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.
If you would like you can just melt the butter in the microwave and mix in the rest of the ingredients, but use less milk to help set your cookies faster! Great recipe !
Can I use old fashioned parts instead of quick cooking?
You can, but the cookies will be a lot chewier. I really recommend quick-cooking oats, since they’re smaller they tend to work better.
Made these with almond milk and a little added cream of tartar to thicken it a little and they turned out great! Thanks for the recipe!
So i’ve been making these for several decades. This is the first one i’ve seen that called for “milk” instead of evaporated milk. I’m happy to report it didn’t seem to make a difference either way in turnout. The author is as precise as can be on it being crucial to allow it to boil a FULL minute once it has COMPLETELY started boiling (not just a couple bubbles starting to form). Overcooking, well, i’ve had it where it was just TOTALLY “crumbles” afterwards. there wasn’t enough moisture to even form cookies but i can tell you what!! you will NEVER have a better bowl of oatmeal the following morning if you use those crumbles with heated water in it, LOL. I’ve had them come out like soup before too (way underboiled) and NEVER harden even after 2 days in fridge. I have since perfected the process and again state, this recipe works just fine if you follow the directions. It’s so easy a Daveman can do it. I have numerous times 😉
Additionally, I’ve modified the no bake ingredient list to use 4 cups (takes more than oats to absorb) of coconut flakes and they come out the same as with oatmeal but obviously with a little different taste/texture and are VERY GOOD!!!
Also tried with 3 cups of crisped rice cereal instead of oats, and that one didn’t come out that great because the crisped rice got “soggy” if you will, as they hardened. I may try it again like you would making riced krispie treats, and drizzle the boiled mix onto it in a baking pan to see if it comes out any better.
Just sharing some alternatives to oatmeal that I’ve personally tried, and the results found. The coconut no bakes went so fast i wouldn’t have gotten to even TRY one had i not taken one that broke when putting them in the tin to take for that party 🙂 They were a HIT!