Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you love the combination of chocolate and peanut butter, this recipe is for you. These no-bake cookies are quick to make and require only a few simple ingredients. The best part? You don’t need to worry about baking times or heating up the oven. The cookies come together in just 10 minutes of prep and are ready to enjoy in about an hour!
Ingredients
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3 cups quick-cooking oats
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¼ teaspoon salt
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½ cup butter
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2 cups sugar
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½ cup milk
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¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
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1 cup creamy peanut butter
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
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Stir in the sugar, milk, and cocoa powder, and bring the mixture to a boil.
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Allow the mixture to boil for 1-2 minutes, then remove from heat.
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Stir in the peanut butter and vanilla extract until smooth.
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Add the oats and salt, mixing until everything is well combined.
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Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
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Let the cookies cool and harden for about 1 hour at room temperature.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 30 cookies
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 10 minutes
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Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Variations
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Nut-Free: Substitute sunflower seed butter for peanut butter to make this recipe nut-free.
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Almond Butter: Swap peanut butter with almond butter for a different twist on this classic.
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Add-Ins: Stir in chocolate chips, coconut flakes, or chopped nuts for extra texture.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
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Freezing: These cookies freeze well. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
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Reheating: No need to reheat—these cookies are perfect right out of the fridge or at room temperature.
FAQs
Can I use old-fashioned oats instead of quick oats?
Quick oats work best for these cookies because they absorb the liquid more easily, but you can use old-fashioned oats if that’s what you have on hand. The texture might be slightly different.
Can I substitute the peanut butter with another nut butter?
Yes, you can use almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter for a different flavor.
How long does it take for the cookies to set?
The cookies will typically take about 1 hour to cool and set at room temperature.
Can I use sugar substitutes in this recipe?
You can experiment with sugar substitutes like Stevia or Monk Fruit, but it may affect the taste and texture of the cookies.
Do I need to refrigerate these cookies?
No, these cookies do not require refrigeration. They store well at room temperature in an airtight container.
Can I add chocolate chips to the mixture?
Yes! Feel free to mix in chocolate chips for added chocolatey goodness.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
Yes, to make these cookies vegan, substitute the butter with dairy-free butter and the milk with a non-dairy alternative like almond milk.
How do I make these cookies less sweet?
You can reduce the sugar slightly, but keep in mind that it may affect the texture and consistency.
Can I make a bigger batch?
Yes, simply double the ingredients to make more cookies. Just make sure you have enough space to drop spoonfuls onto your baking sheet.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, these cookies are great for making ahead. They store well for up to a week and freeze well for several months.
Conclusion
These Chocolate Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies are a quick, easy, and delicious treat that everyone will love. With their rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter flavor, they’re the perfect dessert for any occasion. Plus, you don’t need to turn on the oven! Whether you’re in a rush or just craving something sweet, these cookies are a must-try.

Chocolate Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies
- Author: Amy
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies
- Category: Dessert, No-Bake Cookies
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Chocolate Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies are the ultimate easy dessert, combining rich chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and chewy oats. No oven required! Ready in just about an hour, these cookies are perfect for any occasion—whether you’re craving a sweet treat or need a quick snack. With simple ingredients and minimal effort, they’re a must-try for anyone who loves the chocolate-peanut butter combination.
Ingredients
3 cups quick-cooking oats
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup butter
2 cups sugar
½ cup milk
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup creamy peanut butter
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
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In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
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Stir in the sugar, milk, and cocoa powder, then bring to a boil.
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Let the mixture boil for 1-2 minutes, then remove from heat.
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Stir in the peanut butter and vanilla extract until smooth.
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Add the oats and salt, mixing until everything is well combined.
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Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
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Let the cookies cool and harden for about 1 hour at room temperature.
Notes
If you prefer nut-free cookies, substitute sunflower seed butter for peanut butter.
Almond butter can be swapped for peanut butter to change up the flavor.
For added texture, consider stirring in chocolate chips, coconut flakes, or chopped nuts.
These cookies store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.