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Deliciously chewy No Bake Cookies are made in minutes! These simple, yummy cookies will become a go-to treat.

Chocolate No Bake Cookies are great to make all year long, especially when it’s hot outside! They have become classic treats in our house, like our No Bake Energy Bites and No Bake Cheesecake.

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No Bake Cookies stacked on white plate.

No Bake for the win!

We love to make cookies all year long! One of our favorite recipes to make, especially in the summer, is our classic No Bake Cookie recipe, along with our Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies! They’re simple, quick and I don’t have to turn on the oven.

Whenever we are looking for a quick treat, the kids like to join me in the kitchen to whip up a batch of these easy No Bake Cookies (trust me when I say they are beyond easy!)

They take less than 10 minutes to make (start to finish). The result is a super delicious and simple treat, perfect for an after-school snack, a party, or even an upcoming cookie exchange.

If you’ve had these oatmeal no bakes before, you know that they’re easy and quite addicting!

How to Make No Bake Cookies - mixture in pot.

How to Make No Bake Cookies

The ingredients for the best No Bake Cookies are ones we usually always have on hand – no flour or eggs required! We hope you have them on hand too, because you’ll love how simple these chocolate peanut butter goodies are. All you need:

  • unsalted butter
  • sugar
  • milk
  • unsweetened cocoa powder
  • peanut butter
  • vanilla
  • quick oats

BOIL. Add butter, sugar, milk and cocoa powder to a saucepan. Bring to a boil for 1 minute over medium heat.

MIX. Remove from heat and stir in the peanut butter and vanilla until smooth. Add the oats and stir.

SCOOP. Use a cookie scoop to drop heaps of the mixture onto wax paper or parchment paper.

COOL. Let cool. Try not to eat a dozen of these guys!

Substitutions

This No Bake Cookies recipe is very accommodating when other ingredients are used. However, keep in mind that results may vary a little more with each substitution.

  • Butter can be replaced with an equal amount of margarine or coconut oil.
  • 2% Milk. Skim, whole milk, or even almond milk works.
  • Cocoa powder. Use natural cocoa powder, cacao powder, or Dutch processed cocoa. Just be sure that it is unsweetened.
  • Peanut Butter. Creamy peanut butter makes for the best consistency (in my humble opinion). If you use crunchy pb, add an extra ¼-½, c or the cookies can turn out dry. I’ve never used natural peanut butter, but if you do, make sure it’s well-stirred and not oily.
  • Oats. Quick cooking oats are smaller and absorb the liquid easier, which makes the cookies softer and chewier. With old fashioned oats, the cookies will have a less chewy, oat-y texture. For a gluten-free cookie be sure that you buy gluten-free oats.
No Bake cookies setting up on wax paper.

Recipe Tips

Soft No Bake Cookies. If your cookies are too soft, be sure that you brought the mixture to a full boil for 1 minute.

Another factor is the temperature of the kitchen. If there’s any humidity, these cookies can take up to an hour to set. Try putting them in the fridge or freezer to see if the cold helps them set. This usually does the trick!

Use a timer. Keep a timer on hand. Start the 1-minute countdown as soon as the mixture comes to a FULL boil. This will help insure you get the mixture off the stove within that “perfect consistency” window. If it doesn’t cook long enough, the cookies won’t set. If they cook too long, they will be a crumbly mess.

Candy thermometer. If you’re worried about over or undercooking the liquid mixture, use a candy thermometer. The mixture is done when it reaches 235-240°F.

Ice water test. Another method is the classic “ice water test”. Once you’ve cooked the mixture for a minute, drop a small spoonful into the ice water. If it forms a small, squishy ball as it cools, it’s done.

Dry crumbly Cookies. Dry crumbly cookies can be a result of boiling the mixture too long. You really need to reach the perfect temperature. The liquid mixture may seem like it can handle extra oats, but it will only yield a drier cookie. 

more no bakeS + STORING TIPS

No Bake Cookies are especially nice to have on hand in the summer months when you want a nice, homemade treat that doesn’t require turning on the oven. Here are some more of our favorites:

storing info

STORE at room temperature, in an airtight container or Ziploc bag. Storing them in the fridge will make them last longer, but is not required.

FREEZE. No bake cookies can also be frozen. Unlike baked cookies that can last for several weeks in the freezer, these no bake cookies will only last for 3-4 weeks.

No Bake Cookies Recipe stacked on tea towel.

