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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! 

No-Bake Cookies stacked on top of each other.
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Finding the best way to make No Bake Cookies:

These 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.

Give them and try and let me know how they turn out for you!

closeup of No Bake Cookies on wax paper.

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.

ingredients for the No Bake Cookies.

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.
closeup of a batch of No Bake 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!

boiling the ingredients for the No Bake Cookies.

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.

  • Tip: Do not mix in another bowl. Add your oats and peanut butter into your warm pot. 
adding peanut butter to the warm pot.

Step three: Lay out parchment paper on the counter and spoon out the dough into cookie shapes.

Allow sitting for 15-30 minutes.

spooning out the No Bake Cookies on to parchment paper.

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.

No Bake Cookies on parchment paper with the baking ingredients around it.

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 until 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 quick.
closeup of the No Bake Cookies on the parchment paper.

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.

batch of No Bake Cookies on a white plate.

If you tried this recipe or any of my recipes, I would love to hear from you, leave me a comment below. You can also connect with me on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, PINTEREST, and YOUTUBE.

I would love for you to follow along and discover more amazing recipes.

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4.91 from 30 votes

No-Bake Cookies

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!
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
resting time: 30 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
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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. 

Video

Notes

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 until 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 quick.
Mixing: Do not mix in another bowl add your oats and peanut butter into your warm pot. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 330kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 17mg | Sodium: 84mg | Potassium: 202mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 28g | Vitamin A: 200IU | Calcium: 29mg | Iron: 1.2mg
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About Jennie

I'm Jennie!ย I'm a busy mom of three and I love cooking and sharing easy recipes. From slow cooker meals to casseroles all my recipes are simple to make and ones the entire family will love.

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151 Comments

  1. Is there any way you can use this with margarine? I have to use it because we cannot have real butter due to dairy. I wonder if that’s why my no bakes never set

    1. I use plant based country crock stick butter (olive oil) and it works great! I store them in the fridge after they have cooled.. we just prefer them that way. They will be a little soft outside of the fridge but still firm enough to hold.

  2. Been making these cookies for 40 years. I still make them for my neighbors and my grandchildren.

    1. I made them tonite for my hubby. They turned out amazing. I vomited the cocoa powder for dark chocolate chips and it was a hit.

    1. I always pour mine into a 9×13 pan and cut into bars! It works great, I cut them before theyโ€™re all the way set up