If you have a sweet tooth and love the classic combo of chocolate and peanut butter, you are absolutely going to adore this No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe. These cookies are wonderfully quick to make, requiring no oven at all, which means you can whip up a batch in just minutes and have a delicious treat ready to enjoy. With the rich chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and hearty oats all blended together, these cookies bring the perfect balance of flavor and texture that feels like a warm hug in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, everyday ingredients that you probably already have on hand. Each one plays an important role in creating those soft, chewy, and chocolatey no bake cookies that everyone loves.
- Salted butter: Adds richness and helps the chocolate mixture set just right.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookies perfectly without overwhelming the flavors.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Gives the cookies their deep, chocolatey taste and beautiful dark color.
- Milk: Balances the mixture, making it smooth and easy to combine.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, aromatic touch.
- Creamy peanut butter: Offers a luscious, nutty creaminess that pairs wonderfully with chocolate.
- Quick oats: Provide texture and body, giving the cookies that classic chewy bite.
How to Make No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Begin by lining two baking sheets with parchment paper or setting out approximately 29 cupcake liners. This setup will make scooping and setting your cookies a breeze.
Step 2: Combine Butter, Sugar, Cocoa, and Milk
In a medium saucepan (about 2.5 to 3 quarts), combine the salted butter, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, and milk. This mixture is the foundation of your cookies’ luscious chocolate base.
Step 3: Bring to a Full Boil
Set the pan over medium heat and stir frequently to prevent burning. Once the mixture reaches a full boil, you’re getting close to that magical point where everything comes together.
Step 4: Boil Without Stirring
Allow the mixture to boil for exactly 60 seconds without stirring. This step is crucial for helping the cookies set properly once cooled.
Step 5: Add Vanilla, Peanut Butter, and Quick Oats
Remove the saucepan from heat and immediately stir in the vanilla extract, creamy peanut butter, and quick oats. The peanut butter adds creaminess and nutty flavor, while the oats bring the classic chewy texture.
Step 6: Scoop Onto Baking Sheets
Using a medium cookie scoop or two spoons, drop the cookie mixture onto the lined baking sheets or into cupcake liners in spoonful-sized mounds. This makes uniform cookies that set nicely.
Step 7: Let the Cookies Set
Allow the cookies to rest at room temperature for about 20 to 30 minutes until completely set. If you’re in a hurry, refrigerate them to speed up the process.
Step 8: Store Your Cookies
Once set, transfer the cookies to an airtight container and store at room temperature to keep them soft yet firm. Enjoy your homemade goodness anytime!
How to Serve No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch, sprinkle some sea salt flakes on top to enhance the chocolate and peanut butter flavors or dust with a little powdered sugar for a pretty finish that also adds a hint of sweetness.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk or a cup of freshly brewed coffee or hot chocolate. The creamy drinks complement the rich, chocolaty flavors beautifully and make for a comforting snack or dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these cookies on a platter with colorful cupcake liners or stacked on a decorative plate for parties. You can also place them in small gift boxes or jars as delightful homemade gifts that friends and family will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These cookies keep wonderfully at room temperature in an airtight container for up to a week. Make sure to store them away from direct sunlight to maintain their perfect texture and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to make a big batch, these cookies freeze beautifully. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag, separated by sheets of parchment paper to avoid sticking, and they can be stored for up to three months.
Reheating
Though these are best enjoyed at room temperature, if you want that just-made softness, simply leave frozen cookies out to thaw for about 30 minutes. Avoid microwaving as this can change their texture.
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter instead of creamy peanut butter?
Natural peanut butter might change the texture slightly because it typically has more oil separation, but it can work if you mix it well before adding. Just be sure to use a creamy-style for the best consistency.
What if I don’t have quick oats? Can I use old fashioned oats?
Quick oats are preferred because they absorb the mixture better and give you that perfect cookie texture. Old fashioned oats are thicker and can result in a chewier, less uniform cookie, so it’s best to stick with quick oats if possible.
How long do these no bake cookies last?
Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay fresh for about a week. Beyond that, they may start to dry out or lose their soft texture.
Is it possible to make these cookies vegan?
You can try vegan substitutes like plant-based butter and dairy-free milk, and make sure to use a vegan peanut butter. The texture and flavor might vary slightly, but they can still be delicious!
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the cookies?
Absolutely! Adding chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips can give an extra crunch or melty chocolate bits that make these cookies even more delightful. Just fold them in with the oats before scooping.
Final Thoughts
Trying out this No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe is like discovering a little slice of sweet, chocolaty heaven that you can make in no time at all. It’s a lifesaver when you want a tasty treat without firing up the oven, and it’s perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself. I can’t wait for you to experience just how simple and satisfying these cookies are—grab your ingredients and give them a try today!
Print
No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 13 minutes plus 20-30 minutes resting time
- Yield: 29 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious and easy no-bake cookies made with a rich chocolate, peanut butter, and oat mixture. These cookies come together quickly on the stovetop and set at room temperature, making them a perfect no-fuss treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (113g) salted butter
- 1 3/4 cups (350g) granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup (32g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup (120ml) milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2/3 cup (160g) creamy peanut butter
- 3 cups (275g) quick oats (do not use old fashioned oats)
Instructions
- Prepare baking sheets: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or place approximately 29 cupcake liners on them to hold the cookies as they set.
- Combine ingredients: In a 2.5 to 3 quart medium saucepan, combine the butter, sugar, cocoa powder, and milk.
- Heat mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture reaches a full rolling boil.
- Boil mixture: Allow the mixture to boil for 60 seconds without stirring to ensure the sugars are properly dissolved and texture is set.
- Add remaining ingredients: Remove the saucepan from heat immediately, then stir in the vanilla extract, creamy peanut butter, and quick oats until well combined.
- Form cookies: Using a medium cookie scoop (approximately 2 tablespoons) or two spoons, drop the mixture onto the lined baking sheets or into cupcake liners, shaping individual cookies.
- Set cookies: Let the cookies rest at room temperature for about 20 to 30 minutes until they are fully set. To speed up the process, you may refrigerate them.
- Store cookies: Once set, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Use quick oats for the best texture; old-fashioned oats may not bind well and will alter the final texture.
- Boiling the mixture for exactly 60 seconds is crucial for proper setting and consistency.
- Refrigerating the cookies can speed up the setting time if needed.
- To keep cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature; they can last up to a week.
- For peanut butter alternatives, creamy almond or cashew butter can be used but may slightly change the flavor.
