No Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies

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These No Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies are an all-time favorite and come together in no time using quick oats and a rich chocolate mixture. If you’re looking for an easy recipe that satisfies your sweet tooth without needing to turn on the oven, these cookies are perfect!

Looking for more Easy Dessert Recipes? Try our Brownie Bites, Easy Cherry Crisp, Cake Mix Blueberry Muffins, or Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip Cookies. This Frozen Fruit Salad is an old fashioned treat that is cold and delicious!

A tall stack of easy no bake chocolate oatmeal cookies.

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These no-bake chocolate peanut butter oatmeal cookies are a childhood favorite! In fact, these were the first cookies I ever made by myself as a little girl! You don’t even need to turn on the oven to whip up these cookies! With just a few simple ingredients, they come out rich, chewy, and perfectly sweet. Ready in about 30 minutes, they’re the perfect easy treat when you’re craving something quick and delicious!

What you’ll love about these No Bake Cookies:  

  • No Baking Required – Skip the oven and enjoy a quick, easy treat.
  • Simple Ingredients – Pantry staples come together for a delicious, hassle-free cookie.
  • Peanut Butter & Chocolate Combo – A crowd-pleasing classic flavor that never disappoints.

Recipe Ingredients

You’ll need the following ingredients to make these amazing No Bake PB Oatmeal Cookies: 

  • Granulated sugar
  • Milk 
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder
  • Pinch of salt
  • Vanilla extract
  • Creamy peanut butter
  • Quick-cooking oats- To make Gluten Free No Bake Cookies make sure to use gluten-free oats. 

INGREDIENT NOTES:

  • Quick-Cooking Oats: These oats work best for this recipe because they absorb the mixture quickly and create the right chewy texture. If you use old-fashioned oats, the cookies might turn out a bit too chewy or firm.
  • Cocoa Powder: Gives the cookies their rich chocolate flavor, so use a good-quality unsweetened cocoa powder for the best results.

HOW TO MAKE NO BAKE CHOCOLATE OATMEAL COOKIES STEP-BY-STEP    

STEP 1: Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

STEP 2: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the cup butter. Add sugar, milk, cocoa powder, and salt, stirring to combine.

STEP 3: Bring the mixture to a full rolling boil for 1 minute.

STEP 4: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and peanut butter until smooth.

STEP 5: Add in the quick oats and stir until well combined.

STEP 6: Use a medium cookie scoop to portion out the cookie mixture onto the prepared baking sheet.

STEP 7: Allow the cookies to cool on the cookie sheet for 20-30 minutes or until fully set.

PRO TIP:

Use a smaller spoon or cookie scoop for mini cookies. When your kid asks for more than one, you can just smile and say yes. They’ll think you’re the greatest mom ever—and only you’ll know you cut the portion size in half, LOL!

Storage and Freezing:

Storage: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Freezing: you can freeze these cookies by placing them on a cookie sheet in a single layer and then transferring them to a freezer bag once frozen.

Additions & Substitutions

ADDITIONS:

  • Coconut Flakes: Add coconut flakes for extra texture and flavor.
  • Maple Syrup: Substitute some of the sugar with maple syrup for a hint of natural sweetness.

SUBSTITUTIONS:

  • Old-Fashioned Oats: You can swap quick oats with old-fashioned oats for a heartier texture.
  • Coconut Oil: Replace butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free option.

FAQs about this No Bake Cookies Recipe:  

Can I use old-fashioned oats instead of quick-cooking oats?
Yes, old-fashioned oats will make the cookies chewier but still delicious.

What if my cookies don’t set?
If the cookies don’t set, it might be because the mixture didn’t boil long enough. Make sure it comes to a rolling boil for 1 full minute.

Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?
Yes, brown sugar can be used for a slightly richer flavor and more moisture in the cookies.

What Can I Serve with these No Bake Oatmeal Cookies

Pair these Cocoa No Bake Oatmeal Cookies with a glass of cold milk, a cup of coffee, hot cocoa, scoop of vanilla ice cream or even as part of a cookie swap at your next gathering!

I’m excited for you to try this No Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies Recipe! After you make it, please leave a rating to let me know your thoughts on it – I’m eager to hear if you loved it as much as we do! 

A tall stack of no bake cookies.

No Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies

Vicky Hadley~Little Chef Within
These No Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies are an all-time favorite and come together in no time using quick oats and a rich chocolate mixture. If you’re looking for an easy recipe that satisfies your sweet tooth without needing to turn on the oven, these cookies are perfect!
4.50 from 2 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Desserts
Cuisine American
Servings 24 cookies
Calories 122 kcal

Equipment

  • saucepan
  • medium cookie scoop

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup 1 stick unsalted butter
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup milk dairy or non-dairy
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 3 cups quick-cooking oats

Instructions
 

  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper; set aside.
  • In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
  • Add the sugar, milk, cocoa powder, and salt, stirring to combine.
  • Bring the mixture to a rolling boil and cook for 1 minute, stirring occasionally.
  • Remove the saucepan from heat.
  • Stir in the vanilla extract and peanut butter until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
  • Add the oats and stir until they are thoroughly coated.
  • Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet in desired sizes.
  • Allow the cookies to cool at room temperature until they are set and firm, approximately 20-30 minutes.

Notes

Pro Tip:

Use a smaller spoon or cookie scoop for mini cookies. When your kid asks for more than one, you can just smile and say yes. They’ll think you’re the greatest mom ever—and only you’ll know you cut the portion size in half, LOL!

Nutrition

Calories: 122kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 2gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.001gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 40mgPotassium: 70mgFiber: 1gSugar: 18gVitamin A: 135IUCalcium: 34mgIron: 2mg
Keyword cocoa, cookies, kid approved, no bake cookies, oatmeal, snacks
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7 Comments

  1. My favorite thing is licking the bowl with these cookies love these before they cool

  2. Your No Bake Cookies look wonderful! Thanks so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday today. Have a great day and come back soon!
    Miz Helen

  3. My Mom got the recipe for these cookies at a PTA meeting/dessert potluck in 1952. That recipe stated that the oats were put in a 9×13 baking dish in a 350 oven for 20-25 minutes. Instead of cocoa powder it was 2 squares of baking chocolate, melted. The liquid was poured over the oats, mixed well and spooned onto a sheet if waxed paper. They are the easiest, best cookies I have ever made. We ate them so often I didn’t need the recipe any more. It brings back lots of good memories. Thanks

4.50 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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