These Chocolate Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies are pure magic when you need a quick, nostalgic treat that satisfies your sweet tooth without turning on the oven. These cookies are chewy, chocolatey, and absolutely addictive—plus, they come together in just 15 minutes!
Recipe Overview
These no-bake cookies are a classic treat made with chocolate, peanut butter, and oats—all simmered together and spooned onto wax paper to set. They’re chewy, gooey, and deeply chocolatey, with no baking required. Ideal for quick snacks, holiday cookie platters, or just a chocolate craving emergency.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 22 cookies
- Great for: Quick desserts, no-bake treats, family favorites
- Dietary Note: Contains dairy, peanuts, and gluten (easy to adapt)
Ingredients Breakdown
- 3 cups oats (old-fashioned or quick)
- ½ cup butter
- ½ cup milk
- 2 cups sugar
- ½ cup peanut butter
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Measure oats into a large bowl and set aside.
- In a large skillet, combine butter, milk, sugar, peanut butter, and cocoa powder.
- Stir over medium heat until fully combined (keep stirring).
- When the mixture reaches a rolling boil, set a timer for 4 minutes and continue stirring the entire time.
- Once the timer ends, remove from heat and immediately stir in the vanilla extract. The mixture will bubble up—just keep stirring.
- Quickly pour in the oats and stir until they are completely coated.
- Working fast, scoop spoonfuls onto wax paper. Use a greased cookie scoop if you have one.
- Let cookies cool at room temperature for about 20 minutes or until set.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use almond or soy milk instead of regular milk?
Yes, plant-based milk substitutes work well in this recipe!
Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely—use a dairy-free butter alternative and plant-based milk.
Can I use natural peanut butter?
You can, but the cookies may not set as well. A more processed peanut butter holds together better in this recipe.
Do they need to be refrigerated?
No refrigeration required, but you can chill them if you like a firmer texture.
Nutritional Information (per cookie)
- Calories: 190
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 12mg
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 62mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Calcium: 18mg
- Iron: 1mg
Storage Instructions
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Freezer: Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Credit
This recipe was originally adapted from Real Food with Jessica. Big thanks to Jessica for this delicious, classic treat!
