Some recipes have a way of bringing back memories, and these no-bake chocolate peanut butter oat cookies do exactly that for me. My mom made them often during the summer when turning on the oven in Texas was the last thing anyone wanted to do.
With simple ingredients and just a few minutes of preparation, they’re as easy today as they were back then. Kept chilled in the refrigerator, they’re the perfect sweet treat on a hot afternoon—and chances are, you already have most of the ingredients waiting in your pantry.
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One of the things I love most about this recipe is how simple it is. There’s nothing fancy here—just a handful of everyday ingredients that come together to create a classic treat that has stood the test of time.
Oats, cocoa powder, butter, sugar, and milk are ingredients many of us already keep on hand, making these cookies perfect for those moments when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to make a trip to the store. It’s easy to see why this recipe became a favorite in our home all those years ago.
Once everything is measured and ready to go, these easy no bake chocolate peanut butter oat cookies come together quickly. A rich chocolate mixture is cooked on the stovetop, stirred into the oats, and then scooped onto parchment paper to cool and set.
How To Make
Start by combining the oats and salt in a large mixing bowl and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, add the sugar, butter, milk, and cocoa powder. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir until the butter has melted and the mixture is smooth. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil and continue cooking for 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent scorching.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and carefully pour the chocolate mixture over the oats. Stir until the oats are evenly coated and everything is well combined.
Using a medium cookie scoop, drop onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Allow the cookies to cool and set at room temperature for about 1 hour before serving.
For an extra cool treat on warm summer days, store the cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to enjoy. These will keep for about a week.
This recipe has been a longtime favorite in our home, and I hope it brings as much joy to your kitchen as it has to ours.
For another quick recipe, check out my easy homemade noodles with 3 ingredients!
No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Oat Cookies
Ingredients
- 3 C quick oats
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 C butter, unsalted
- 1 2/3 C sugar
- 1/2 C whole milk
- 1/4 C cocoa powder
- 1 C creamy peanut butter
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a large bowl, stir together the oats and salt, set aside.
- In a saucepan, over medium-high heat, combine butter, sugar, milk, and cocoa. Stir so everything is combined.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. Remove from heat.
- Whisk in the peanut butter and vanilla until well combined.
- Carefully pour the mixture into your bowl with the oats and stir until well combined.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper. Using a medium scoop, drop the cookies about 1 inch apart.
- Let the cookies cool on the countertop for about an hour.
- Store in the refrigerator once the cookies have cooled and set. They will keep for up to 1 week.
Notes
- If you’re using salted butter, omit the salt from the ingredient list.
- Only boil the mixture for 1 minute. Any longer will result in crumbly cookies.
- Have all your ingredients measured and ready to go. This recipe comes together quick!
- Only cool on the countertop, not the refrigerator as the cookies will not set properly.
