No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies

by

No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies

If you’re looking for a quick and easy dessert that requires no oven time, these No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies are the perfect solution. With their rich chocolatey flavor, creamy peanut butter, and chewy oats, they make a delicious treat for any occasion. Whether you’re craving a sweet snack or need a last-minute dessert, these cookies come together in just minutes and set perfectly to a fudgy, chewy texture.

These classic cookies have been a family favorite for generations, and it’s easy to see why! They’re made with simple pantry staples, require no baking, and are ready in under an hour. They are perfect for after-school snacks, potlucks, holiday cookie trays, or anytime you need a quick and satisfying treat.

Ingredients

To make these easy and delicious no-bake cookies, you’ll need:

  • ½ cup butter – Adds richness and flavor.
  • ½ cup milk – You can use skim, 1%, 2%, or whole milk depending on preference.
  • 2 cups granulated sugar – Sweetens the cookies and helps with the fudgy texture.
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa – Provides that deep, chocolatey flavor.
  • ½ cup creamy peanut butter – For the perfect smooth, nutty taste.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor of the chocolate and peanut butter.
  • 3 cups quick oats or old-fashioned oats – Gives the cookies their signature chewy texture.

How to Make No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies

Follow these easy steps to make your own batch of soft and delicious no-bake cookies:

Step 1: Prepare Your Work Surface

Before you start, line a baking sheet with wax paper or parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 2: Heat the Butter, Milk, Sugar, and Cocoa

  1. In a medium to large saucepan, add the butter, milk, sugar, and unsweetened cocoa.
  2. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture comes to a rapid boil.

Step 3: Boil the Mixture

  1. Once the mixture reaches a rolling boil, continue stirring constantly and allow it to boil for exactly 1 ½ minutes.
  2. Using a timer for precision will ensure your cookies set correctly. Boiling too little can cause them to be too soft, while overcooking can make them crumbly.

Step 4: Add Peanut Butter and Oats

  1. Remove the pan from heat and immediately stir in the vanilla extract and peanut butter.
  2. Continue stirring until the peanut butter is fully melted and combined into the chocolate mixture.
  3. Stir in the oats until fully coated.

Step 5: Shape the Cookies

  1. Use a spoon or an ice cream scoop to drop heaping spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared wax paper.
  2. Leave space between each cookie, as they will spread slightly as they cool.

Step 6: Let the Cookies Set

  1. Allow the cookies to cool at room temperature for about 25 to 30 minutes or until they are set and firm.
  2. Once hardened, they are ready to enjoy!

Tips for Perfect No-Bake Cookies

  • Use an Ice Cream Scoop: To get evenly sized cookies, use a cookie scoop or ice cream scoop with a trigger release. This ensures they are uniform and set properly.
  • Measure Ingredients Carefully: Too much or too little of any ingredient can affect the texture. Level off your measurements for accuracy.
  • Don’t Overcook or Undercook: Boiling the mixture for exactly 1 ½ minutes is important. If you undercook, the cookies may not set. If you overcook, they may turn out dry and crumbly.
  • Use Quick Oats for Best Texture: Quick oats absorb liquid better and give these cookies their signature chewiness. Old-fashioned oats can be used for a heartier texture.
  • Add Mix-Ins: Try mixing in chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or even a handful of chocolate chips for extra flavor and crunch.

Storage and Serving Tips

  • Let the cookies cool completely before storing.
  • Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or refrigerate for a firmer texture.
  • These cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months. Store them in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

These No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies are not only incredibly simple to make but also irresistibly delicious. They are perfect for last-minute guests, lunchboxes, and even late-night cravings. Enjoy them with a glass of cold milk, a cup of coffee, or just as a quick and satisfying snack.

Leave a Comment