Chocolate Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies Recipe
Introduction
Chocolate Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies are a quick and delicious treat that come together in minutes without turning on the oven. These rich, chewy cookies combine classic flavors that everyone loves, making them perfect for a last-minute dessert or snack.
Ingredients
- 2 cups sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup chunky peanut butter
- 3 cups quick cooking oats
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- Sprinkles, for topping
Instructions
- Step 1: Add the sugar, milk, butter, and cocoa powder to a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the butter has fully melted and the ingredients are well combined.
- Step 2: Bring the mixture to a full boil, stirring often. Boil for 60 seconds to ensure the sugar is properly cooked.
- Step 3: Remove the saucepan from heat and immediately stir in the oats, peanut butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix thoroughly until everything is evenly combined.
- Step 4: Using a small cookie scoop or dinner spoon, drop spoonfuls of the cookie mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Step 5: Immediately sprinkle the tops of the cookies with sprinkles for a fun, colorful touch.
- Step 6: Let the cookies set at room temperature for 1 hour or place them in the fridge for 30 minutes to firm up before transferring to an airtight container for storage.
Tips & Variations
- For softer cookies, use old-fashioned oats instead of quick cooking oats, but note they may take longer to set.
- Switch out the chunky peanut butter for smooth if you prefer a creamier texture.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of espresso powder to deepen the chocolate flavor.
- Top with chopped nuts instead of sprinkles for a crunchy finish.
Storage
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. To enjoy a softer texture, bring them to room temperature before serving. These no-bake cookies also freeze well for up to 3 months—just thaw in the fridge overnight.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter in this recipe?
Yes, but natural peanut butter can be thinner and oilier, which might affect the cookie’s texture. Stir it well before using and expect a slightly softer cookie.
Why do I need to boil the mixture for exactly 60 seconds?
Boiling for 60 seconds ensures the sugar mixture reaches the right temperature and consistency to bind the ingredients, preventing the cookies from being too soft or crumbly.
PrintChocolate Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies Recipe
These Chocolate Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies combine rich cocoa, creamy peanut butter, and hearty oats into a quick and easy treat that requires no baking. Sweet, fudgy, and crunchy with a colorful sprinkle topping, they’re perfect for a fast dessert or snack that sets up in under an hour.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup chunky peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups sugar
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 3 cups quick cooking oats
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
Toppings
- Sprinkles, amount as desired
Instructions
- Combine and heat base ingredients: In a large saucepan over medium heat, add sugar, milk, butter, and cocoa powder. Stir occasionally until the butter is completely melted and all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Boil the mixture: Bring the mixture to a full boil while stirring frequently to prevent burning. Maintain the boil for 60 seconds to achieve the right consistency.
- Mix in remaining ingredients: Remove the saucepan from heat and immediately stir in the oats, peanut butter, vanilla extract, and salt until the mixture is well combined.
- Form the cookies: Using a small cookie scoop or a spoon, drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet to shape the cookies.
- Add sprinkles: Quickly decorate the top of each cookie with sprinkles before the mixture sets.
- Let set to firm up: Allow the cookies to set at room temperature for about 1 hour or speed up the process by refrigerating them for 30 minutes until firm.
- Store properly: Once firm, transfer the cookies to an airtight container to keep fresh.
Notes
- Use quick cooking oats for best texture and quicker setting.
- Boiling time is crucial to ensure proper cookie consistency; do not skip the 60-second boil.
- If peanut butter is too thick, gently warm before adding to help mix evenly.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- You can substitute chunky peanut butter with creamy peanut butter if preferred.
Keywords: chocolate peanut butter no bake cookies, no bake cookies, quick dessert, easy cookies, peanut butter cookies, chocolate oat cookies
