• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Skip to content
Preppy Kitchen logo
  • About
    • Meet John Kanell
    • Press
  • Recipes
    • Desserts
    • Breakfast
    • Main Dishes
    • Side Dishes
    • Breads
    • Soups
    • Salads
    • Casseroles
    • Instant Pot
    • Appetizers
    • Drinks
    • Holiday
  • Cookbook
  • Shop
  • Contact
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • About
  • Press
  • All Recipes
  • Cookbook
  • Shop
  • Contact
  • Follow us on

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Desserts » Cookies » No Bake Cookies

    No Bake Cookies

    Published: October 24, 2019 · Modified: Sep 6, 2023 by John Kanell

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

    No Bake Cookies are a classic cookie recipe made with cocoa powder, quick oats, and creamy peanut butter. They are as perfect for Christmas cookie trays as they are for picnics, birthday parties, and gifting. Best of all, they are made without heating up your kitchen and are made in less than 10 minutes of active cooking time!

    No bake cookies on a plate with a glass of milk behind it
    1061 shares
    • Share
    • Reddit
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    A pinterest graphic of two no bake cookies on a plate with a glass of milk in the background.
    A pinterest graphic of a stack of no bake cookies on a plate.
    A pinterest graphic of an overhead view of two no bake cookies on a plate.
    A pinterest graphic of a stack of three no bake cookies on a plate.
    A pinterest graphic of a stack of five no bake cookies on a plate.
    A pinterest graphic of no bake cookies in a platter.
    A pinterest graphic of a single layer of no bake cookies on a marble surface.
    A pinterest graphic of no bake cookies on a plate with one with a bite taken out.
    A pinterest graphic of no bake cookies.

    If you’ve been to a bake sale or Christmas cookie swap, chances are that you have seen a plate of these chocolaty No Bake Cookies. Fudgy, nutty, chocolaty, and lightly chewy, these chocolaty oat cookies are an American classic recipe for a reason. You’ll be sold with just one bite of the chocolate peanut butter confection.

    But of course, these gems have more to offer than just exceptional flavor. They are a super easy recipe to make, using only a few simple ingredients, and are ready in a snap! With just a few steps and no waiting for the oven to preheat, they’re a fantastic recipe to make the next time the occasion calls for any cookie recipes, but especially if you’re low on time or energy. If you’re looking for more no bake desserts, then check out my Oreo balls recipe, no-bake cheesecake recipe, and chocolate bon bons recipe.

    What You Need to Make This Recipe

    A stack of no bake cookies on a plate with the top one with a bite taken out. One cookie leaning on the stack.

    Cocoa Powder – natural, unsweetened cocoa powder is best for this no bake recipe. For a variation, you can substitute dark chocolate cocoa powder for the original, but otherwise a classic storebought box of cocoa powder will do the trick.

    Quick Oats – choose quick-cooking oats over old-fashioned oats as quick-cooking oats are rolled extra thin and par-cooked before drying, meaning that they need minimal heat or cooking time to tenderize. If only old-fashioned oats are available to you, they can be used, but the cookies will be more dense and chewy.

    Creamy Peanut Butter – use a no-stir creamy peanut butter rather than natural peanut butter, as it will help the cookies bind together while providing the classic homestyle flavor to the cookies.

    Milk – for tender and rich no bake cookies, choose whole milk. However, 2% or 1% milk also works in a pinch. You can also use a non-dairy alternative like almond milk or oat milk.

    Vanilla Extract – for the best flavor, use pure vanilla extract. Not only does it add more flavor to the cookies, it also helps enhance the flavor of the cocoa powder.

    How to Make No Bake Cookies

    Set of two photos showing cocoa, sugar, butter, and milk added to a small pot.

    1. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or wax paper. Add sugar, butter, and cocoa powder to a medium saucepan.

    2. Pour the milk into the saucepan and place it over medium heat.

    Set of two photos showing cocoa mixture simmered and oats added.

    3. Stir occasionally until the mixture reaches a boil.

    4. Allow the mixture to boil for exactly 60 seconds without stirring, then remove from the heat. Add the oats, peanut butter, and vanilla.

