Photo by Jamie Plain
No-bake cookies are famous for being effortless homemade treats. With just a handful of common ingredients and no need for an oven, they are a go-to recipe for busy kitchens and sweet cravings alike. These basic cookies have earned their place as a beloved staple in many households, thanks to their quick preparation and irresistible combination of chocolate, peanut butter, and oats. Make sure to save this recipe as your “go-to” for a quick and easy way indulge in a sweet treat.
Ingredients:
›› 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
›› 2 cups granulated sugar
›› 1/2 cup milk (whole milk works best)
›› 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
›› 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
›› 3 cups quick oats (not old-fashioned oats)
›› 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
›› Pinch of salt (optional)
Instructions:
›› Prepare: Line a baking sheet or tray with parchment paper or wax paper.
›› Melt Butter: In a medium to large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
›› Add Sugar, Milk, Cocoa: Stir in the granulated sugar, milk, and cocoa powder. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Let it boil for about 1 minute, then remove from heat.
›› Add Peanut Butter and Oats: Immediately stir in the peanut butter until melted and well combined. Then add the quick oats, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt if desired. Mix everything together until the oats are fully coated.
›› Form Cookies: Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. You can make them any size you prefer, but aim for about 2-inch diameter cookies.
›› Cool and Set: Let the cookies cool at room temperature until they are set and firm, usually about 20-30 minutes. You can speed up this process by placing them in the refrigerator for faster cooling.
›› Serve: Once set, your no-bake cookies are ready to enjoy! Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.