If you’re searching for the perfect nostalgic dessert that’s both rich in flavor and practically effortless to make, you have to try these No Bake Cookies — Just Like Grandma’s! Picture a chewy chocolate-oatmeal cookie kissed with peanut butter and just the right touch of sweetness. They come together in minutes, require zero oven time, and fill your kitchen with that irresistible old-fashioned aroma. Whether you grew up making them or are discovering them for the first time, these cookies are a delightful blend of comfort and pure treat—true to Grandma’s original, but easy enough for any busy weeknight.

No Bake Cookies — Just Like Grandma’s! Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the magical things about No Bake Cookies — Just Like Grandma’s! is how such simple ingredients transform into something impossibly good. Every element is key, working in harmony for the iconic chocolate-peanut butter flavor and chewy texture everyone craves.

Granulated sugar: Essential for sweetness and the glossy, candy-like finish these cookies get once set.
Unsalted butter: Offers richness and that melt-in-your-mouth quality in every bite.
Whole milk: Adds creaminess and helps form the fudge-like consistency.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: Delivers deep chocolate flavor without making the cookies too sweet.
Creamy peanut butter: Brings that classic nutty taste and keeps the texture rich and smooth.
Vanilla extract: Just a splash pulls all the flavors together and adds warmth.
Quick-cooking oats: The heart of the cookie, these oats give each bite the iconic chewy, homey texture.
Salt: Only a pinch, but don’t skip it—it makes the chocolate and peanut butter pop.

How to Make No Bake Cookies — Just Like Grandma’s!

Step 1: Prep Your Workspace

Before you start, line a couple of baking sheets or your counter with wax or parchment paper. This makes scooping and cooling the cookies a breeze, and prevents any messy sticking. Be sure to measure all your ingredients ahead of time, since the process moves quickly once you get started!

Step 2: Melt and Combine

In a medium saucepan, add the granulated sugar, unsalted butter, whole milk, and unsweetened cocoa powder. Turn the heat to medium and stir frequently, so nothing sticks or scorches. Watch as everything melts together into a luscious, chocolatey base—this is when your kitchen starts to smell like grandma’s house!

Step 3: Bring to a Boil

As soon as your mixture turns smooth and glossy, crank up the heat until it reaches a rolling boil. This is a super important stage with No Bake Cookies — Just Like Grandma’s! Once it boils, set a timer for exactly 1 minute and let it bubble away—don’t stir during this time or you’ll interfere with the way the cookies set later. Overcooking can make them crumbly, while undercooking leaves them gooey, so that one-minute mark is crucial.

Step 4: Mix in the Good Stuff

Remove the pan from the heat right away, then quickly stir in the creamy peanut butter, vanilla extract, and the salt. Stir until the peanut butter fully disappears and the mixture looks thick and silky. Next, pour in your quick-cooking oats and fold until every oat is coated in chocolatey goodness. Work fast—this mixture starts setting right away!

Step 5: Scoop and Set

Grab a spoon or a small cookie scoop and drop heaping tablespoons of the mixture onto your prepared sheets. No need for perfection here—rustic shapes are part of the charm! Let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes (the hardest part: waiting!), until they’re firm and ready to peel right off the paper.

How to Serve No Bake Cookies — Just Like Grandma’s!

Garnishes

A classic No Bake Cookie rarely needs dressing up, but if you’re feeling fancy, try a light sprinkle of sea salt or a drizzle of melted chocolate across the tops. Chopped peanuts or a dusting of cocoa powder also work wonders for a simple yet stunning finish.

Side Dishes

Balance out the cookies’ sweetness with a tall glass of icy cold milk—just like Grandma served! For a more grown-up pairing, try hot coffee or a bold black tea. If you’re making a dessert tray, some tangy berries or fresh fruit slices add a lovely contrast alongside your batch of No Bake Cookies — Just Like Grandma’s!

Creative Ways to Present

Stack your cookies in a vintage tin lined with parchment for an irresistible party treat, or pile them onto a wooden board with strawberries and marshmallows for a playful dessert charcuterie. If you’re gifting, wrap individual cookies in wax paper and tie with twine for old-fashioned charm.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your No Bake Cookies — Just Like Grandma’s! irresistibly fresh, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay perfectly chewy for up to 5 days, making them ideal for bake sales or quick weeknight treats.

Freezing

If you want to save a batch for later, these cookies freeze wonderfully. Once set, layer them in a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers. They’ll keep for up to 3 months—just thaw at room temperature before serving!

Reheating

No Bake Cookies — Just Like Grandma’s! are meant to be enjoyed at room temperature, but if you prefer them a touch softer, pop one in the microwave for 5-10 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat, or they’ll become too melty.

FAQs

Can I use old-fashioned oats instead of quick oats?

Absolutely! Old-fashioned oats give the cookies a chewier, heartier texture. Just note that the cookies won’t set up as soft and uniform as when using quick oats, but some people love that extra chew.

Can I make these cookies dairy-free?

Yes—swap the butter with a plant-based margarine and use your favorite non-dairy milk (like almond or oat milk). Check that your chocolate and peanut butter are dairy-free, and you’ve got allergy-friendly No Bake Cookies — Just Like Grandma’s!

What can I do if my cookies don’t set?

If your cookies turn out too gooey, it typically means the boiling step was too short. Next time, ensure you give the mixture a full minute at a rolling boil. For this batch, you can refrigerate the cookies to help them firm up.

Can I add mix-ins like coconut or nuts?

You can definitely get creative! Add up to half a cup of chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or even chocolate chips right after mixing in the oats. Just don’t overload the mixture, or it might become difficult to scoop.

Are No Bake Cookies — Just Like Grandma’s! gluten-free?

They can be! As long as you use certified gluten-free oats, the rest of the recipe is naturally gluten-free—always double-check your labels if you’re baking for someone with a gluten allergy.

Final Thoughts

No Bake Cookies — Just Like Grandma’s! are one of those timeless treats you’ll want to make again and again. Every bite is packed with nostalgia, love, and enough chocolatey goodness to put a smile on anyone’s face. There’s a reason this recipe keeps getting passed down through generations—so grab your saucepan and get ready to make some sweet new memories!

No Bake Cookies — Just Like Grandma’s! Recipe

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4.8 from 6 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These no-bake cookies are a nostalgic treat that taste just like your grandma used to make. With a perfect blend of chocolate, peanut butter, and oats, these cookies are quick and easy to whip up for a sweet snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup whole milk
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups quick-cooking oats
1/4 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

Cook the Mixture: In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, butter, milk, and cocoa. Boil for 1 minute.
Add Peanut Butter and Oats: Remove from heat, add peanut butter, vanilla, salt, and oats. Mix well.
Form Cookies: Drop spoonfuls onto wax paper. Let set for 30 minutes.