There’s nothing better than chewy, chocolatey, easy No Bake Cookies! This is my mom’s recipe that I grew up loving and I still make them all the time. 

close up image of a no bake cookie

No Bake Cookies

This is a no-frills no bake cookie recipe that has been a staple in my home since I was old enough to eat a cookie! I remember watching my mom drop the cookies from the mixing bowl to the baking sheet in wonder. How could cookies be that tasty without even going in the oven?! I haven’t tweaked this recipe at all. I’m a firm believer that if it ain’t broke, don’t break it! With just seven inexpensive ingredients (that you probably already have in your pantry) and the easiest steps of all time, this recipe is a certified classic. These cookies always turn out chewy with lots of chocolate and peanut butter flavor. It’s impossible to eat just one, but I dare you to try!

Enjoy more of my favorite easy cookie recipes like cake mix cookies, monster cookies, and the best ever chocolate chip cookies

Why are my cookies grainy?

No bake cookies can become grainy if the ingredients aren’t boiled first. When you gently boil the sugar, butter, and cocoa, the sugar melts and incorporates with the other ingredients. If you skip or rush this step without giving the sugar enough time to melt, you’ll end up with grainy cookies. 

How to Make No Bake Cookies

  • Boil. Add the sugar, butter, and cocoa to a pot. Bring to a gentle boil over low heat, stirring until the sugar is fully melted and all ingredients are incorporated. 
  • Combine. Let the chocolate mixture cool slightly, then mix in the oatmeal, peanut butter, milk, and vanilla. 
  • Drop and cool. Drop the cookie mixture onto a baking sheet and let fully cool. Use a cookie scoop for this step so they’re all the same size! 
six panel collage image showing the process of making no bake cookies

Storing and Freezing No Bake Cookies

Once the cookies are cool, you can store them in an airtight container at room temp for about 4-5 days. Or, freeze for up to 3 months! I like to toss mine in a zip-top gallon size bag with all of the air squeezed out (don’t forget to date and label!). If you’re worried about them sticking to each other, place a square of parchment paper between each cookie. Let the cookie defrost on your kitchen counter before enjoying. 

Ingredients in No Bake Cookies

  • Sugar – I like to use plain white granulated sugar. You can use brown sugar if you want, though! It’ll add a more caramelized flavor to the cookies. 
  • Butter – Salted or unsalted, whichever you prefer. 
  • Cocoa – Make sure it’s unsweetened cocoa powder so you don’t add any more sweetness to the cookies. There’s already enough sugar in the mix. 
  • Oatmeal – I like to use quick cooking oats for these cookies. They’re chewy and soft enough to not have to cook. 
  • Peanut Butter – Feel free to use crunchy peanut butter for more texture. Personally, creamy peanut butter is my go-to since the oats already add enough of a chew. 
  • Milk – You can really use any type of milk you want. 
  • Vanilla – It’s best to use pure vanilla extract for the very best flavor. Of course, imitation always works in a pinch. 
no bake cookies stacked on top of each other

Enjoy!

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No Bake Cookies

There’s nothing better than chewy, chocolatey, easy No Bake Cookies! This is my mom’s recipe that I grew up loving and I still make them all the time.
Prep 10 minutes
Cooling Time 30 minutes
Total 40 minutes
Servings 24

Ingredients 

  • 2 Cups Sugar
  • 1 Stick Salted Butter
  • 1/2 Cup Cocoa Powder
  • 1/2 Cup Peanut butter
  • 1/2 Cup Milk
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 3 Cups Oatmeal

Instructions 

  • Add the sugar, butter, and cocoa to a large pot. Bring to a gentle boil on low heat. Stir until the sugar is melted and the ingredients are incorporated.
  • Let the chocolate mixture cool for 1-2 minutes then mix in the peanut butter, milk, and vanilla.
  • Pour the oatmeal into the mixture and stir until evenly coated.
  • Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop the cookie mixture onto a baking sheet lined with waxed paper and let fully cool.
  • Once cool, remove the cookies to an airtight container.

Notes

Storing: Once the cookies have cooled, they can be stored in an air-tight container for 4-5 days, or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Cookie, Calories: 164kcal, Carbohydrates: 23g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 8g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 3g, Trans Fat: 0.2g, Cholesterol: 11mg, Sodium: 78mg, Potassium: 60mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 19g, Vitamin A: 127IU, Calcium: 15mg, Iron: 0.4mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
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Hey! Nice to meet you! I'm Nichole!

Welcome to The Salty Marshmallow! I'm a mom, animal lover, photographer, & kitchen mess-maker. Here you will find the result of my decades-long passion for chasing the best flavors in the kitchen, all meant to be cooked by regular people with busy lives just like you and me.

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