    Set of two photos showing peanut butter stirred into the mixture in the pot then scooped onto a lined sheet pan.

    5. Stir the cookie mixture well until combined.

    6. Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop 2-tablespoon size heaps of the mixture onto a prepared cookie sheet. Cool the cookies for 20-30 minutes, or until set.

    A close up of no bake cookies

    Pro Tips for Making This Recipe

    • Boil the chocolate and sugar mixture for exactly one minute. This will ensure that the mixture cooks up to the perfect consistency, allowing it to set. Additionally, be sure not to stir the chocolate mixture while it boils.
    • Scoop the cookies quickly. The cookie batter will start to stiffen up as it cools, so work quickly as you scoop the cookie dough. For the quickest process and uniformity, I recommend using a cookie scoop.
    • Make this no-bake cookies recipe your own. Mix-in toppings add your own flair to the recipe. Stir a teaspoon of instant coffee granules, a handful of roasted peanuts, or a half cup of sweetened dried coconut flakes into the batter with the oatmeal. You can also gently press M&Ms, sprinkles, or chocolate chips onto the top of the cookie mounds before cooling. This is such an easy dessert to jazz up, so have fun with it!
    Four no bake cookies on a small blue plate

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How do I store leftovers?

    Leftover no bake oatmeal cookies keep covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. The chocolate cookies can also be frozen in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.

    Why are my cookies not hardening?

    If your peanut butter no bake cookies aren’t hardening properly, chances are you didn’t boil the chocolate mixture for the right amount of time. Either under boiling or over boiling it can cause issues with how the cookies set. Furthermore, be sure to not stir the chocolate mixture while it boils as this too can affect the cookies’ ability to harden.

    What do I serve with this recipe?

    Serve no bake oatmeal cookies with tall glasses of cold milk, hot coffee, or even Mexican hot chocolate. These cookies are a fantastic addition to almost any cookie platter or cookie table. Present them with chocolate chip cookies, rainbow cookies, and Loft House cookies for a complete cookie spread!

    If you love this recipe try these out!

    • A plate with a peanut butter chocolate chip cookie with a platter of more cookies in the back along with a glass of milk.

      Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

    • A stack of peanut butter cookies on a small wooden board

      Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

    • An Oatmeal Chocolate Chip cookie next to a glass of milk

      Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

    • A group of butter cookies on parchment paper

      Butter Cookies

    • A plate with two chocolate chip cookies in front of a cup of milk and platter of cookies.

      Chocolate Chip Cookies

    If you’ve tried this No Bake Cookies recipe, then don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know how you got on in the comments below, I love hearing from you!

    Chocolate peanut butter no bake bookies on a marble surface.
    Print
    5 from 85 votes

    No Bake Cookies

    No Bake Cookies are an all-time favorite American cookie recipe for a reason: they are peanut buttery, chocolaty, and lightly chewy all while not heating up your kitchen! Use quick oats and creamy peanut butter instead of old-fashioned oats or natural peanut butter for the best flavor and and texture.
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Prep Time 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time 1 minute minute
    Cooling time 20 minutes minutes
    Total Time 26 minutes minutes
    Servings 30 cookies
    Calories 134kcal
    Author John Kanell

    Equipment

    • Medium pot
    • Baking trays
    • Parchment paper

    Ingredients

    • 1½ cups granulated sugar (300g)
    • ½ cup milk (120ml)
    • ½ cup unsalted butter (113g)
    • ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (25g)
    • 2½ cups quick oats (350g)
    • ¾ cup creamy peanut butter (188g)
    • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

    Instructions

    • Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or wax paper.
    • In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, milk, butter, and cocoa powder and place over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the mixture reaches a boil.
    • Allow the mixture to boil for exactly 60 seconds without stirring, then remove from heat. Add the oats, peanut butter, and vanilla. Stir until well combined.
    • Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop heaps of the mixture onto parchment paper (about 2 tablespoons each). Let the cookies cool until set, 20 to 30 minutes. Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

