No Bake Peanut Butter Cookies
No-Bake Peanut Butter Cookies are perfect when you want cookies but don’t want to heat up the oven. This no bake cookie recipe is what happens when you need a peanut butter fix NOW!
If you love easy cookie recipes, try our Cornflake Cookies, Easy Toffee Cookies, or Chewy Lemon Blueberry Cookies.
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My kids love my no bake oatmeal chocolate cookies, and no bake pumpkin cookies, but I think they love this peanut butter version even better! With the extra peanut butter, these beat any classic no bake cookies with chocolate mixture.
Easy no bake cookies really are the best cookie recipes! The best part about this easy dessert recipe is how simple it is, no fancy equipment needed, just a few main ingredients and you’re done!
What you’ll love about this No Bake Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies:
Recipe Ingredients:
You’ll need the following ingredients to make these peanut butter no bake cookies recipe:
- Granulated white sugar
- Whole milk
- Butter- You can use unsalted butter instead.
- Salt
- Creamy peanut butter
- Vanilla extract
- Quick cooking oats- You can use old-fashioned oats instead, they’ll just be chewier.
Ingredient Notes:
- Natural Peanut butter: Use natural creamy peanut butter for the best texture, though crunchy peanut butter works too if you want extra crunch.
- Quick-Cooking Oats: Quick oats soften better than old-fashioned rolled oats when you’re not baking them, which is the main reason they give you the best results in no-bake cookies.
- Butter: Real butter gives a much better flavor than margarine, but use what you have. Also, you can substitute with coconut oil if needed.
How to make a no bake cookie:
Check out the quick visual guides below. For full instructions and ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the end.
Step 1: Line cookie sheets with wax paper or parchment paper.
Step 2: In medium saucepan, combine sugar, milk, butter and salt. Bring to a rolling boil over medium heat, stirring constantly to create the sugar mixture.
Step 3: Boil for a full minute and 30 seconds, stirring continuously. The hardest part is getting the timing right.
Step 4: Remove from heat immediately. Quickly stir in natural peanut butter and vanilla until smooth and well combined to make the peanut butter mixture.
Step 5: Add quick oats and the rest of the ingredients, stirring until completely coated and mixture holds together.
Step 6: Working quickly, drop spoonfuls of cookie dough onto prepared baking sheets using a medium cookie scoop or spoon. Arranging in a single layer.
Step 7: Let cool at room temperature 30 minutes until set and firm.
PRO TIP:
The important thing is to work fast once you add the peanut butter and oats, the mixture starts to set up quickly. Make sure to have everything measured and ready before you start boiling, timing is crucial with this recipe!
Storage and Freezing:
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: These freeze well for up to 3 months in a freezer bag or freezer-safe containers.
Additions and Substitutions:
ADDITIONS:
- Chocolate Chips: Fold in 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips with the oats for a peanut butter chocolate version.
- Coconut: Add 1/2 cup shredded coconut for tropical flavor.
- Other Mix-ins: Try rice krispies for extra crunch, or cocoa powder for a chocolate twist.
- Sweetener Options: Use maple syrup instead of some sugar, or try less sugar if you prefer them not as sweet.
SUBSTITUTIONS:
- Peanut Butter: Natural-style peanut butter works best, but you can try almond butter as an alternative.
- Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats can be used but may give a different chewy texture.
- Milk: Almond milk or other non-dairy options work well.
- Sugar: Powdered sugar or sugar substitutes can be used, but may affect texture.
FAQs about this No Bake Cookie Recipe:
Why didn’t my cookies set up?
The mixture needs to reach a full rolling boil and boil for the full 90 seconds. If it doesn’t get hot enough, the cookies won’t firm up properly. A candy thermometer or instant-read thermometer can help ensure proper temperature.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can make them ahead, but they’re best eaten within the first day for optimal texture. These are so easy to make that it’s no problem to whip up a fresh batch whenever you need them.
What if I don’t have quick-cooking oats?
You can pulse old-fashioned rolled oats in a food processor a few times to break them up, though the texture will be slightly different from using quick oats.
Are these similar to other no-bake treats?
These use the same simple technique as no bake oatmeal cookies or no bake chocolate peanut butter cookies, but the peanut butter flavor makes them stand out.
You might also enjoy peanut butter cheerio bars or other no bake treats if you like this style of dessert.
What can I serve with these no bake oatmeal peanut butter cookies?
These cookies are perfect on their own as a quick treat, but they’re also great with a cold glass of milk. This will be a keeper for your family recipes!
DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?
I’m excited for you to try this no bake peanut butter cookies! 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! Find us on IG + TikTok: @littlechefwithin
No-Bake Peanut Butter Cookies
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups quick-cooking oats
Instructions
- Line baking sheets with wax paper or parchment paper.
- In medium saucepan, combine sugar, milk, butter and salt. Bring to a rolling boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
- Boil for 90 seconds, stirring continuously.
- Remove from heat immediately. Quickly stir in peanut butter and vanilla until smooth and well combined.
- Add oats and stir until completely coated and mixture holds together.
- Working quickly, drop spoonfuls of mixture onto prepared baking sheets using a cookie scoop or spoon.
- Let cool at room temperature 30 minutes until set and firm.
Notes
Pro Tip:
The important thing is to work fast once you add the peanut butter and oats, the mixture starts to set up quickly. Make sure to have everything measured and ready before you start boiling, timing is crucial with this recipe!Nutrition
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These are so good. Great recipe
Thank you, Cathy!