If you’re looking for a quick, no-bake cookie recipe bursting with chocolate and peanut butter flavor, then you’re in the right place! These No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies are a perfect treat when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to turn on the oven. They come together in minutes and use simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Plus, they’re sure to satisfy your sweet tooth, with a delightful mix of rich cocoa, creamy peanut butter, and chewy oats.
What You’ll Need
Before we dive into the steps, gather these essential ingredients for the recipe:
Ingredients for No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies
- ¾ cups white sugar : Adds sweetness and balances the cocoa flavor.
- ½ cup milk : Helps create the liquid base for the cookie dough.
- ½ cup margarine (such as Country Crock®) : Gives the cookies a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder : Provides that deep, rich chocolate flavor.
- 3 cups quick-cooking oats : These form the base of the cookies and add texture.
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter : Adds creamy, nutty goodness to complement the chocolate.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract : Enhances the flavor and brings out the sweetness.
Tools You’ll Need
Having the right tools on hand will make the process smoother. Luckily, you won’t need any fancy equipment for these no-bake cookies. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Large Saucepan : To easily heat and combine the sugar, milk, margarine, and cocoa powder.
- Wooden Spoon : For stirring your ingredients into a smooth, consistent cookie “dough.”
- Baking Sheet : You’ll drop the cookie mixture onto this.
- Wax Paper or Parchment Paper : Line the baking sheet so the cookies don’t stick when cooling.
These simple tools are likely already in your kitchen, so let’s move on to putting it all together!
Step-by-Step Directions
Now that you have all your ingredients and tools ready, let’s get started! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have delicious cookies in no time:
1. Prepare the Baking Sheet
Start by lining a baking sheet with wax paper or parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking as they cool.
2. Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a large saucepan, combine ¾ cups of sugar , ½ cup of milk , ½ cup of margarine , and ¼ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder . Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir frequently.
3. Bring to a Boil
Once the mixture starts to bubble, allow it to boil for 1 ½ minutes . Make sure to stir continuously to prevent sticking or burning, and ensure everything is evenly combined. This step thickens the mixture for that perfect cookie consistency.
4. Add the Remaining Ingredients
After 1 ½ minutes of boiling, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in ½ cup of creamy peanut butter , 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract , and 3 cups of quick-cooking oats . Mix everything thoroughly until all the ingredients are evenly distributed and the oats are fully coated.
5. Drop the Dough
Once the mixture is ready, drop tablespoonfuls of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet. No need to shape them—just scoop and drop!
Let the Cookies Set
6. Cool and Set
Now that the cookie dough is portioned out on the baking sheet, leave the cookies to set and cool at room temperature. This should take about 50 minutes , giving the cookies enough time to firm up so they hold their shape.
Pro Tip : If you’re in a rush, you can pop the cookies into the fridge to speed up the cooling process!
Time to Enjoy!
Once the cookies have cooled and set, they are ready to enjoy! These chewy, no-bake treats, packed with chocolate and peanut butter flavor, are perfect for satisfying that sweet tooth in a pinch. The best part is, since they’re no-bake, you don’t need to worry about using the oven or heating up the whole kitchen.
Storing the Cookies
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days at room temperature. If you want to preserve them longer, you can freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month . Just thaw them for a few minutes at room temperature before enjoying again.
Conclusion
There you have it—a super easy, No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookie recipe you’ll love to whip up whenever you need a sweet fix. With simple ingredients, quick preparation, and absolutely no baking required, these cookies are a foolproof hit. Whether you’re making them for an after-dinner snack, packing them in school lunches, or sharing with friends and family, they’re bound to disappear quickly!
Now, go ahead and treat yourself to a batch of these delicious cookies!