll Love Making It
- Quick & Easy – No oven needed, and the cookies come together in just a few minutes.
- Rich & Fudgy – The combination of cocoa powder, peanut butter, and oats creates a deliciously chewy texture.
- Great for Beginners – Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this a foolproof recipe.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for lunchboxes, potlucks, or a last-minute dessert craving.
Ingredients
- ½ cup (115g) butter, sliced into pieces – Adds richness and helps the cookies set. Use unsalted butter to control the salt level.
- 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar – Sweetens and helps create the perfect fudgy consistency.
- ½ cup (120ml) milk – Helps dissolve the sugar and combines with the cocoa powder for a smooth base. Whole milk works best, but lower-fat milk can be used.
- ¼ cup (20g) unsweetened cocoa powder – Provides a deep, chocolatey flavor. Use high-quality cocoa powder for the best taste.
- ½ cup (125g) creamy peanut butter – Adds creaminess and helps the cookies firm up. Use natural peanut butter for a less sweet option.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor of the chocolate and peanut butter.
- 3 cups (300g) quick-cooking oats – Give the cookies their signature chewy texture. Quick oats absorb moisture better than old-fashioned oats.
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Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheets
Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats and set them aside. The cookies set quickly, so it’s important to have everything ready before you start.
Step 2: Heat the Base Ingredients
In a large saucepan, combine the butter, sugar, milk, and cocoa powder. Place over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the butter melts and the mixture is smooth.
Step 3: Bring to a Boil
Increase the heat slightly and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Once it starts bubbling across the entire surface, set a timer and let it boil for exactly 60 seconds, stirring occasionally. This step is crucial—boiling for too little time may result in soft cookies that don’t set, while boiling too long can make them dry and crumbly.
Step 4: Stir in the Peanut Butter and Vanilla
Remove the saucepan from heat and immediately stir in the peanut butter and vanilla extract. Stir quickly until fully combined and smooth.
Step 5: Add the Oats
Add the quick-cooking oats to the mixture and stir until the oats are fully coated and evenly distributed. The mixture will start to thicken as the oats absorb the liquid.
Step 6: Drop the Cookies
Using a spoon or a 1.5-tablespoon cookie scoop, drop portions of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheets. Slightly shape them if needed, but work quickly as the cookies begin setting fast.
Step 7: Let the Cookies Set
Allow the cookies to cool at room temperature for 20–30 minutes, or until firm. If your kitchen is warm, place the baking sheets in the fridge to speed up the setting process.
Step 8: Serve & Store
Once cooled, enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.
FAQs
Why did my no-bake cookies turn out too soft?
If your cookies didn’t set properly, it’s likely because the mixture didn’t boil long enough. The sugar needs to reach the correct temperature to firm up as it cools. Next time, ensure you boil the mixture for exactly 60 seconds.
Can I use old-fashioned oats instead of quick oats?
Quick oats work best because they absorb moisture more evenly. If using old-fashioned oats, the cookies will be chewier and may not set as well. If that’s all you have, pulse them in a food processor for a few seconds to break them down slightly before adding.
hey, Sandra Clare, can i use almond butter instead of peanut? gotta allergy here :/
Just made these with my kiddos. So fun and easy! We love it. They taste so good. Perfect for our family movie night. Thanks for sharing!