Chocolate No Bake Cookies
Easy Chocolate No Bake Cookies made with cocoa powder, oats, and peanut butter on the stovetop. Ready in under 10 minutes!
When I was a kid and a chocolate cookie craving hit, my mom would always make these chocolate no bake cookies. Living in FL, she would only use the oven if she had to. So this stovetop recipe was what I got must in my house. She had them ready in less than 10 minutes! I remember standing beside her, scooping the chocolate and oatmeal batter, and sneaking a few bites since there weren’t eggs in it. Good ol’ days. Nowadays, I love these chocolate no bake cookies just as much for their peanut butter and chocolate flavor as I do for how quick they come together to make for my own kids.
How to make Chocolate No Bake Cookies
These step-by-step photos show how to make easy no bake cookies, but be sure to check the recipe card below for the full ingredient list and detailed instructions. Skip to the → Chocolate No Bake Cookies Recipe
1. Start these chocolate no bake cookies in a pot
Add sugar, cocoa powder, butter, and milk to a Dutch oven or large pot.
2. Stir and bring to a gentle boil
Let it bubble briefly, then remove from heat.
3. Add the rest of the ingredients to the pot
Mix in vanilla, peanut butter, oats, and nuts if using.
4. Form the chocolate cookies on parchment
Let the chocolate cookies cool and set up completely before serving.
Pro-Tip: If you’re using unsalted butter and peanut butter, throw in a pinch of salt in during step 1. It will enhance all the flavors!
Full Chocolate No Bake Cookies Recipe
Chocolate No Bake Cookie Recipe
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups white granulated sugar
- ½ cup salted butter
- 5 tablespoons Dutch process cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon instant expresso optional, for a deep chocolate flavor
- ½ cup whole milk
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 3 cups quick oats
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine 2 cups white granulated sugar, ½ cup salted butter, 5 tablespoons Dutch-process cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder (if using), and ½ cup whole milk.
- Place the pot over medium heat and stir constantly until the butter melts and the mixture comes to a full boil. Once it reaches a rolling boil, boil for exactly 2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Remove the pot from the heat and immediately stir in 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract and ½ cup creamy peanut butter. Mix until the peanut butter is completely melted and smooth.
- Add 3 cups quick oats to the pot and stir until everything is evenly coated in the chocolate mixture.
- Using a large cookie scoop or ice cream scoop, drop spoonfuls of the cookie mixture onto a sheet of parchment paper. Let the cookies cool at room temperature until fully set, about 30 to 45 minutes.
Notes
- Use fresh peanut butter with a smooth, creamy texture. Skip the old dry jar that’s been sitting in the back of the pantry.
- Measure everything before turning on the stove. This recipe moves fast, and having it all ready saves you from scrambling later.
- Wait for a full rolling boil. That’s key for the cookies to set right. Let it boil for 2 minutes while stirring so it doesn’t scorch.
- Take the pot off the heat before adding peanut butter and oats. Adding them while it’s still over heat can make the cookies dry.
- Work quickly once you start scooping. The mixture firms up fast!
- Fridge: Keep the cookies in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- Freezer: Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temp before eating.
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.
If you try this easy Chocolate No Bake Cookies recipe or any other of my recipes on Meal Planning blueprints, then don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave a comment below! I read all the comments and respond!
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Make sure you have it when you need it! Bonus: You’ll get family-approved recipes and meal-planning tips, too!
Quick Recipe Help and Common Questions
Why aren’t my cookies hardening?
That usually means the sugar mixture didn’t cook long enough. Also, use quick oats! Old-fashioned oats can make the cookies too soft.
Can I make these without peanut butter?
Yes, but you’ll need something to replace the fat and flavor, like almond butter.
Why did my chocolate oatmeal no bake cookies turn out dry and crumbly?
You probably cooked the sugar mixture a little too long. You’re pretty much making “candy” here, so timing matters. Keep a close eye and start counting as soon as the mixture reaches a steady boil.
