Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies – Easy, Quick & Totally Irresistible
If you’re craving something sweet, peanut buttery, and incredibly satisfying without turning on the oven, you’re going to love these Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies. They come together in just minutes with simple pantry staples and set beautifully with zero fuss. Whether you’re making a batch for the kids, a late-night snack, or a nostalgic treat for yourself, this recipe delivers that perfect mix of creamy peanut butter, chewy oats, and melt-in-your-mouth chocolate goodness. I’ve made these cookies more times than I can count—usually when I’m short on time but need something amazing. And trust me, they never disappoint.
Looking for more quick and easy treats? Check out our moist and delicious Zucchini Bread—it’s another fuss-free favorite you’ll want to bake again and again.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies
- No oven needed – perfect for hot days or late-night cravings
- Quick to make – ready in under 20 minutes
- Simple pantry ingredients – nothing fancy or hard to find
- Naturally gluten-free – just use certified GF oats
- Perfect for all ages – kids and adults both love these
- Make-ahead friendly – they store beautifully
- Customizable – switch up the mix-ins or use almond butter instead
Ingredients for These Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies
Here’s what you’ll need to make a batch of these creamy, chewy no-bake cookies:
- Unsalted butter – this gives the base its richness and helps everything bind
- Granulated sugar – sweetens and contributes to the candy-like texture
- Milk – just a little to help dissolve the sugar
- Unsweetened cocoa powder – gives that chocolaty depth
- Creamy peanut butter – the star of the show; you can use crunchy if you like extra texture
- Vanilla extract – adds warmth and flavor depth
- Old-fashioned oats – for chewiness and structure
Optional add-ins? Try shredded coconut, chopped nuts, or mini chocolate chips stirred in at the end. Want an even richer cookie? A spoonful of Nutella in place of some peanut butter is a game-changer.
How to Make Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies – Step-by-Step
- Prep your space: Line two baking sheets with parchment or wax paper. This is where your cookies will set. Make sure everything’s ready, because once the mixture is hot, you need to move fast.
- Boil the base: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter, sugar, milk, and cocoa powder. Stir often as it melts. Once it starts to bubble, let it boil for exactly 60 seconds—this step is crucial for proper setting.
- Stir in the flavor: Remove from heat and immediately stir in the peanut butter and vanilla. Mix until the peanut butter is melted and smooth.
- Add oats: Stir in the oats quickly and thoroughly. The mixture should be thick and glossy, not runny.
- Scoop and drop: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop heaping spoonfuls onto your prepared baking sheets. You can shape them slightly with the back of a spoon if you like a neater look.
- Let them set: Allow the cookies to cool and firm up at room temperature for about 20–30 minutes. If you’re impatient (like me), pop them in the fridge to speed things up.
- Enjoy! Once firm, your cookies are ready to devour—or store for later (if they last that long!).
Helpful Tips for Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies
Want the perfect texture every time? Here are a few extra tips to help you master this recipe:
- Boil time matters: Don’t eyeball it. Boil for exactly one minute once the mixture bubbles. Overboiling = dry cookies. Underboiling = they won’t set.
- Use quick oats for softer cookies: If you prefer a smoother texture, you can substitute old-fashioned oats with quick oats.
- Make ahead: These cookies store beautifully. You can make them days in advance and they’ll stay chewy and delicious.
- Store properly: Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or in the fridge for up to 10.
- Freezer friendly: Yes, you can freeze them! Just layer with parchment paper in a container and freeze for up to 3 months.
Pair these irresistible no-bake cookies with a fresh and creamy bite—our Chicken Salad Recipe is the perfect light meal to balance the sweetness.
You can also serve these at parties alongside something savory like these Crockpot Bourbon Chicken bites, which are bursting with flavor and super easy to prep in advance.
FAQs About Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies
Why won’t my no-bake cookies set?
If they’re soft or sticky even after cooling, it’s usually because the sugar mixture didn’t boil long enough. Make sure to time the boil for a full 60 seconds once it starts bubbling.
Can I make these without cocoa powder?
Yes! Just leave it out for peanut butter-only flavor. The cookies will still be delicious and sweet, just minus the chocolate.
Are these gluten-free?
They can be! Just make sure to use certified gluten-free oats. Everything else in the recipe is naturally GF.
Can I use natural peanut butter?
You can, but the cookies may not set as well unless the natural peanut butter is fully stirred and not too oily. A more processed peanut butter (like Jif or Skippy) gives the most consistent results.
Can I make these Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies with less sugar?
Reducing the sugar may affect the texture and set, but you could try using 1 ¼ cups instead of 1 ½. You can also experiment with unrefined sugars or sugar substitutes—but test in small batches first.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per Cookie (Est.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 140 kcal |
| Total Fat | 7g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Cholesterol | 10mg |
| Sodium | 60mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 12g |
| Protein | 3g |
No Heading – Friendly Wrap-Up
These Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies are my go-to when I want something sweet and homemade without the hassle. They come together faster than most baked recipes, and everyone from toddlers to grandparents can’t resist them. I almost always keep a stash in the fridge—you never know when you’ll need a quick treat or a bite of something nostalgic.
Give them a try and let me know what you think! Did you mix in anything fun like coconut or mini chips? I’d love to hear how you made them your own in the comments below.
Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies – Easy, Quick & Totally Irresistible
Ingredients
- ½ cup 1 stick unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup whole milk
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups quick-cooking oats
Instructions
- Prepare your setup: Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment or wax paper.
- Boil mixture: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine butter, sugar, milk, and salt. Stir frequently until the mixture comes to a rolling boil, then boil for 1 full minute (set a timer!).
- Remove from heat and immediately stir in peanut butter and vanilla until smooth and fully combined.
- Add oats: Mix in the oats quickly until evenly coated.
- Scoop & shape: Drop tablespoon-sized mounds of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheets. You can flatten them slightly with the back of a spoon if you like a more cookie-like shape.
- Cool & set: Let cookies sit at room temperature until fully set, about 30 minutes.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For longer storage, refrigerate up to 2 weeks, or freeze for 2 months.
