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!Â
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.Â
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!
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:
- Sugar: I used granulated white sugar. This gives the cookies the perfect sweetness.
- Milk:Â I typically have 2% milk on hand but any milk you have on hand works with this recipe.
- Unsalted Butter:Â The butter gives these cookies the perfect texture and rich taste.
- Cocoa Powder:Â I used unseated cocoa powder. Sweetened would be too much and this gives the cookies the best chocolate taste.
- Quick Oats:Â I find that quick oats work best for this recipe.
- Creamy Peanut Butter:Â 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.
- Cooking 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.
- Tip: Do not mix in another bowl. Add your oats and peanut butter into your warm pot.Â
Step three: Lay out parchment paper on the counter and spoon out the dough into cookie shapes.
Allow sitting 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 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.
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.
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.
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No-Bake Cookies
Ingredients
- 2 cups sugar
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ¼ 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.
Kim
This is hands down the best never fail no-bake cookies I have ever made!!!!! I only use this recipe and have deleted all other no-bake cookie recipes from my Pinterest account.
Jennie
Woo!! Thank you so much Kim!!
Debbie C.
I absolutely love these no bake cookies! The recipe was easy to follow and the cookies came out super delicious. I did use Splenda.
Jennie
Thank you Debbie!
Cynthia
Q Would coconut milk instead of milk work in this cookie?
Cynthia
Jennie
Hi Cynthia, I have not tried it with coconut milk so I can't say it would work for sure. But if you give it a try let me know.
Jeannie
Can you travel with these cookies?
Jennie
Yea, I would just put them in a good storage container.
Gann
I used Almond Milk and it worked great. I didn’t taste any difference.
Jennie
So glad to hear that!
CINDY FEINZIMER
Hi Jennie,
Would you know if Coconut Milk would work instead of Milk?
Thank you,
Cynthia
Jennie
I haven't tried it, but I guess it would work fine.
Karen
Who does not have regular sugar in their home?? ???
Jennie
Could be in between shopping trips?
Kimmi K
Can low fat milk be used?
Jennie
Yes, you sure can!
Jody
I just made them and they didn’t set right as they are kinda sticky and not firm? I may have to roll them into balls in order to be able to pick them up. Flavour tastes good though like an Eatmore bar.
Jennie
Sorry to hear that. It took me a while to perfect these as well. It really comes down to the cook time on the stovetop. If you cook for too long they have a tendency to not stay firm. Bring to a boil while whisking constantly and only boil for 1 minute. I remove from heat as soon as it has boiled for 1 minute. Hopefully next time they come out better for you!
Thunt
Can you use Splenda instead of sugar?
Jennie
I have not tried Splenda, but I know it will mix and melt in well. I assume it should work fine.
Rebecca S.
I grew up with my mom and momaw making these cookies. I have found the time of boiling sometimes takes a little longer than 1 minute. My mom use to have a glass of water and let a drop fall into the glass of water. If it balls up, then it's ready. If you find your mixture seems a little dry, you can add a little milk before spooning on tray.
I agree with Jennie. This is a fast pace recipe so make sure you have all your ingredients handy/ready as needed.
Vanessa Aguilar
Can you make them with protein powder? If so would I just add a scoop of it?
Jennie
I am sure you can! I have never tried myself, but just make sure it's mixed in well.
Tomi mckelvey
Wonderful totally to the minute love these thank you so much blessings🤗💓
Deborah
Can you use stevia instead of regular sugar?
Jennie
I have yet to try that so I'm not sure if it will affect it when trying to set.
Gayla
Has anyone ever substituted brown sugar for white? Wondering if so, how much? I really want to make these and have only brown sugar at the moment!
L
Who does not have the regular sugar. Go and get it!
Jennie
It's happened to me before. No biggie!
Kim Peters
In the past, mine would always be wet. Thank you for helping me make the perfect no-bake. These set up just right and taste delicious!
Jennie
Tina, these are no-bake cookies, so no baking is necessary. Baking for 2 mins, would not be no-bake cookies. I do love the idea of adding a creamer to it for a different flavor.
Mark
Very good! My daughter said best no bakes ever!
Jennie
So happy to hear that!!
John
I’m going to try this they sound great ! Do you have to keep them in the refrigerator?
Jennie
Not normally. Just covered on the counter.
Corrine Nelson
Oh my gosh, what a blast from the past. I used to make these when I was 13 years old and up, but haven't thought about them in years and years! I grew up in Wisconsin and made many, many batches of these. I am from a large family (14 children), so they didn't last long at all. Thanks for the wonderful memory.
Christina
I just made these cookies and they turned out just perfect! Thank you so much!
Jennie
So happy to hear that!
Sarah
Does it matter what type of oats I use?
Jennie
I used old fashion rolled oats.
Sheila
Love these no bake cookies! I am planning to Make these for a bake sale and plan to quadruple the recipe. Wondering if you would quadruple each ingredient or if other adjustments should be made.
Thanks!
Jennie
You should be able to do that. Just make sure to use a large pot that all ingredients can fit into. I find adding the boiled chocolate to a mixing bowl with the oats doesn't set as well as when I pour everything into the pot.
Susan
I wish people would not make comments unless they have made any recipe anywhere. I see this all the time. You cannot comment on something you have NOT made.
Jennie
That is true
Michael
I’ve found, and my mother always told me that these will not set if it is really humid out. If it is raining or calling for rain, they will not set like they normally would.
Camille
I have also heard this. I’m disappointed, because I was really wanting to make these tonight. But we’ve got rain. 😢
Jennie
You will have to try them when the weather is nicer!
Karen
I am so sorry you got rain. Move to the corrupt CA.