These Classic No-Bake Cookies only require a few simple ingredients and are incredibly easy to make. Loaded with peanut butter, oats, and cocoa powder, these cookies are perfect for an easy dessert!
Do you have a favorite cookie? One that you absolutely love and could probably eat the entire batch if you’re left alone with them? Besides a good chocolate chip cookie, I’ve always loved no-bake cookies.
Whenever we were kids and we wanted something sweet, my mom would whip up a batch of these cookies. And to be honest, we hardly ever waited for them to cool completely before we dug in.
Once I moved out on my own, I wanted to master making no-bake cookies. Several years ago, I found this recipe from All Recipes and over the years I’ve made a few small tweaks to it. I use a little more sugar and boil the recipe for a little less time, but these are still the same classic no-bake cookies everyone knows and loves.
One thing that I love about these cookies is how easy they are to make. You can prepare a batch of these in about 15-20 minutes, then all you have to do is wait for them to cool. This is one of my go-to dessert recipes when I’m short on time or just want something easy to make.
And the best part? You probably have everything on hand to make these right now! And even if you don’t, once you make a batch you’ll make sure to have everything on hand for next time. Trust me.
Before you get started making the cookies, I suggest getting all of your ingredients ready and measure them out. This will make the process go much smoother, and the quicker you get everything combined after the mixture has boiled the better the cookies will turn out.
To start, you’ll melt down some butter with sugar, milk, and cocoa powder. Once the mixture is melted down, you’ll bring it to a boil and allow it to boil for one minute.
Now here’s another important thing, set a timer for exactly 60 seconds once the mixture starts to boil. If you boil it too long, the no-bake cookies will turn out too dry and if you don’t boil it long enough they won’t set properly.
Once the 60 seconds is up, you’ll stir in some peanut butter, vanilla extract, and oats. And that my friends are how easy these cookies are to make.
In fact, I think that hardest part of making these cookies is waiting for them to cool.
Baking tips for classic no-bake cookies
- Make sure to gather your ingredients and measure everything out before you get started with these cookies, it will make the whole process much smoother.
- Be sure to set a timer for 60 seconds once the mixture comes to a rolling boil and remove it from the heat as soon as the timer goes off.
- If you find the cookies aren’t setting up properly or seem a little too wet after you’ve let them cool for about 20-30 minutes, place them in the refrigerator to help firm them up.
Classic No-Bake Cookies
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (115 grams) butter, cut into pieces
- 2 cups (400 grams) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (120ml) milk
- 1/4 cup (20 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup (125 grams) creamy peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups (300 grams) quick-cooking oats
Instructions
- Before getting started, make sure to gather all of your ingredients and measure everything out. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
- Place the butter, sugar, milk, and unsweetened cocoa powder in a saucepan and heat over medium heat, making sure to stir often until the butter is melted and everything is well combined. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil and allow to boil for 60 seconds (make sure to set a timer!) stirring occasionally.
- Remove from the heat, and stir in the peanut butter and vanilla extract until fully combined. Stir in the oats and mix until all of the oats are coated with the mixture and everything is well combined.
- Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheets (I like to use a 2 tablespoon cookie scoop). Allow to cool for 20-30 minutes, serve, and enjoy!
Notes
Love no-bake recipes? Try these easy Peanut Butter Cup Pudding Pops next!
You can find all of my no-bake recipes here too.
Ashley Hetland says
May 15, 2019 at 9:07 amCould these be made with 1/2 cup veg oil instead of the butter?
Danielle says
May 15, 2019 at 11:05 amI wouldn’t suggest it for this recipe. Coconut oil may work since it will solidify.
Riley Romatz says
June 12, 2019 at 7:33 pmSooo I accidentally used Steel Cut Oats! Do you think they’ll turn out still? Or did I just waste all those ingredients?
Danielle says
June 13, 2019 at 1:38 pmSteel cut oats are much different so I’m not quite sure that they will turn out the same.
Samar says
May 16, 2019 at 10:13 amWhat can I use instead of the peanuts putter? Can i just skip this step or is it going to mess up the recipe?
Danielle says
May 16, 2019 at 2:21 pmI wouldn’t suggest leaving it out, but you could use no-stir almond butter or something similar.
Carrie Koffas says
May 17, 2019 at 1:02 amWhen I was little the cookies I ate were always shiny, and they were the best I’ve ever had I heard the trick is to make them shiny but each time I try they don’t turn out shiny any tips
Danielle says
May 17, 2019 at 10:30 amHi, Carrie! If they’re not turning out shiny, you may be boiling the mixture just a little too long. Try reducing it by 10-15 seconds next time and see if that helps.
Ashly says
May 20, 2019 at 6:09 pmCan I use margarine in these or does it have to be the real deal butter? I prefer real butter and I know it’s better for you of the two, but margarine is what I have on hand at the moment and Im craving these badly.
Danielle says
May 21, 2019 at 6:43 pmYes, I’ve used it before and they turned out just fine.
Donna Dupont says
May 25, 2019 at 8:34 pmI followed this recipe step by step and my cookies never got hard one of the ingredients listed has to be the wrong amont
Danielle says
May 26, 2019 at 8:46 amThe ingredients listed are correct. If they didn’t harden, it’s likely that the mixture did not boil long enough. If you make them again, you can increase the boiling time 15-30 seconds and that should help.
Sarah Petrey says
June 3, 2019 at 4:39 pmDo you have to use the vanilla extract in it or can you leave it out
Danielle says
June 3, 2019 at 6:13 pmIt would be okay to leave it out.
Cathy Littreal says
June 12, 2019 at 5:11 pmOops I used old fashioned oats, will it work?
Danielle says
June 13, 2019 at 1:38 pmThat should be okay.