These sweet and chewy no-bake cookies are perfect for last-minute get-togethers.
Make these cookies anytime you need an easy recipe for when you’re out of time but those holiday celebrations won’t wait! Or make them ahead so they’re ready for impromptu gift giving!
Why These Top Our List
The ingredients are always things most of us have in the pantry and there is lots of room for variations! (Add in coconut, dried cherries, or your favorite nuts).
No-bake cookies are easy to whip up without heating up the oven! It’s the kind of recipe that any home cook can master!
They’re super quick to prep making them a great last minute dessert or treat.
They’re soft, chewy, and delicious. They keep well and freeze well… I mean what’s not to love!
Ingredients and Variations
BASE Sugar, butter, and milk boil for a minute, this makes up the base!
COCOA Unsweetened cocoa powder is added in for a chocolatey flavor.
PEANUT BUTTER Peanut butter adds both flavor and texture.
OATS In this recipe you want quick-cooking oats. These oats are a bit finer in texture and help hold together better.
Try adding extras like flaked coconut, mini chocolate chips, toffee pieces, or M&M’s. Even chopped candied fruit adds a festive look to these no-bake cookies!
How to Make No Bake Cookies
- BOIL Boil sugar, butter, and milk in a saucepan per recipe below. Stir in the cocoa.
- MIX Remove from heat. Stir in peanut butter, vanilla, and salt.
- COOL Drop cookies by the scoopful on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or until the cookies are set.
Tips for Perfection
- Use quick cooking oats and real butter for the best consistency.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Allow the mixture to come to a rolling boil and boil for 1 minute. Start timing the mixture once it is at a full boil.
- Avoid overcooking the mixture.
- Cool completely before eating.
Storage
- Store no-bake cookies in an airtight container or zippered bag for up to a week at room temperature. They’ll last two weeks in the refrigerator.
- No-bake cookies can easily be frozen! Keep them in a zippered bag and write the date on the outside and they will keep for a couple of months.
No Bake Favorites
- Peanut Butter Balls
- Chocolate Macaroons – simple pantry ingredients
- Extra Chewy Rice Krispie Treats
- Peanut Butter Cornflake Cookies – a 5 star recipe
- Chocolate Mint Nanaimo Bars – perfect for the holidays
- Easy Buckeye Recipe – for the peanut butter lovers
Did you make these No-Bake Cookies? Be sure to leave a comment and a rating below!
No Bake Cookies
Ingredients
- 2 cups sugar
- ½ cup butter
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup peanut butter
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 3 cups quick cooking oats
Instructions
-
Line two pans with parchment paper. Set aside.
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Bring sugar, butter, milk, and cocoa powder to a boil over medium heat. Once it is at a rollling boil, boil for 1 minute.
-
Remove from the heat and whisk in the peanut butter, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Stir in oats. Drop by spoonfuls on prepared pan.
-
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or until cookies are set.
Notes
- Use quick-cooking oats and real butter for the best consistency.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Allow the mixture to come to a rolling boil and boil for 1 minute. Start timing the mixture once it is at a full boil.
- Avoid overcooking the mixture.
- Cool completely before eating.
