There’s something oh-so-delightful about whipping up a batch of no bake cookies – the kind that transports you straight back to your childhood! Picture this: rich, creamy peanut butter melded with the decadence of chocolate, all coming together in a sweet symphony that requires zero baking. Yes, my friends, you can have gorgeous, gooey cookies that are ready in under 30 minutes without ever turning on the oven! These no bake cookies are easy, satisfying, and will have your family clamoring for more. They’re the perfect dessert for those busy days when you want something sweet without the fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare – ready in under 30 minutes!
- No flour or eggs required, making them a fantastic option for gluten-free lovers!
- Rich and indulgent flavor that satisfies your sweet tooth – ideal for everyone.
- Perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings with friends and family.
Ingredients
To create these heavenly cookies, you will need:
- Salted butter – brings a delightful creaminess and richness.
- Whole milk – adds moisture to the mixture, making it luscious.
- Light brown sugar – for that touch of caramel flavor.
- Granulated sugar – to sweeten the cookies just right.
- Cocoa powder – providing the essential chocolatey goodness.
- Creamy peanut butter – the star ingredient that ties it all together!
- Vanilla extract – enhancing the flavor profile.
- Instant or quick oats – giving the cookies their signature texture.
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the pintable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Making these scrumptious no bake cookies is as easy as 1-2-3! Let’s dive into the process:
- First, prepare your cookie sheets by lining them with wax paper. This is where the magic will happen!
- In a medium-sized saucepan over low heat, combine your salted butter, whole milk, both sugars, and cocoa powder. Don’t rush it! Stir the mixture occasionally, allowing the butter to fully melt and all the ingredients to blend beautifully together. Trust me, the aroma wafting through your kitchen will be heavenly!
- Once the butter is melted, increase the heat to medium. Keep stirring and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. It’s important to constantly stir the mixture! Set your timer for exactly one minute of boiling, as overdoing it could affect the cookies’ texture.
- After boiling for a minute, promptly remove the saucepan from the heat but keep stirring. This is when you’ll add in the peanut butter and vanilla extract. Stir until the peanut butter is fully melted and mixed in. Isn’t that just magical?
- Now, it’s time to fold in the oats! Add them to your chocolatey mixture, stirring until they are thoroughly coated.
- Using a spoon, drop the no bake cookie mixture onto your waxed cookie sheet, about 1 ½-2 tablespoons per cookie. The ideal size will ensure a delightful bite every time.
- Let your cookies cool for about 20-30 minutes to set. You’ll notice them firming up beautifully!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Don’t be tempted to skip stirring while heating – this helps ensure a smooth blend without burning.
- Keep an eye on your boiling time! Too long can lead to crumbly cookies; too short can lead to gooey ones – you want that sweet spot!
- If your peanut butter is not as creamy, feel free to give it a gentle stir before adding it to the mixture.
- Experiment with different add-ins, like chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips, to elevate your no bake cookies!
How to Serve
These no bake cookies are best served fresh but are delightful any time! You can plate them up on a festive dish for gatherings, or simply enjoy them with a warm cup of coffee or tea. For a little flair, consider drizzling some melted chocolate on top or garnishing with chopped nuts for a beautiful presentation. Enjoy them as an after-school treat, post-dinner dessert, or a mid-day pick-me-up!
Make Ahead and Storage
If you find yourself with leftovers, which can be rare with these yummy treats, just store them in an airtight container. You can keep your no bake cookies fresh at room temperature for a few days or pop them in the fridge for up to a week. For those who want to make them ahead of time, feel free to freeze individual cookies. Just layer them between parchment paper in an airtight container, and they can last for around 2-3 months. Just remember to let them sit out for a few minutes before devouring, so they soften a bit!
There you have it – a delicious, easy no bake cookie recipe that ticks all the boxes. I hope you find as much joy in making these delightful treats as I do!
No Bake Cookies
Ingredients
Butter
- ½ cup salted butter
Liquid Ingredients
- ½ cup whole milk
Sugars
- 1 cup light brown sugar firmly packed
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
Flavorings
- ⅔ cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Oats
- 3 cups instant/quick oats
Instructions
- Prepare two cookie sheets by lining with wax paper and set aside.
- Combine butter, milk, sugars, and cocoa powder in a medium saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently until melted.
- Increase heat to medium, bringing the mixture to a boil while stirring constantly. Boil for 1 minute, then remove from heat.
- Add peanut butter and vanilla extract, stirring until fully combined.
- Add oats and stir until coated in chocolate.
- Drop mixture by approximately 1 ½-2 Tablespoon-sized spoonfuls onto prepared cookie sheet and allow to cool for 20-30 minutes before serving.