For more no bake treats, check out:

4.98 from 76 votes

Easy No Bake Cookies

Deliciously chewy easy no bake cookies are ready to enjoy in under 10 minutes – no oven required for this tasty chocolate treat!
Servings: 24
Prep: 8 minutes
Cook: 1 minute
Total: 9 minutes

Equipment

Ingredients 

  • 2 cups sugar
  • ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • ½ cup milk
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 3 cups quick-cooking rolled oats

Instructions 

  • Combine sugar, cocoa powder, butter, and milk in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Once it comes to a boil, start a timer and boil for 1 minute.
  • Remove from the heat and stir in peanut butter and vanilla until smooth, then stir in oats.
  • Drop heaping tablespoons onto a parchment paper–lined cookie sheet and let cool for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Video

Notes

Store. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. In an airtight container in the refrigerator, they can last up to 2 weeks.
Use Old-Fashioned Oats. Quick-cooking oats are smaller and absorb liquid more easily, which makes the cookies more soft and chewy. If you use old-fashioned oats, the cookies will have a less chewy texture.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cookie, Calories: 206kcal, Carbohydrates: 27g, Protein: 4g, Fat: 10g, Saturated Fat: 4g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 4g, Trans Fat: 0.2g, Cholesterol: 11mg, Sodium: 49mg, Potassium: 120mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 18g, Vitamin A: 126IU, Calcium: 19mg, Iron: 1mg

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

About Kristyn

Kristyn Merkley is a published cookbook author, wife, mom of six, and major food enthusiast! For the past 15 years, she has been sharing foolproof, family-friendly recipes—each one tested in her kitchen—that anyone can master. As a seasoned recipe creator, she loves making cooking simple, stress-free, and totally doable for everyone!

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4.98 from 76 votes (25 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




89 Comments

  1. Lois says:

    5 stars
    Fabulous cookies. So easy to make with the grandkids! Everyone loved them so they didn’t last long.
    The grandkids enjoyed measuring the ingredients, a good and practical math lesson. And they got to eat the results.

  2. Sheena says:

    Hi, I love no bake cookies and make them all the time. How do you get yours to be thick, perfectly round and neat? I get mine pretty neat and a good size but they don’t look thick like yours. Would love to know what things I can do to get them like that. Thank you!

  3. Deborah S. says:

    Why do you have to use “unsalted” butter?

    1. Lil'Luna Team says:

      I like to use unsalted butter when I bake because then I can control the amount of salt added and adjust to our flavor preference. But you could use salted butter if that’s what you have as well.

  4. Liz says:

    Can’t even print the recipe without a million ads

    1. Lil'Luna Team says:

      The ads make it possible for us to keep creating free recipes and content. Thanks for understanding!

  5. Sandy says:

    Instead of using oatmeal oats, can you use rice crispy cereal in this recipe?

    1. Lil'Luna Team says:

      I haven’t ever tried! If you do, you’ll have to let us know how they turn out.

  6. Susan Ragland says:

    5 stars
    These no bake cookies are OUTSTANDING! I used almond milk and crunchy peanut butter and all worked out just perfectly.
    One question: what could I substitute for the peanut butter? I love it but my husband doesn’t and I know he would love the cookies even more without the p/butter. I welcome your suggestions.
    P.S. I’ve made quite a few of your recipes and they are all delicious! Keep up the amazing work!

  7. Jasmine says:

    5 stars
    I love this recipe n so does my family. My only complaint is that they don’t set up as much as I’d personally like. They are very good with butterscotch flavoring too!

    1. Kate says:

      Mine weren’t setting either. I tweaked the recipe a little bit and put the oats in a bowl and the peanut butter on top. Mix the cocoa mixture into the bowl, not in the hot liquid.

      I hope this helps. Good luck! 🙂

      1. Kate says:

        Omgosh. I meant mix the peanut butter with the chocolate in the bowl with the oats, out of the hot pan. Sorry I’m not being very articulate. It’s morning. 😅

  8. Sawan Sharma says:

    5 stars
    Can honey be used instead of sugar ?

    1. Lil'Luna Team says:

      You know, I haven’t tried it with honey before, so I’m not sure. If you try making them with honey, you’ll have to let us know how they turn out.

  9. Robin C. says:

    5 stars
    Turned out Delicious!! I will most definitely will be making these a lot more in the furure!

    1. LilLunaTeam says:

      I’m so glad you enjoyed them! That makes me so happy to hear!

