Description
If you’re craving something sweet and satisfying but don’t have the time or energy to fire up the oven, peanut butter no-bake cookies are your answer. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can create delicious, chewy cookies that will melt in your mouth in less than 15 minutes! These cookies are the perfect combination of sweet and salty, with the irresistible richness of peanut butter and the satisfying crunch of oats. Whether you’re in a rush or simply prefer not to bake, these peanut butter no-bake cookies are sure to become your new go-to treat.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional: 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder for a chocolatey twist
For the Coating (Optional):
1/4 cup crushed peanuts or mini chocolate chips
Instructions
Before starting, ensure you have a large saucepan, a heatproof mixing bowl, and a baking sheet or parchment paper for setting the cookies. Line the baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
In a large saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, unsalted butter, and milk. Turn the heat to medium, stirring occasionally until the butter has melted and the mixture begins to boil. Let it boil for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to ensure the sugar activates and the mixture firms up later.
Once the sugar mixture has boiled, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the peanut butter and vanilla extract until the peanut butter has melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy. If using cocoa powder, add it at this point and mix thoroughly.
Stir in the oats, adding them one cup at a time, ensuring each addition is well-coated in the peanut butter mixture. The oats will absorb the mixture, creating a thick, dough-like texture.
Use a spoon or cookie scoop to drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared parchment paper. Shape them into rounds or slightly flatten them. Each cookie should be about 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons in size.
Allow the cookies to cool and set at room temperature for 30 minutes to 1 hour. If you’re in a rush, place them in the refrigerator to speed up the setting process.
Notes
Consistency of the Mixture: If your mixture seems too runny, you can add a little more oats to thicken it. Conversely, if it’s too thick, a splash of milk or water can help loosen it up to the right consistency.
Chill Time: The cookies need time to set properly. If you’re in a rush, placing the cookies in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes will speed up the process, but be sure to let them cool at room temperature first to avoid affecting their texture.
Peanut Butter Preference: The type of peanut butter you use will affect the texture and flavor of the cookies. For a smoother texture, go with creamy peanut butter. For extra crunch, try using crunchy peanut butter.
Customizing Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet cookie, you can reduce the amount of sugar slightly, or swap it for a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup (just be aware it may affect the texture slightly).
Topping Variations: Feel free to experiment with different coatings such as chopped peanuts, coconut flakes, or a drizzle of melted chocolate to add a fun twist to the classic recipe.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Stovetop, No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
Keywords: peanut butter, no-bake cookies, easy dessert, no-bake oatmeal cookies, quick snack