Chocolate Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies

Chocolate Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies are the perfect treat for those times you want something sweet without heating up the oven! Made with rich chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and chewy oats, these classic cookies are a real crowd-pleaser!

Welcome back to this year’s 🎄12 Days of Cookies🎄!
Every day for 12 days we’ll be posting a new cookie recipe. Some will be specifically Christmas themed and others will be wonderful to make all year long.

Today is Day 1 of our 2024 12 Days of Cookies. If you miss a day and need to catch up, you’ll be able to check out the links below:

Day 1 – You’re on it!
Day 2 –
Day 3 –
Day 4 –
Day 5 –
Day 6 –
Day 7 –
Day 8 –
Day 9 –
Day 10 –
Day 11 –
Day 12 –

These old-fashioned no bake cookies only require a few simple ingredients and are the easiest cookies to make! I used to have my kids help me make them for an easy dessert we could enjoy together. I know you’re supposed to wait until they set up and cool, but I have to admit several spoonfuls disappeared before they could even make it to the tray!

Why You Need To Make No Bake Chocolate Cookies with Peanut Butter

• They only take 15-20 minutes to make, so you can enjoy them more quickly!
• You probably have everything you need to make them.
• You don’t need any special equipment for this no-bake cookie recipe. While you can use a medium cookie scoop, you can just drop these with a spoon onto the parchment paper to set up.
• They are so rich and delicious, and that chewy texture of the oats makes it a satisfying bite!
• Plus, they’ll take you back to eating these delicious cookies as a kid in school.

Ingredients for Classic Chocolate Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies

Gather your ingredients before you begin for a smooth and easy cooking process. Here’s what you need to make these chocolatey cookies:

• Butter (I prefer to use unsalted butter)
• Granulated sugar
• Milk (I use regular dairy milk but you could use almond milk or another substitute)
• Unsweetened cocoa powder (use Dutch-processed for an extra rich taste, but normal is fine too!)
• Creamy peanut butter (crunchy is fine too for a different texture)
• Rolled oats (also called old-fashioned oats; not quick oats)
• Pure Vanilla extract
• Salt

Make sure to review the recipe card at the bottom of the post, where I’ve listed the detailed amounts you’ll need for each ingredient.

How to make No Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Cookies

First, prepare a surface by lining it with parchment paper. I use my counter, but you could also line a cookie sheet or two with parchment or wax paper.

Next, combine the sugar, butter, milk, and cocoa powder in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat while stirring occasionally. Once you see those boiling bubbles consistently (a rolling boil), boil the sugar mixture for 1 minute only. (See note below!)

Remove the pan from heat and stir in the oats, peanut butter, vanilla, and salt. Stir to coat completely.

Using a #60 cookie scoop or two teaspoons, drop the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet. The dough won’t spread much and will thicken as it cools. I like to flatten them a little with the back of a spoon to help them set up faster.

Let them set up and cool for about 30 minutes (although they are irresistible when warm, too!)

FAQs

Why is boiling for 1 minute so important?

The timing is so important for these cookies! If you boil too long, the cookies will dry out and crumble. But, if you don’t boil long enough, the sugar may not completely dissolve and the texture will be grainy. The cookies also may not set up properly.

So, once you see those small bubbles forming consistently across the pan, set a timer and boil for 1 minute only!

How do I store these Chocolate Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies?

Store these no-bake cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days or in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Can you freeze these cookies?

Yes, no-bake cookies freeze wonderfully! Once they cool completely, transfer them to a freezer-friendly storage container or bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw to room temperature before serving.

Can I use quick oats in this recipe?

Yes, but I think you get the best results with the chewier texture of rolled oats. Quick oats absorb moisture more quickly, so the finished product will have a softer texture.

Can I make No Bake cookies with margarine?

I have used stick margarine in the past and it works fine. I recommend using real butter for better flavor, though!

​Are these gluten-free?

Yes, be sure to use certified gluten-free oats to make sure.

Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?

Yes, just make sure to use a large saucepan to contain all the ingredients, and work quickly to scoop the cookies before it sets up too much.

More No-Bake Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re looking for more easy ways to keep from turning on the oven, then you have to try one of these easy recipes next time:

• For a similar recipe without the chocolate, try these No Bake Peanut Butter Cookies instead!
• This No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie is the perfect dessert for peanut butter and chocolate lovers. An Oreo crust, fluffy peanut butter filling, fresh whipped cream, and the perfect toppings make this treat a great choice for company or family game night!
• No Bake Lemon Cheesecake screams spring! Make it when you need a sweet treat for Easter, Mother’s Day, or any time you need a delicious no-bake dessert!
• With a gingersnap cookie crust, pumpkin cheesecake, pumpkin spice pudding, and Cool Whip, you’ll enjoy the delicious pumpkin flavor of this No Bake Pumpkin Lush recipe in every bite.
• No-Bake Chocolate Bourbon Balls are a festive holiday treat that you won’t have to turn the oven on to make. Cocoa powder and bourbon are a great combination that all the adults can enjoy!

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Keep an eye out for more of my easy recipes each week!