If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that’s irresistible, incredibly easy, and guaranteed to satisfy all your chocolate and peanut butter cravings, this Chocolate No-Bake Cookies with Peanut Butter Recipe is about to become your new best friend. With chewy oats, a fudgy chocolate-peanut butter hug in every bite, and absolutely zero oven time, these classic cookies are perfect for any time you want a sweet treat—no rolling pins or mixers required!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient serves a pretty important purpose, from the creamy richness of peanut butter to the texture-boosting oats. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need and why:
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cookies and helps bind everything together for that classic chewy texture.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps the mixture turn glossy and set up beautifully.
- Milk: Smooths out the chocolate base and brings all the flavors together.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Delivers deep chocolate flavor without making the cookies cloyingly sweet.
- Creamy Peanut Butter: The peanut butter works its magic for creaminess, flavor, and that unmistakable nutty taste.
- Vanilla Extract: Just a little goes a long way to round out the flavors with that warm, aromatic touch.
- Quick-Cooking Oats: These provide texture and make the cookies wonderfully hearty and satisfying.
- Pinch of Salt: A tiny bit of salt sharpens all the sweet, chocolatey, and nutty notes for a balanced finish.
How to Make Chocolate No-Bake Cookies with Peanut Butter Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Start by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This little step will keep your cookies from sticking and make cleanup a total breeze. Go ahead and set it nearby—you’ll need it soon, since this recipe comes together quite fast!
Step 2: Make the Chocolate Base
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, butter, milk, and cocoa powder. Stir constantly as the butter melts and everything pools together into a luscious, chocolaty mixture. It may look a bit separated at first, but keep stirring—the magic happens quickly!
Step 3: Bring to a Boil
Once everything’s smooth, turn up the heat just a notch to reach a rolling boil. Let it bubble away for exactly 1 minute (don’t walk away!). This step is key for the cookies to set nicely and hold their shape later on.
Step 4: Mix in Peanut Butter, Vanilla, and Salt
Remove the pan from the heat, then immediately stir in the creamy peanut butter, vanilla extract, and that little pinch of salt. Go ahead and mix until silky smooth—the peanut butter melts right in and creates that irresistible fudgy texture.
Step 5: Stir in the Oats
Now add those quick-cooking oats. Give it all a good stir so every flake is coated with chocolate-peanut butter goodness. The mixture should be thick, glossy, and hold together nicely, but not dry.
Step 6: Scoop and Set
Working quickly, drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto your prepared baking sheet. Leave a little space between each one. There’s no need to flatten them; they’ll set with a cute, rustic look. Let them cool at room temperature for 30 to 45 minutes, or pop them in the fridge if you like a firmer bite. That’s it—your Chocolate No-Bake Cookies with Peanut Butter Recipe is ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Chocolate No-Bake Cookies with Peanut Butter Recipe
Garnishes
These cookies are already bursting with flavor, but if you want to dress them up, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a handful of mini chocolate chips on top before they set adds a fun twist. For special occasions, drizzle a little melted white chocolate over each one for extra flair.
Side Dishes
This Chocolate No-Bake Cookies with Peanut Butter Recipe pairs beautifully with an ice-cold glass of milk, a warm cup of coffee, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a casual dessert spread, add some fresh berries or sliced bananas to the plate—their juicy freshness is a perfect contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack these cookies high on a rustic cake stand or pop them into cute paper muffin cups for an easy party platter. You can also make mini versions with a teaspoon for bite-sized treats or sandwich two cookies together with a thin layer of extra peanut butter. They’re so versatile—let your creativity shine!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They’ll stay perfectly chewy and delicious—just make sure they’re completely set before storing to prevent them from sticking together.
Freezing
If you’d like to keep your Chocolate No-Bake Cookies with Peanut Butter Recipe for longer, simply freeze them! Arrange the set cookies in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray, freeze until firm, and then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature whenever you need a sweet treat.
Reheating
While these cookies are meant to be enjoyed as a chilled or room-temperature dessert, if you prefer a softer, gooier texture, pop one in the microwave for just a few seconds. The chocolate and peanut butter will get irresistibly melty!
FAQs
Can I use old-fashioned oats instead of quick-cooking oats?
Quick-cooking oats help the cookies hold together and give a soft, chewy texture. Old-fashioned oats work in a pinch but will result in a heartier, slightly chunkier cookie. If you’re after tradition, stick with quick oats!
What can I use instead of peanut butter for allergies?
If you need a nut-free version, sunflower seed butter or soy nut butter will step in beautifully. The flavor will be a bit different, but you’ll still get a smooth, creamy texture and that familiar cookie structure.
How do I know if I’ve boiled the mixture long enough?
The magic time is a full 1 minute at a rolling boil—not just a few bubbles, but a true, active boil. This guarantees the cookies set up properly instead of staying sticky or falling apart. Set a timer if you’re unsure!
Can I add mix-ins like coconut or nuts?
Absolutely! Stir in a handful of shredded coconut, chopped walnuts, or even dried fruit right after the oats for a fun twist. Just keep in mind that too many extras can make the cookies less likely to stick together, so add sparingly.
Is this Chocolate No-Bake Cookies with Peanut Butter Recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use certified gluten-free oats, this recipe is a wonderful gluten-free treat. Always check your oat packaging to be sure—it’s a fantastic option for sharing with friends or family with gluten sensitivities.
Final Thoughts
I hope you feel inspired to try this Chocolate No-Bake Cookies with Peanut Butter Recipe soon! It’s easy, nostalgic, and bursting with the kind of chocolate-peanut butter comfort that never goes out of style. Whip up a batch to share—or keep them all for yourself, I won’t judge. Enjoy every delicious, no-bake bite!
Print
Chocolate No-Bake Cookies with Peanut Butter Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes (includes setting time)
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these delicious Chocolate No-Bake Cookies with Peanut Butter, a quick and easy dessert that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings. These cookies are rich, chewy, and packed with chocolate and peanut butter flavors.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups quick-cooking oats
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cook the Mixture: In a saucepan, combine sugar, butter, milk, and cocoa. Boil for 1 minute.
- Add Flavors: Stir in peanut butter, vanilla, and salt. Mix in oats until coated.
- Form Cookies: Drop spoonfuls onto the baking sheet.
- Set and Serve: Let cookies cool and set for 30-45 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a firmer texture, refrigerate the cookies after setting.
- Enhance with coconut or nuts for added crunch.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 13 g
- Sodium: 45 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
