Classic No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies
These Classic No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies are a quick and easy treat, made with pantry staples like oats, cocoa powder, and peanut butter. Perfect for when you need a dessert in a hurry—no oven required!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Chill Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 20-24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups quick-cooking oats
Instructions
1. Prepare a Surface for Cooling:
- Line a baking sheet or your countertop with parchment paper or wax paper.
2. Make the Chocolate Mixture:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Stir in the milk, sugar, and cocoa powder. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly.
- Once it reaches a boil, let it bubble for exactly 1 minute (use a timer for accuracy) while continuing to stir. Remove from heat.
3. Add Peanut Butter and Vanilla:
- Quickly stir in the peanut butter and vanilla extract until smooth and fully combined.
4. Add the Oats:
- Stir in the quick-cooking oats, mixing until the oats are completely coated in the chocolate mixture.
5. Drop the Cookies:
- Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared parchment or wax paper.
- Let the cookies cool and set at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes.
Notes
- Timing Is Key: Boiling the chocolate mixture for exactly 1 minute is crucial. Less time can result in cookies that don’t set properly, while boiling for too long can make them crumbly.
- Texture Adjustments: Use old-fashioned oats for a chewier texture, but note they may not hold together as firmly as quick oats.
- Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or in the refrigerator for longer freshness.