  10. Marie Rancourt says:

    5 stars
    This is the best and easiest recipe for no bake cookies! I’ve made these several times and they don’t last long in my house.

  11. Marty Roggenbaum says:

    5 stars
    No bake cookies are a favorite around our house. Plus they are easy and quick to make.

  12. Keelee Stapley says:

    5 stars
    Melt in your mouth literally. These no bakes are so good and they are always eaten up so quick in our house. This a staple recipe.

  13. Monica says:

    5 stars
    This is such a yummy recipe. So simple and a go to in our house!

  14. Danielle Dykman says:

    5 stars
    Just like mom makes! One of those recipes I should have written down somewhere but thankfully you have it right here for me! Everyone in my house loves these. Perfect amount of oats too.

  15. Nataani Farnsworth says:

    5 stars
    Love these cookies!!

  16. Stephanie says:

    5 stars
    We have made this several times and my boys love them!!!! So easy but so delicious!

  17. Raimi says:

    5 stars
    These are so good snd so easy! Yum!

  18. Christy says:

    5 stars
    These no bake cookies are a family favorite! Quick, easy and delicious!

  19. Marilyn Higgins says:

    I have found if I put the cookie sheets in the freezer and get them cold, the cookies set faster.

    1. Lil'Luna Team says:

      Thanks for sharing! That’s a great idea!

    2. Virginia L Oldham says:

      Thank You for sharing

      1. Britnee Augusto says:

        5 stars
        These no bake cookies are one of my kids favorites snacks! This momma loves them because they are easy to make, and most of all absolutely delicious!

  20. Melissa Mathew says:

    5 stars
    Fantastic recipe! You can make it any time since you probably have all of these ingredients on hand. It doesn’t take very long, either. Depending on how big your heaping tablespoons are, you can maybe get more than 24 cookies. Or you can make 24 big ones and eat whatever is left in the pot, which is what we did haha.

    1. LilLunaTeam says:

      I’m so glad you liked this recipe as much as we do! Thanks so much for trying it out!

  21. Cathy James says:

    Sounds delicious

    1. Lil'Luna Team says:

      Yes, it’s a great cookie! Hopefully you enjoy!

  22. edith seelhoff says:

    ive had these before arnt they called haystacks when i had these they used potato shoe strings or those chinese noodles

    1. Robin C. says:

      5 stars
      No these are not at all like Haystacks. Look up the Haystack Recipe on Pinterest, and you’ll see the huge difference! Both are delicious, and both are very different!!
      Enjoy!!
      Robin

  23. Adele Mortensen says:

    5 stars
    These are our favorite no bake cookies! My daughter loves to make them on her own for a quick sweet treat after dinner! So yummy!

  24. BrieAnn Schmidt says:

    5 stars
    These no bakes are so yummy!! These cookies are the only reason I have cocoa powder in my house. My kids gobble these cookies up so fast, but they are so easy and quick to make. Getting the oats the right consistency is the hardest part, so you just have to watch closely.

  25. Danelle Straw says:

    5 stars
    Yum!!

  26. Amy P says:

    5 stars
    These are our absolute favorite each year. My daughters are already begging for them.

  27. Donald Thornburg says:

    5 stars
    Those sound really good , id like to know if i can SUBSTITUTE rice krispies instead of the oatmeal , ( because of ALLERGIES ) ? I have used rice Krispies as a SUBSTITUTE in my baking .

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      I am sure that would work! I have not personally tried, but it would give it a nice crunch!

  28. Cynthia says:

    5 stars
    These are wonderful. I live in arizona. So really nice to not have to turn on oven. I used 1/2 regular creamy peanut butter and 1/2 BNutty flavored peanut butter. They are fabulous! Gave some to a neighbor and they loved them too.

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      I know what you mean about not turning the oven on! Glad you like these! Thank you!

  29. sammy Jo Reeder says:

    I like every thing but a bit too sweet–I will use less sugar next time!!! And want to try Crunchy Peanut Butter!!!

  30. Elizabeth R Warren says:

    5 stars
    I always loved these when growing up, and still buy them at any bake sale when available. I wonder though, could the mixture be poured into a square pan (lined with waxed paper or buttered), chilled, then cut into squares?

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      I bet they could, though I personally have not tried.

  31. Janet says:

    THEse did not set! Im not sure what i did

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      Oh, darn! I’m sorry! I wish I knew what happened. Did you change anything with the recipe?

  32. Linny says:

    Can you uSe cocon milk For a health aLternative?

