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Desserts » Cookies » The Best Classic No Bake Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

The Best Classic No Bake Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Created by Amy Engberson 45 Comments

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Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies are a classic for a good reason (love ya chocolate and peanut butter)! This is one of the quickest and easiest cookie recipes ever, plus you only need a few ingredients to make them! I’ll show you my easy secret for making the PERFECT no bake oatmeal cookies every single time!

a stack of easy no bake peanut butter cookies with chocolate and oatmeal, plus a text graphic

NOTE: This post was updated in January 2020 to include new text. This recipe was already amazing and stayed the same!

I’ve been using this recipe for years and never planned on sharing it with you because the internet is flooded with millions of versions of this classic cookie.

I’m finally sharing it for selfish reasons. Every time I make these cookies, I scrounge around to find THIS recipe. I have about a billion recipes at my house and it’s easy to lose one and I’m not the best at remembering numbers, so I NEED the recipe.

Adding it to my archives of easy cookies and no-bake desserts means I don’t have to search high and low for this recipe anymore. You guys are going to love this simple recipe to get you through those busy days when you don’t have time for the oven!

Readers Review

My brother requested no bake cookies for Christmas. So I followed your recipe to the letter (I’m not very experienced in the kitchen) and I gotta tell you, they turned out perfect. Delicious! Who knows, this may be the start of more time in the kitchen for me. Thank you so much.

Joe H.
dunking a no bake peanut butter cookies in a jar of milk

why these are the BEST no bake peanut butter cookies

I’ve tried lots of recipes. Some only have peanut butter, but this one has chocolate! Which is heavenly! They’re fudgy and set without being gooey or dry.

  • They’re never dry or gooey – not all no-bake cookies are created equally! Some are thin, some are thick, some are dry, some are too soft! These are just right!
  • Chances are you have all the basic ingredients in pantry and fridge already
  • They’re quick and easy and only take about 10 minutes to make
  • Need gluten-free cookies? Use gluten-free oats and you’ve got it!

LITTLE DAIRY ON THE PRAIRIE SECRET TO MAKING NO BAKE COOKIES:

  • TEMPERATURE – make the cookies over medium heat. High heat will bring the cookies to a boil too fast. Be patient.
  • FULL ROLLING BOIL – Sugar, cocoa, butter, and milk MUST come to a full rolling boil.
    • It’s considered a full rolling boil when the mixture continues to boil even when it’s being stirred
    • It will have bubbles across the top of the surface. See picture below.
  • TIMING – As soon as the mixture comes to a full rolling boil start timing for ONE MINUTE
a saucepan boiling chocolate mixture showing how long to boil no bake cookies recipe

ingredients in no-bake chocolate oatmeal cookies

Some days I really wish I could get a grocery store to deliver to my house, then other days I’m glad I can go for a four-mile walk and not see another human!

One thing for sure, if I don’t have the ingredients on hand I’m not running to the store after them. The ingredients used in this recipe are simple and they’re easy to stock up on.

  • Butter – use real butter
  • Granulated Sugar
  • Milk – I use evaporated milk, but you can use whole or 2%.
  • Cocoa – Dutch-process or natural
  • Peanut Butter – I haven’t tried making these with natural peanut butter so I can’t say how that would work.
  • Oatmeal – Quick oats are my favorite. Steel-cut, old fashioned, or rolled oats can be used instead, however, they aren’t as chewy if they’re pulsed a few times in a blender or food processor. Once again, use gluten-free certified oats for gluten-free cookies.
  • Vanilla – optional but good.
  • Dash of salt – optional, it helps offset all the sweet.

how to make no-bake cookies (see my pro tips above)

  • Measure all ingredients before you start making the cookies
  • Line a baking sheet with wax paper or parchment paper
  • Whisk sugar and cocoa together in a saucepan. This prevents lumpy cocoa.
  • Add butter and milk.
  • Over medium heat bring mixture to a ROLLING BOIL – see my pro tip above to see exactly what this is.
  • As soon as the mixture is at a rolling boil, set a timer for exactly ONE MINUTE
  • After one minute, remove from heat and add vanilla, peanut butter, oats, and salt.
  • Stir
  • Drop on prepared baking sheet
  • Let cool completely
a cookie scoop dropping no bake cookies on a parchment paper lined baking sheet showing how to make no bake cookies