    Video

    Notes

    • Boil the chocolate and sugar mixture for exactly one minute. This will ensure that the mixture cooks up to the perfect consistency, allowing it to set. Additionally, be sure not to stir the chocolate mixture while it boils.
    • Scoop the cookies quickly. The cookie batter will start to stiffen up as it cools, so work quickly as you scoop the cookie dough. For the quickest process and uniformity, I recommend using a cookie scoop.
    • Make this no-bake cookies recipe your own. Mix-in toppings add your own flair to the recipe. Stir a teaspoon of instant coffee granules, a handful of roasted peanuts, or a half cup of sweetened dried coconut flakes into the batter with the oatmeal. You can also gently press M&Ms, sprinkles, or chocolate chips onto the top of the cookie mounds before cooling. This is such an easy dessert to jazz up, so have fun with it!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 134kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 9mg | Sodium: 30mg | Potassium: 79mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 101IU | Calcium: 13mg | Iron: 1mg
    *Nutrition Disclaimer
    Have you Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @preppykitchen and tag #preppykitchen!
    « Caramel Apple Cake
    Pumpkin Cheesecake »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Avatar for TammieTammie says

      August 01, 2021 at 7:16 am

      5 stars
      I’ve never made or even tasted no baked cookies till I made your recipe John. 1st time I made them I made 1/2 peanut butter and 1/2 Biscoff. They both came out beautifully. 2nd batch was ALL Biscoff, lol. That’s my favorite spread. I’m planning to make these again today. Of course all Biscoff 😄 Thanks for the recipe. Everything goes fast (as do the cookies once they’re made, lol) but if you’re prepared you should have no trouble making these. Enjoy Everyone… 😋

      Reply
    2. Avatar for Amanda DavisAmanda Davis says

      November 04, 2019 at 10:06 am

      5 stars
      Made these this morning. The recipe is incredibly easy, and they taste so good, I’m eating too many. My kids are loving having no bake cookies that taste right. Thank you so much.

      Reply
      • Avatar for jkanelljkanell says

        November 08, 2019 at 7:03 pm

        Thanks for the kind note Amanda!!

        Reply
    « Older Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Welcome to Preppy Kitchen!

    Thanks for stopping by! I’m John Kanell, a husband, dad to twins Lachlan and George, Los Angeles native, and an avid baker and cooker of all things delicious thanks to a life long education from my mother. This blog is where I share all of my kitchen creations!

    Search

    Follow Us On

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    Preppy Kitchen Newsletter

    Sign up to receive recipes, recommendations and tips straight to your inbox!

    Buy My Book

    Preppy Kitchen Cookbook

    As Seen On

    As seen on Elle Décor, People, Food Network and more

    Top Recipes This Month

    • A stack of peanut butter cookies on a small wooden board

      Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

    • An Oatmeal Chocolate Chip cookie next to a glass of milk

      Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

    • A photo of a vanilla cupcake on a cupcake stand with vanilla buttercream frosting beautifully piped on top.

      Buttercream Frosting

    • An Espresso martini on a gray surface with coffee beans scattered around

      Espresso Martini

    • A plate with multiple cake pops on it with one with a bite taken out.

      Cake Pops

    • A cake stand with a slice of red velvet cake cut out and placed on a plate in front.

      Red Velvet Cake

    • A plate with a piece of brownie with a cup of milk and platter of brownies in the background.

      Brownie Recipe

    • photo of moist Vanilla Cupcakes in pink paper wrappers

      Moist Vanilla Cupcake Recipe

    • A group of pink macarons on a serving tray next to flowers

      Macaron Recipe

    • Lemon bars dusted with powdered sugar on a green and white plate.

      Lemon Bars

    Footer

    As Seen On:

    Elle Décor, People, Country Living, Better Homes & Gardens, Food Network, Woman's Day, forkly, Yummly, the Bump, Buzz Feed, Home and Family and New York magazine.

    The Brand

    • About John
    • Press

    Preppy Kitchen Logo

    Dessert Recipes

    • Cakes
    • Cookies
    • Cupcakes
    • Pies
    • All Desserts

    Main Course Recipes

    • Main Dishes
    • Side Dishes
    • Casseroles
    • InstantPot
    • Soups
    • Salads

    COPYRIGHT © 2015–2023 PREPPY KITCHEN | PRIVACY POLICY

    1061 shares