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      You sure could 😉 Enjoy!

  33. JEANNE Anderson says:

    5 stars
    I love those cookies….you did a good job explaining how to make them. They are my favorite!!!.

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      Thank you so much for saying that!! I am so glad you like them 🙂

  34. HeathEr Gonzalez says:

    Could you make theSe with rolled oats or old fashion oats instead of quick oats?

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      I personally have not used those, but I am sure it would be fine 😉

  35. Shelly says:

    5 stars
    Awesome recipe! Made them up in no time. Kids will wake up to fresh homemade cookies (Not a baker, here!) These turned out great. Thank you for your recipe and I may try some more of your recipes!

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      I sure hope you do! Thank you for trying them! I hope your kids like them!

  36. Bobbi says:

    5 stars
    I used almonD butter instead of peanut butter. Had to stir it really well because of the oil, so cookies were still slightly thinner, but they taste delicious!!! I also used dark cocoa powder, and maybe 1/4 cup of brown sugar and 1 & 3/4 cup of the white, mainly becauSe i didn’t have enough white. Haha. However, theSe turned out great!!!!!

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      Glad they turned out!! Thank you for sharing what you did 🙂

    2. Melissa Mathew says:

      I was curious whether you could make this with brown sugar rather than white. Thanks for sharing that it turned out great! I will try it with brown sugar next time!

  37. lenny face says:

    5 stars
    LOok so amazing!

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      Thank you!! They are the best! Hope you try them!

  38. happy wheels says:

    5 stars
    These no bake cookies were delish! Can’t wait to make them again!

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      Glad you like them! My family loves them, too! Thank you for letting me know!

  39. Geneva Mott says:

    5 stars
    Love these!

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      Glad you do!! Thank you for stopping by!

  40. Misty says:

    5 stars
    I grew up on these and loved them as a kid and GUESS WHAT? NOTHING has changed- i still LOVE them TODAY as a grown up!!

  41. Karen Moore says:

    Can you use any peanut butter? I have whole foods peanut butter. Pure peanut butter, so It’s rather soft at room temp. Will it work? Thank you.

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      I think it should be ok 🙂 It all melts together, so it will be fine.

  42. Kristi says:

    5 stars
    I COULDN’T find my Recipe box so i used this version. It was really goOd. My kids ate them up before i could blink!

  43. Olivia says:

    5 stars
    These are the next best thing to chocolate chip cookies. I love these cookies and there so easy to make.

  44. Julie says:

    5 stars
    these didn’t last long in my house! My girls devoured them.

  45. Beth Pierce says:

    5 stars
    I love quick and easy desserts and the fact that this is a no-bake recipe, is even better! Can’t wait to try them out!

  46. Ashley F says:

    5 stars
    This is such a classic recipe! One that we will make again and again!

  47. Emily says:

    5 stars
    No-bake cookies are like crack cocaine to me–I can’t ever resist! This is one of my favorite recipes!

  48. Echo says:

    5 stars
    These no bake cookies were delish! Can’t wait to make them again!

  49. Joy says:

    5 stars
    My hubby requests these all the time! They are his absolute favorite. I love making them for him, when he isn’t expecting them. They are super easy to make!

  50. ROsemary says:

    3 stars
    Could i use peanut butter powder in place of coco powder??

  51. Rahul Kumar says:

    5 stars
    Our favorite no bake cookie recipe!

  52. Jennifer Lifford says:

    5 stars
    These look delicious! Great for the kids to make on their own too since I don’t have to worry about the oven. lol!

  53. Jennifer Lifford says:

    5 stars
    These look delicious! And I love no bake cookies – especially when I’m making them with the kids!

  54. Amy Huntley says:

    5 stars
    These are some of my favorite cookies! Very similar to ones my mom used to make!

  55. Becca says:

    5 stars
    Our favorite no bake cookie recipe!

  56. Kara Cook says:

    5 stars
    These are the best! My new daughter in law can’t have gluten, so we make these when she comes over. She loves them as much as we do!

  57. Linda says:

    5 stars
    I make these in a 9 x 13 pan and cut into squares like a bar cookie. Yummy!

    1. Lil' Luna says:

      Ooooh – never tried that! Will have to do that next time. Thanks for the tip!!

  58. Amanda says:

    I love these cookies! They always remind me of childhood.

    1. Lil' Luna says:

      Same, Amanda!! I hope you enjoy the recipe. 🙂

  59. Amy@theidearoom says:

    These look amazing!