FAQ’s about making no bake cookies

how to shape no bake cookies

  • A cookie scoop works great.
  • A tablespoon works too.
  • Work quickly because the cookies will set up quickly.
a cookie sheet with no bake chocolate oatmeal cookies dropped on it

how to store cookies

  • Airtight container- They’ll last at room temperature for up a week.
  • Refrigerator- no need to refrigerate no-bake cookies
  • Freezer – up to three months in an airtight container. Let cookies completely set. Freeze on cookie sheet for about 30 minutes. Remove and place in an airtight container.
a stack of no bake cookies, a jar of milk

more no bake dessert recipes you’ll love!

no-bake cookies without Oatmeal

  • Compost Cookies
  • Reese’s Cookies
  • Peanut Butter Cookies Easy – with pretzels
  • Scotcheroo’s Recipe

no-bake cookies with oatmeal

  • Salted Caramel Cookies
  • Apple Oatmeal Cookies
  • Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies
  • Twix Cookies

peanut butter desserts recipes

  • No Bake Peanut Butter Pretzel Bites
  • Peanut Butter Chocolate Pretzel Bark
  • Chocolate Peanut Butter Hot Fudge Sauce
  • Peanut Butter Popcorn

If you have a couple of minutes you have enough time to make a batch of no-bake peanut butter cookies! You’ll be glad you did!

a stack of peanut butter no bake bake cookies, a jar of milk, the top cookie has a bite taken out of it

Classic Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies

No Bake Cookies are classic peanut butter and chocolate dessert! Using simple ingredients you probably already have in the pantry, and this simple little tip you'll have perfect cookies in minutes!
4.43 from 7 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Keyword: no bake cookie recipe, No Bake Cookies, No Bake Peanut Butter Cookies, peanut butter no bake cookies
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 1 minute
Resting Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 36 minutes
Servings: 36 Cookies
Calories: 131kcal
Author: Amy

Ingredients

  • 1/2 c. butter
  • 2 c. sugar
  • 1/2 c. milk
  • 4 T. cocoa
  • 1/2 c. peanut butter
  • 3 1/2 c. quick oats may substitute 1/2 shredded coconut for 1/2 c. of oats if desired
  • 2 tsp. vanilla
  • dash salt

Instructions

  • Measure peanut butter, oats, and vanilla. Set aside.
  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper.
  • Bring butter, sugar, milk, and cocoa to a boil over medium heat. As soon as the mixture begins to boil time for 1 minute, then remove from heat.
  • Add vanilla, peanut butter, oats, and salt. Stir.
  • Quickly drop on prepared baking sheet.
  • Let sit until completely cooled and firm.
  • Store in an airtight container.

Nutrition

Calories: 131kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 7mg | Sodium: 68mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 12g
Tried this recipe?Mention @littledairyontheprairie or tag #littledairyontheprairie!
two toy cows riding each other

what’s happening on the farm?

My boys just don’t like school. They never have. They never will. We have way too many exciting things happening on the farm to mess around with school. Please understand I know education is important. They do their homework and all three of them are planning on furthering their education at college. It’s just more fun to be out hands-on on the farm.

Payson, my youngest was struggling with one of the concepts his teacher was teaching him at school. The teacher didn’t think he was going to get it. I worked with him at home and he owns that concept now!

A few days after his teacher called me I went downstairs and saw how he had his little farm set up…complete with animal reproduction happening! That’s when I thought to myself, he might not understand why a and g make two different sounds but he has the most important concepts in life figured out! I bet the other first graders didn’t know about that!

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about amy

About Amy Engberson

I live on a dairy with my husband and three boys. Although we are in the business of raising cattle, we really are in the business of raising boys. I am passionate about catching up with each other at meal times. My love language is food. And I hope that my men feel the love in every bite. Read more...

