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These classic No-Bake Cookies are chocolatey, chewy, and loaded with peanut butter goodness. They come together fast with simple pantry staples and set up beautifully on your counter in minutes.

👉 Pair them with my Eclair No-Bake Cake or Christmas Crack Toffee Bars for the perfect dessert trio!

Chocolate no-bake cookies in a dish

These No-Bake Cookies are made with butter, cocoa powder, sugar, milk, oats, and peanut butter for the easiest stovetop dessert. They’re naturally chewy, chocolatey, and set without using the oven. Perfect for last-minute treats, after-school snacks, or holiday cookie platters. This recipe uses simple pantry ingredients and is done in under 20 minutes.

Table of Contents

Hit play to see exactly how this no-bake dessert comes together!

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Why you’ll love this recipe…

These cookies come together in one pot, require minimal effort, and taste nostalgic and comforting every single time. My family always loves when I make these cookies!

⏰ Total Time: 20 minutes
🍂 Perfect For: Holiday cookie plates, potlucks, or whenever you are craving a sweet treat!
🛒 Key Ingredients: Cocoa powder, old fashioned oats, peanut butter
🍽️ Servings: 7 servings
🥄 Skill Level: Easy
🧊 Storage: In an airtight container up to 1 week

👉  If you love no-bake treats, try my No Bake Avalanche Cookies next!

Made With Love,

Ingredients for No-Bake Cookies on countertop

What You’ll Need for No-Bake Cookies

This simple combo melts together into that perfect glossy, fudgy cookie base.

  • Cocoa powder: Gives that deep chocolate flavor.
  • Old fashioned oats: Provide that classic chewy texture.
  • Creamy peanut butter: Adds flavor and helps set the cookies.

👉 If you want another chocolate treat, check out my Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake.

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Full Ingredient List

  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1/4 cup cocoa powder
  • 3 1/2 cups old fashioned oats
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

🔒 The printable recipe card below includes the full ingredient list and exact amounts – perfect for saving or printing for later.

How To Make No-Bake Cookies

Sugar, milk, butter, and cocoa powder in a pot

Step 1: Add sugar, milk, butter, and cocoa powder to a pot.

Step 2: Bring to a boil while whisking.

Step 3: Once boiling, stop whisking and boil for 1 minute.

Oats added to pot

Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in oats until well coated.

Peanut butter added to the No-Bake Cookie mixture in a bowl

Step 5: Add peanut butter and mix well.

Step 6: Stir in vanilla.

No-Bake cookies on parchment papers

Step 7: Scoop onto parchment and cool 30 minutes before serving.

🔒 The step-by-step instructions are also available in the printable recipe card below — don’t forget to save it for later!

  • Swap with almond or sunflower butter.
  • Add mini chocolate chips after mixing.
  • Stir shredded coconut into the mixture.

My Pro TipS

Tips and Tricks

  • If the cookies don’t set, the mixture didn’t boil long enough.
  • If they turn crumbly, it boiled too long.
  • Use old fashioned oats for the best texture.

Recipe FAQs – No-Bake Cookies

Why are my cookies sticky?

They need a slightly longer boil to help firm them up.

Can I use quick oats?

Yes, but the texture will be softer.

Can I refrigerate them?

Absolutely – they firm up nicely in the fridge.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a glass of milk, crumble over ice cream, or add to a holiday cookie platter with Christmas Crack Toffee Bars and Eclair No-Bake Cake.

Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating

  • Store: In an airtight container up to 1 week.
  • Freeze: Up to 2 months.
  • Reheat: Not needed, but you can microwave 5 seconds if you prefer softer cookies.

More Great Dessert Recipes

5 from 1 vote

No-Bake Cookies

By: Julia Pacheco
These classic No-Bake Cookies are chocolatey, chewy, and full of peanut butter flavor, made in one pot with simple pantry ingredients.
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Total: 20 minutes
Servings: 7 servings
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Ingredients 

  • 1 ½ cups sugar
  • ½ cup milk
  • ½ cup butter
  • ¼ cup cocoa powder
  • 3 ½ cups old fashioned oats
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Instructions 

  • In a pot over medium heat, add sugar, milk, butter, and cocoa powder. Bring to a boil while whisking.
  • Once boiling, stop whisking and let boil for 1 minute.
  • Remove from heat and stir in oats until coated.
  • Add peanut butter and mix well.
  • Stir in vanilla.
  • Scoop onto parchment paper and let cool 30 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 679kcal | Carbohydrates: 81g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 36g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 14g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 37mg | Sodium: 273mg | Potassium: 436mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 48g | Vitamin A: 433IU | Calcium: 69mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

About Julia Pacheco

Hello, I’m Julia Pacheco, and I’m so glad you’re here! I’m a published cookbook author with a passion for creating delicious, budget-friendly meals. My blog focuses on recipes that are accessible and enjoyable, because I truly believe in the power of food to heal, inspire, and bring people together. From early lessons in the kitchen with my mom to navigating life on WIC and food stamps, I’ve learned the value of making every meal count. Cooking has been my creative outlet, a way to connect with others, and it even helped me land my dream job.

Read More About Me

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5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

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2 Comments

  1. Tiara Tou says:

    Way too much sugar, will halve it next time. Sorry, we use a lot less sugar in the UK. Other than that, nice easy recipe.

    Reply
  2. Deborah says:

    These cookies were so delicious! They are way healthier than the normal chocolate cookies that I make! Couldn’t stop eating the batter! Thank you!!

    Reply