Classic No Bake Cookies

These Classic No-Bake Cookies are a timeless treat made with cocoa, peanut butter, and oats—no oven required. Ready in minutes and perfect for any occasion, this no-bake cookie recipe delivers rich chocolate flavor with chewy texture and nostalgic comfort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No baking and no special equipment
• Ready in under 30 minutes
• Rich chocolate and peanut butter flavor
• Perfect for kids and beginners
• Great for holidays, parties, and quick desserts

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter, sliced into pieces
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 3 cups quick-cooking oats

Instructions

1. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
2. In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine butter, sugar, milk, and cocoa powder. Stir frequently until butter is melted and mixture is smooth.
3. Bring to a rolling boil and boil for exactly 60 seconds, stirring occasionally.
4. Remove from heat and immediately stir in peanut butter and vanilla until fully combined.
5. Add oats and mix until evenly coated.
6. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto prepared baking sheets.
7. Let cookies cool and set for 20–30 minutes before serving.

Tips & Tricks

• Boil exactly 60 seconds for perfect texture
• Use quick oats, not old-fashioned oats
• Work quickly once oats are added
• Slightly under-boiling makes softer cookies, over-boiling makes them dry

Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Set Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 30 cookies
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-bake / Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Difficulty: Easy
• Dietary Notes: Vegetarian, halal-friendly

Notes

• Swap peanut butter for almond or sunflower butter if needed
• Add shredded coconut for extra texture
• Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top for balance

Nutrition (Approximate per Cookie)

• Calories: 150
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fat: 7g

FAQ

Why didn’t my no-bake cookies set?
They likely didn’t boil long enough. The 60-second boil is crucial.

Can I use old-fashioned oats?
Quick oats work best for classic texture. Old-fashioned oats make cookies crumbly.

Can I reduce the sugar?
Reducing sugar affects structure and setting, so results may vary.

Do these cookies need refrigeration?
No, they set at room temperature.

Are no-bake cookies freezer-friendly?
Yes, they freeze very well.

Storage

• Room Temperature: Up to 5 days in an airtight container
• Refrigerator: Up to 1 week
• Freezer: Up to 2 months
• Reheating: Not needed

Similar Recipes

• Date Night Chocolate Fudge Cakes for 2
• Mason Jar Banana Pudding Recipe

Classic No Bake Cookies

Easy no-bake cookies with chocolate and peanut butter.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 8 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Ingredients

  

• 1/2 cup butter sliced into pieces
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 3 cups quick-cooking oats

Instructions

 

• Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
• In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine butter, sugar, milk, and cocoa powder. Stir frequently until butter is melted and mixture is smooth.
• Bring to a rolling boil and boil for exactly 60 seconds, stirring occasionally.
• Remove from heat and immediately stir in peanut butter and vanilla until fully combined.
• Add oats and mix until evenly coated.
• Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto prepared baking sheets.
• Let cookies cool and set for 20–30 minutes before serving.

Notes

• Swap peanut butter for almond or sunflower butter if needed

Conclusion

These Classic No-Bake Cookies are quick, foolproof, and irresistibly delicious. With simple pantry ingredients and zero baking, they’re the perfect go-to dessert when you need something fast, comforting, and crowd-pleasing.