Filed Under: Cookies, Desserts, No Bake Tagged With: Chocolate, cookies, Desserts, easy recipe, Make ahead, No Bake, No Bake Cookies, Oats, Peanut Butter

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  1. Amanda says

    August 1, 2018 at 3:11 pm

    The kids absolutely love these I cannot make enough!!

    Reply
    • Amy Engberson says

      August 1, 2018 at 4:37 pm

      They are a classic for a good reason! I love how easy they are to make!

      Reply
  2. Delaney | Melanie Makes says

    August 1, 2018 at 10:23 pm

    What a great summer dessert!

    Reply
    • Amy Engberson says

      August 2, 2018 at 7:54 am

      It’s way too hot to turn on the oven, but we still NEED cookies!

      Reply
  3. Dee says

    August 1, 2018 at 11:02 pm

    Yummy! These will be perfect for easy school-lunch treats!

    Reply
    • Amy Engberson says

      August 2, 2018 at 7:58 am

      I don’t even want to think about packing lunches for school, or having my kids have to go to school! As long as lunches must happen, they just as well have these cookies in there!

      Reply
  4. Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert says

    August 2, 2018 at 6:51 am

    Oooh, these look heavenly! I love these so much!!!

    Reply
    • Amy Engberson says

      August 2, 2018 at 7:59 am

      Thanks! There’s nothing quite like a classic no bake cookie!

      Reply
  5. Jamielyn says

    August 2, 2018 at 7:46 am

    These look so delicious! My kids love no bake cookies!

    Reply
    • Amy Engberson says

      August 2, 2018 at 7:59 am

      They are always popular with the kids!

      Reply
  6. Krista says

    August 2, 2018 at 7:52 am

    Oh these sound tasty! Nothing beats the classics!

    Reply
    • Amy Engberson says

      August 2, 2018 at 8:00 am

      Yes! They are classic for a reason! These ones are just right!

      Reply
  7. Toni | Boulder Locavore says

    August 2, 2018 at 9:27 am

    These are a perfect treat! My kids will devour this in no time!

    Reply
    • Amy Engberson says

      August 7, 2018 at 4:44 pm

      Every mom needs a few quick treats that are always a hit! These cookies are exactly that! Enjoy!

      Reply
  8. Maria Bernice Fowler says

    August 2, 2018 at 4:18 pm

    I haven’t made these in years. they are delicious.

    Reply
    • Amy Engberson says

      August 7, 2018 at 4:44 pm

      I always foret about these cookies too, that is until my kids remind me! They never forget about them!

      Reply
  9. Riann Hendricks says

    October 18, 2018 at 5:58 pm

    These take me right back to my childhood. My grandma and I in the kitchen. I’m so happy to have these measurements!! Thank you!!

    Reply
    • Amy Engberson says

      October 22, 2018 at 10:47 pm

      What a fun memory! I hope you enjoy every moment of making, and eating these cookies!

      Reply
  10. christina says

    November 16, 2018 at 11:07 am

    i love this recipe and it is so good.

    Reply
  11. Mary KAY says

    December 19, 2018 at 10:12 am

    I love the cookies but I found the oats were over powering the chocolate so next time I make them I’m going to cut back on the amount of oats that I put in

    Reply
    • Amy Engberson says

      December 20, 2018 at 9:21 pm

      You could always substitue shredded coconut for a portion of the oats if you’d like! That’s always a tasty twist on the classic! Good luck!

      Reply
  12. Joe H. says

    December 22, 2018 at 8:10 pm

    My brother requested no bake cookies for Christmas. So I followed your recipe to the letter (I’m not very experienced in the kitchen) and I gotta tell you, they turned out perfect. Delicious! Who knows, this may be the start of more time in the kitchen for me. Thank you so much.

    Reply
    • Amy Engberson says

      January 4, 2019 at 8:14 pm

      Yay Joe! It’s so exciting that you are enjoying your time in the kitchen! This cookie recipe is a great place to start! Glad you enjoyed them!

