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My all-time favorite cookie recipe! Just a few ingredients and no time in the oven for these delicious No-Bake Cookies. Yes, I cook and bake every day, but my favorite cookie is a No-Bake Cookie!
Finding the best way to make No Bake Cookies:
No Bake Cookies can sometimes have a mind of their own. I have made them for years and was never able to get them right every time.
Sometimes they would set and sometimes they stayed wet. They still tasted amazing wet, but no one wants to have to use a spoon to eat cookies.
I tested and tested this recipe. I think I have finally found a no-fail recipe. Just follow the easy steps in order and watch the time.
I found that in the past I let them boil too long or not long enough. And even adding in too many ingredients at one time changed the outcome of my cookies.
Follow these directions for the PERFECT No Bake Cookie. Give them and try and let me know how they turn out for you!
How to make No Bake Cookies:
It has been a trial-and-error process for me to get this recipe correct and to the standard of a perfect No Bake Cookie.
Watch Closely: The trick to this recipe is constantly stirring and watching the ingredients as they come to a boil.
When the ingredients boil stop stirring but still watch it closely. If you over cook the No Bake Cookies this will ruin them.
Mix: After it boils add in the oats and the peanut butter. Mix it all together well, then add the vanilla and mix some more.
Set: Spoon the batter onto some parchment or wax paper and allow the cookies to set. This could take up to 30 minutes.
Ingredient Notes:
- Sugar: I used granulated white sugar. This gives the cookies the perfect sweetness.
- Milk: I typically have 2% milk on hand but any milk you have on hand works with this recipe.
- Unsalted Butter: The butter gives these cookies the perfect texture and rich taste.
- Cocoa Powder: I used unseated cocoa powder. Sweetened would be too much and this gives the cookies the best chocolate taste.
- Quick Oats: I find that quick oats work best for this recipe.
- Creamy Peanut Butter: A creamy no-stir peanut butter recipe works best with this recipe.
- Vanilla Extract: This adds even more flavor to these cookies.
Directions:
Step One: In a large pot add sugar, milk, butter, and cocoa powder. Slowly bring to a boil while whisking.
Once at a boil allow boiling for one minute. I even set a timer and stopped the whisking and only let it go for that one minute.
Recipe Tip
Do Not Over Cook. 1 Minute is the PERFECT time!
Step Two: Remove from heat and add in oats.
Mix well. Add in peanut butter, mix well. Last, add in vanilla extract and mix well.
Recipe Tip
Do not mix in another bowl. Add your oats and peanut butter into your warm pot.
Step Three: Lay out parchment paper on the counter and spoon out the dough into cookie shapes.
Allow the No Bake Cookies to set for 15-30 minutes.
These No Bake Cookies are Perfect Every Time:
Don’t get discouraged if this recipe doesn’t work out the first time you try it.
It took me a while to perfect these No Bake Cookies, and it may take you a while too.
The key is when you cook the sugar and butter.
Don’t overcook or burn it.
Also do not let it cool too quickly so that when you add the oats it helps soften them and melts the peanut butter.
Tips and FAQs:
- Oats: I typically use quick oats for this recipe. I have found after testing that they work best.
- Butter: For this recipe make sure you are using real butter not margarine. It will make a difference in how they set.
- Setting time: These cookies could take 20-30 minuets to set. If your house is too hot, I will sometimes open a window or even stick them in the fridge.
- Pro Tip: This recipe moves fast and over boiling or letting things sit to long could mess it up. I always prepare all ingredients before starting and measure everything out so I can move quickly.
How to store No Bake Cookies:
Once the cookies have set and are firm, you can store them in an airtight container.
Separate each layer by parchment paper so they do not all stick together.
Store the cookies on the counter or in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
Try some of my other favorite Cookie Recipes:
Chocolate Chip Cookies – Simple and classic! This recipe for Chocolate Chip Cookies is the BEST I have ever made. A true classic recipe with everyday ingredients that is simple to make.
M&M Cookies – These M&M Cookies are the best! They are soft and chewy and full of M&M chocolatey goodness. These will become an instant family favorite!
Peanut Butter Cup Cookies – Peanut butter cookies stuffed with chocolate peanut butter cups! You are going to love these Peanut Butter Cup Cookies. This classic recipe for Peanut Butter Cup Cookies is so good you won’t be only able to eat just one!
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No-Bake Cookies
Ingredients
- 2 cups sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 3 cups quick oats
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a large pot add sugar, milk, butter, and cocoa powder. Slowly bring to a boil while whisking. Once at a boil allow to boil for one minute (I set a timer and stopped the whisking).
- Remove from heat and add in oats. Mix well. Add in peanut butter, mix well. Last add in vanilla extract and mix well.
- Lay out parchment paper on the counter and spoon out the dough into cookie shapes. Allow to set for 15-30 minutes.
My uncle asked for no bake cookies and it took me back to my Gram and I making them. I found your recipe and they’re just like she used to make, I love them. My uncle asked me to make them again but to omit the chocolate. Is that possible in this recipe or do you need the chocolate to help as a binder since it’s a powder?
I have never tried making them without the chocolate so I am not sure how they will turn out.
These were delicious. I cannot fathom adding 2 cups of sugar though. I added only 1 cup and it was already so sweet and I followed the recipe exactly. I also added a pinch of salt and used salted butter which really made the flavors pop.