When you’re craving something sweet and chocolaty but don’t want to turn on the oven, these No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies are the perfect solution. With rich cocoa, creamy peanut butter, and the hearty texture of oats, they’re a timeless treat that comes together in no time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

No Oven Needed: Perfect for hot days or when you’re short on time.
Simple Ingredients: Pantry staples like oats, peanut butter, and cocoa powder make this recipe accessible.
Quick to Make: These cookies are ready in under 30 minutes, plus cooling time.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these no-bake delights:

3 cups quick-cooking oats
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
2 cups packed brown sugar
¼ cup cocoa powder
½ cup whole milk
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep Your Baking Sheets

Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside. This will make it easy to scoop and set your cookies.

2. Combine Oats and Salt

In a large mixing bowl, stir together the oats and salt. Set this aside; it’ll be ready for the peanut butter mixture later.

3. Make the Chocolate-Peanut Butter Mixture

In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, melt the butter.
Add brown sugar, cocoa powder, and milk. Whisk together until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth.
Bring it to a gentle boil, then promptly remove it from heat to avoid overcooking, which can cause dry cookies.
Stir in the peanut butter and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

4. Combine and Shape

Pour the hot peanut butter mixture over the oats in the large bowl. Using a wooden spoon, fold the mixture until all the oats are fully coated.
Use a 2- to 3-tablespoon cookie scoop to drop mounds of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheets. Leave about 1–2 inches of space between each cookie.

5. Cool and Set

Let the cookies cool completely at room temperature. As they cool, they’ll firm up and flatten slightly into their signature no-bake shape.

Storage Tips

Refrigerate: Once cooled, store the cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.

Pro Tips for Perfect No-Bake Cookies

Don’t Overcook the Mixture: Boiling for too long can lead to dry and crumbly cookies. Remove the saucepan from heat as soon as the mixture comes to a boil.
Choose Quick-Cooking Oats: These blend more smoothly into the cookie mixture compared to old-fashioned oats.
Add a Twist: For extra flavor, stir in a handful of mini chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, or shredded coconut before scooping.

Why These Cookies Are a Family Favorite

These No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth in a pinch. They’re an ideal treat for busy weeknights, last-minute parties, or just indulging in a nostalgic dessert. Best of all, they require zero baking skills—just mix, scoop, and cool!

Try this recipe today and enjoy the timeless combination of chocolate and peanut butter in every chewy, flavorful bite. 🍪✨

Looking for more DIY gift ideas? Check out my Brownie Mason Jar Mix or M&M Mason Jar Cookies for more inspiration.