Name: No Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 1/2 cup milk; 1/4 tsp salt; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy); 3 cups quick-cooking oats

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cookies are incredibly easy to make and require no special equipment or baking experience. They’re quick, comforting, and made with wholesome ingredients like oats and peanut butter. Perfect for weeknight desserts, lunchbox treats, or holiday platters, they set up in minutes and are always a hit. Plus, they’re ideal for making in warmer months when you want to keep the oven off.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Granulated sugar
Unsweetened cocoa powder
Unsalted butter
Milk
Salt
Vanilla extract
Peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
Quick-cooking oats

Directions

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper and set aside.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar, cocoa powder, butter, milk, and salt.
Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring frequently. Once it reaches a full rolling boil, let it boil for 60 seconds without stirring.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and peanut butter until smooth.
Add the oats and mix until well combined.
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop mounds of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet.
Let the cookies cool and set at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or refrigerate to speed up the process.
Once firm, store or serve as desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes approximately 24 cookies.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Cooling time: 30 minutes
Total time: About 40 minutes

Variations

Nut-free: Use sunflower seed butter or soy nut butter for a nut-free version.
Add-ins: Stir in shredded coconut, mini chocolate chips, or chopped nuts.
Maple flavor: Swap vanilla extract for maple extract for a different twist.
Extra cocoa: Add an extra tablespoon of cocoa powder for a richer chocolate flavor.
Vegan version: Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and a non-dairy peanut butter substitute.

Storage/Reheating

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.
No reheating is needed—just let frozen cookies sit at room temperature for a few minutes before eating.

FAQs

Why are my no bake cookies too soft?

They may not have boiled long enough. Make sure to let the mixture boil for a full 60 seconds to help them set properly.

Why are my cookies dry and crumbly?

Boiling too long can dry them out. Stick closely to the 60-second boil time for best results.

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

Quick oats are best for texture and binding, but old-fashioned oats can be used for a chewier bite. The cookies may be less cohesive.

Do these cookies need to be refrigerated?

No, they set at room temperature, but refrigerating them helps them firm up faster and extends shelf life.

Can I make these without peanut butter?

Yes, substitute with almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter. The texture may vary slightly.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

They can be if you use certified gluten-free oats. Always check packaging to be sure.

Can I use non-dairy milk?

Yes, any unsweetened non-dairy milk like almond, oat, or soy will work in place of regular milk.

How do I store these for a party?

Layer them between sheets of wax paper in an airtight container and store at a cool room temperature.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but work quickly when dropping the cookies—once the mixture starts to cool, it sets fast.

Can I shape these into bars?

Absolutely. Press the mixture into a parchment-lined pan, chill until firm, then cut into squares.

Conclusion

No Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies are a quick, classic treat that never goes out of style. With rich cocoa flavor, creamy peanut butter, and chewy oats, they’re the perfect solution for easy snacking and dessert cravings. Whether you’re making them for a crowd or keeping a stash for yourself, these no-bake delights are always a win.