These easy no bake cookies combine the rich flavors of unsweetened cocoa, creamy peanut butter, oats and delicate hints of vanilla. Sweet granulated sugar and unsalted butter meld harmoniously with milk in this delightful mixture. Enjoy a satisfying treat that balances indulgence with nature’s wholesome ingredients, creating a truly irresistible snack.

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I recently discovered this no bake cookie recipe and I was impressed with how simple and tasty it turned out. I mixed together 1/2 cup unsalted butter, 2 cups granulated sugar, 1/2 cup milk, and 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder over the stovetop until the sugar dissolved and the mixture was smooth.

Then, I quickly stirred in 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract before folding in 3 cups quick-cooking oats. This recipe is a great option when you want a healthier treat that still offers a rich chocolate oatmeal taste but with that perfect peanut butter twist.

The oats add a nice fiber boost while the peanut butter contributes protein. I was really surprised how balanced the flavors turned out and how much energy these cookies gave me.

Theyre definitely a quick and easy cookie recipe for anyone looking for a no bake delight that still feels nutritious.

Why I Like this Recipe

I really like this recipe for a few reasons. First, its super easy to make and i dont even need an oven so i can whip up a batch anytime i feel like a sweet treat. Second, the mix of peanut butter and cocoa creates a deliciously rich flavor that makes every bite a delight. Third, i love how fast it sets so i dont have to wait long before i can enjoy a cookie and share with my friends. Lastly, the ingredients are simple and i feel like i can always improvise a little for extra fun everytime i make it.

Ingredients

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Here are some key ingredients in this easy no bake cookie recipe and what they bring to the mix.

Each one plays a role in delivering taste, texture, and good nutrients making these cookies a treat you wont forget.

Unsalted butter: creamy fat brings smooth texture and rich flavor.
Granulated sugar: high-carb sweetener gives this treat its sugary taste.
Milk: adds protein, liquid content and milky sweetness.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: deep chocolate flavor, antioxidant properties that complement sweetness.
Creamy peanut butter: healthy fats, protein, and uniquely nutty taste.
Vanilla extract: aromatic, adds subtle sweet and warming notes.
Quick-cooking oats: fiber-rich, provides hearty texture and satiety.

Ingredient Quantities

1/2 cup unsalted butter

2 cups granulated sugar

1/2 cup milk

1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

3 cups quick-cooking oats

How to Make this

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1. In a large saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat until it’s completely melted.

2. Add the granulated sugar, milk, and unsweetened cocoa powder to the butter and stir them together.

3. Bring the mixture to a full rolling boil, and let it boil for about 1 minute while stirring occasionally.

4. Remove the saucepan from the heat, then quickly stir in the creamy peanut butter and vanilla extract until the mix is smooth.

5. Immediately add the quick-cooking oats into the pan and stir until everything is well combined.

6. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto wax or parchment paper, spacing them out a bit.

7. Let the cookies cool at room temperature until they harden, which should take around 20-30 minutes.

8. Once they’re set, enjoy your easy no bake cookies straight away.

Equipment Needed

1. Large saucepan
2. Measuring cups and spoons
3. Wooden spoon for stirring
4. Stove
5. Wax or parchment paper

FAQ

Q: How long should the cookies sit before eating?

A: They usually need about 15 to 20 minutes to set up. If they seem too soft, leave them a bit longer.

Q: Can I swap out creamy peanut butter for another nut butter?

A: Yup, you can use almond butter or even cashew butter, but be careful as it might change the flavor a bit.

Q: How many cookies does this recipe yield?

A: This recipe typically makes around 24 cookies, although it might vary based on how big you drop them.

Q: Do I really need to heat the milk in the recipe?

A: Yes, heating the milk together with the butter, sugar, and cocoa helps to dissolve everything evenly.

Q: How should I store these no bake cookies?

A: Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature, and they should stay good for a few days.

Easy No Bake Cookie Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Swap unsalted butter with coconut oil or margarine if you dont have any butter on hand.
You can use brown sugar in place of granulated sugar but just remember it might alter the flavor a little bit.
If you’re out of milk, almond milk or soy milk works just fine.
Not a fan of creamy peanut butter? Try using almond butter or cashew butter for a nice twist.
You can replace unsweetened cocoa powder with dark cocoa powder for a richer chocolaty feel.

Pro Tips

1. Be careful not to let the mixture boil for too long; 1 minute is really all u need. Overcooking it can mess with the cookie texture and make it kinda too hard to chew.

2. Once u remove it from the heat, quickly stir in the peanut butter and vanilla. If u wait too long, the mix might start hardening before the oats are even added!

3. Use parchment or wax paper to drop the cookies. It makes cleanup faster and stops the cookies from sticking which can be super annoying.

4. If u want a little twist, try sprinkling a tiny bit of salt or even mix in some chocolate chips after u add the oats. It adds a cool extra flavor that isn’t too overpowering.