      Reply
  13. Anita Edgar says

    January 15, 2019 at 1:23 pm

    I just made cookies and the are delicious . Thank You for the recipe .

    Reply
    • Amy Engberson says

      January 17, 2019 at 2:28 pm

      Yay! I’m thrilled you enjoyed the cookies as much as we do! Aren’t they so easy? That’s one of my favorite parts!

      Reply
  14. Linda Mathews says

    February 14, 2019 at 8:08 pm

    By reading your tips/instructions, I found several things I have done wrong. Can hardly wait to make these cookies again, your way! Thanks, Linda from Bowling Green, KY.

    Reply
    • Amy Engberson says

      February 18, 2019 at 10:29 pm

      Hi Linda! It’s amazing how there are so many different recipes, and different ways of making a simple recipe like No Bake Cookies! These little tricks have helped me get them just right every time! I hope you enjoy them as much as we do! Best of luck!

      Reply
  15. Anna says

    March 1, 2019 at 8:31 am

    Amy, thanks! Made this last night so quick, easy and tasty!

    Reply
    • Amy Engberson says

      March 2, 2019 at 11:08 am

      Aren’t quick and easy recipes the best? I’m glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply
  16. Olga says

    March 1, 2019 at 8:32 am

    Amy, thank you very much! I like this cookies! Wonderful combination of ingredients. It look so yummy!

    Reply
    • Amy Engberson says

      March 2, 2019 at 11:09 am

      Hi Olga! I’m glad you are enjoying these cookies! They are’re so quick and easy to make!

      Reply
  17. Nataly says

    March 31, 2019 at 3:10 am

    Amy, that recipe looks so yummy! I’ll have to try that one. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    • Amy Engberson says

      April 2, 2019 at 11:33 am

      I know there are a million classic no bake cookie recipes out there, but this one is always a hit! Enjoy!

      Reply
  18. Tracy says

    April 1, 2019 at 12:34 pm

    These look great! Can I use natural peanut butter or are they better made with a blended peanut butter? Thank you!

    Reply
    • Amy Engberson says

      April 2, 2019 at 11:32 am

      Thanks! Yes, I have used natural peanut butter before and it worked just fine. Be sure it’s stirred really good before adding it to the cookies. Enjoy!

      Reply
  19. Julia says

    April 5, 2019 at 1:13 pm

    Amy, WOW! so simple, yet SO tasty! This is fantastic, yum. Thanks for the recipe.

    Reply
    • Amy Engberson says

      April 5, 2019 at 3:56 pm

      Aren’t simple recipes the ones that you make over and over again! Enjoy!

      Reply
  20. Anthony Allen says

    August 20, 2019 at 8:04 pm

    Just made these with my kids and they loved them! They turned out perfect and they were so shiny!

    Reply
    • Amy Engberson says

      August 23, 2019 at 3:54 pm

      Spending time in the kitchen with the kids is the BEST! I’m glad you all enjoyed them!

      Reply
  21. Missy says

    December 10, 2019 at 9:27 pm

    5 stars
    I’m late to the comments, but a year later they are still wonderful! My aunt used to make these but we’d lost the recipe. This is exactly it. Thank you!

    Reply
    • Amy Engberson says

      December 11, 2019 at 7:45 pm

      Yay! Losing recipes is the worst! I’m so happy you found these and love them!

      Reply
  22. Justin says

    January 17, 2020 at 7:13 pm

    5 stars
    These are the best!!

    Reply
  23. Branson says

    January 17, 2020 at 7:17 pm

    The best No Bake Cookies.

    Reply
  24. LA says

    April 29, 2020 at 10:12 pm

    Can you use almond milk?

    Reply
    • Amy Engberson says

      May 12, 2020 at 7:08 pm

      Since my family owns a dairy farm I’ve never actually used almond milk in my life. So, I can’t really say from experience, but I think it should work just fine in this recipe. Let me know how it goes!

      Reply
Hi I’m Amy! Welcome to my stinky farm life where my days are filled with chasing kids and cows! It’s all about simply delicious food around here! If you leave my house hungry…it’s your own fault! Read More..

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