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There’s something about a classic no bake cookie that brings instant comfort. This chocolate, peanut butter, and oat version has been a staple in my kitchen for nearly 28 years. It’s the kind of recipe you can make in 20 minutes, with ingredients you probably already have, and the results taste like a warm hug.
I’ve been making these for my son since he was little, and all these years later, they’re still his favorite cookie. That’s the magic of this simple recipe. It’s more than just a cookie, it’s a tradition, a memory, a moment we’ve shared over and over again {just like this Cookie Butter No Bake Cookie}.
These cookies are proof that you don’t need fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen to make something that everyone loves. Just a pot, a spoon, and a few minutes to create a cookie that’s stood the test of time.
How to Make Classic No Bake Cookies
- Begin by combining a stick of butter with the sugar, milk and unsweetened cocoa in a medium saucepan. By cooking the sauce we are dissolving the sugar and giving the chocolate coating a smooth texture.
- Over medium high heat bring the mixture to a boil, making sure to whisk the entire time. This will keep the bottom from burning. Once the mixture begins to boil, allow it to continue to boil for 1 minute {continue to whisk}.
- Remove the mixture from the heat and stir in the peanut butter and vanilla. Adding the vanilla to a hot mixture off of the heat keeps it from evaporating. Look at those peanut butter swirls!!
- Once the peanut butter is mixed in and you have a smooth mixture, add the quick cook oats.
- Stir the quick cooking oats into the chocolate peanut mixture until they are all completely coated.
- Then take a cookie scoop {1.5 tablespoons} and scoop mounds of the oatmeal mixture onto a parchment lined cookie sheet. Allow them to cool at room temperature for 15-20 minutes or until set and they are ready to eat! They really are that simple!
Storage
Classic No Bake Cookies can be kept at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be stored in the refrigerator or freezer for up to 3 weeks. The best part is that they will keep their good flavor and texture.
No matter how you store them I can guarantee one thing…they won’t last 3 weeks. At least they won’t if my family has anything to do with it.
Why is it important to use Quick Cook Oats in your No Bake Cookies?
Quick cooking oats do not require as much moisture as regular oats do. Using quick oats gives you a less dry and crumbly cookie, with just the right amount of moisture. I also use them in this Banana Oatmeal Cookie.
What if your Classic No Bake Cookies don’t set up after 20-30 minutes?
If you notice that the cookies are not setting up after about 20 minutes then just put them in the refrigerator to continue setting up.
Enjoy these sweet babies and most of all, enjoy the memories they will bring when you eat them because that is truly the very best part about them.
Do you love No Bake Desserts? Try these recipes…
Did you try this recipe? Leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review below and tag @practicallyhomemade on Pinterest!
Easy Classic No Bake Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter
- 2 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup milk, I used non-fat
- 4 Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups quick cook oats
Instructions
- Combine butter, sugar, milk and cocoa in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium-high heat until it comes to a boil {stirring frequently}. Let the mixture boil for 1 minute while stirring the entire time {we don't want the bottom to burn}.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add peanut butter and vanilla, stir to combine. When the mixture is smooth add the oatmeal and stir so that the oats are completely coated.
- Scoop 1.5 tablespoons of mixture at a time onto a parchment lined cookie sheet. Let your classic no bake cookies cool until set {about 15 minutes}. Serve and enjoy. Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
