Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies

close up overhead shot of a bunch of Cookies stacked on top of each other

A batch of these classic peanut butter no-bake cookies takes just a few minutes to make and come out decadent and rich.

Table of Contents

Peanut Butter No Bake Cookie Recipe Ingredients
Substitutions And Additions
How To Make This Peanut Butter No Bake Cookie Recipe
How to Serve No Bake PB Cookies
No Bake Peanut Butter Cookies Storage
Why We Love This Recipe
Frequently Asked Questions
More You’ll Love
JUMP TO RECIPE

We love these old-fashioned peanut butter no-bake cookies. Rich, creamy peanut butter is mixed with a handful of simple ingredients before being combined with crunchy oatmeal for a quick and delicious cookie.

close up shot of a bunch of Cookies stacked on top of each other

peanut butter no-bake cookies raw ingredients that are labeled

These peanut butter no-bake cookies are a delectable blend of nutty and sweet flavors.

The peanut butter takes center stage, offering a rich, savory-sweet taste, while oats provide a satisfying, chewy texture.

Together, these ingredients create a quick, easy, and irresistible treat that’s perfect for peanut butter enthusiasts.

You’ll need:

3 cups of quick-cooking oats
¼ teaspoon of salt
½ cup of butter
2 cups of sugar
½ cup of milk
1 cup of peanut butter
2 teaspoons of vanilla extract

Substitutions And Additions

PEANUT BUTTER: I don’t recommend using creamy natural peanut butter for no-bake cookies.

It can be a slightly different consistency and can make your cookies too runny.

BUTTER: I would suggest using unsalted butter or, if you use salted butter, omit the dash of salt from the recipe.

OATS: I also suggest using quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats because they provide a better consistency for the cookies.

If you only have old-fashioned oats, you can pulse them quickly in a food processor to make them a little smaller before getting started — your cookies will turn out much better!

NUT BUTTER: You could also substitute peanut butter in this recipe for another type of nut butter, such as almond butter or cashew butter, if you would prefer.

Some people add a scoop of Nutella as well for a chocolate peanut butter version.

ADD-INS: You could add mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, or candy such as Reese’s Pieces or M&M’s. Or press a Hershey’s kiss on the top.

TOPPING: Drizzle these cookies with a little bit of chocolate or white chocolate, if you like.

Let’s walk through the step-by-step instructions for making these irresistible no-bake cookies.

STEP ONE: In a small saucepan, over medium-high heat, whisk together butter, sugar, and milk.

Bring the mixture to a boil for about a minute and then remove from the heat.

OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS

It’s important to start the 60 seconds once you’ve reached a rolling boil, not when you see the first few bubbles. If you start counting too soon, your cookies may not set properly.

If your cookies are too hard, you might have boiled your sugar mixture too long or at too high of a heat.

If your cookies are too gooey, you might not have boiled your sugar mixture long enough.

butter, sugar, and milk being melted and whisked together in a saucepan

STEP TWO: Whisk in the peanut butter and vanilla until well combined.

peanut butter and vanilla added to the butter mixture and whisked together to combine

STEP THREE: In a large bowl, stir together the quick-cooking oats and salt.

STEP FOUR: Pour the peanut butter mixture over the oats and stir until combined.

peanut butter mixture being poured over the oats

STEP FIVE: Line a baking sheet with wax paper or parchment paper. Drop the mixture onto the wax paper using a medium cookie scoop.

scoops of cookie dough dropped onto a parchment paper lined pan

STEP SIX: Let the cookies cool on the counter and then store them in the refrigerator once the cookies are cool and dry.

PRO TIP:

It’s very important you let them cool on the counter before putting them in the fridge or they will become gooey.

How to Serve No Bake PB Cookies

Enjoy these tasty cookies with a glass of cold milk or whipped hot chocolate for the perfect treat.

These would be a welcome treat for an after-school snack as well, along with a Wendy’s Frosty or Oreo milkshake.

They would also be a great choice for giving as a gift during the holidays.

For more no-bake recipe ideas, try our no-bake peanut butter bars and peanut butter balls.

MORE PEANUT BUTTER RECIPES

Breakfast Breads

Peanut Butter Quick Bread

Dessert Bars

Peanut Butter Brownies

No Bake Peanut Butter Cookies Storage

Whether you want to make them ahead of time or save some for later, we’ve got you covered.

MAKE AHEAD: Once you’ve let them cool and they’ve set, place the cookies in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag.

Store them at room temperature for up to a week.

They maintain their chewy texture and fantastic flavor, making them an ideal treat to prepare in advance for gatherings or quick snacking.

IN THE FRIDGE: Store your peanut butter cookies in the fridge so they don’t get too gooey.

IN THE FREEZER: You can freeze no-bake peanut butter cookies. Just make sure they’re stored in an airtight container so they don’t get freezer burn.

If you’re prepping for the holidays, you can make this no-bake cookie recipe ahead of time and just store them in the freezer until the day you want to serve them.

close up shot of Cookies stacked on top of each other

Why We Love This Recipe

QUICK AND EASY: This recipe comes together in a matter of minutes without any need for baking. It’s perfect for when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

PEANUT BUTTER HEAVEN: The star ingredient, peanut butter, adds a rich and nutty flavor that’s adored by many. It’s a peanut butter lover’s dream come true.

MINIMAL INGREDIENTS: With just a handful of pantry staples, you can whip up a batch of these cookies anytime. You likely already have most of these ingredients on hand.

These peanut butter no-bake cookies are such a classic — and so easy to make. You’ll love the moist, chewy texture and rich peanut butter flavor. A batch of cookies takes just a few minutes to make, and the hardest part is waiting for them to set so you can eat!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use crunchy peanut butter for this recipe?

This great cookie works best with creamy peanut butter and you will get plenty of added crunch with the oats.

Can you use old-fashioned oats instead of quick oats in no-bake cookies?

We don’t recommend using old-fashioned oats as a substitute for this recipe as they won’t soften up as nicely and will change the texture of the cookies. If you only have old-fashioned oats on hand, you can pulse them in the food processor to make them smaller and use them in a pinch.

What causes no bake cookies to not set up?

The cookies won’t set if you have not boiled your mixture long enough. You will end up with a gooey mixture that won’t form properly.

Can you freeze peanut butter no bakes?

You can freeze these peanut butter no-bake cookies for up to two months stored in an airtight container.

Can you make no bake cookies when it’s raining?

Some people believe that since the atmosphere changes when it is raining, your no-bake cookies won’t set. We don’t have experience with this phenomenon. It is more likely that your cookies don’t set due to the length of time you have boiled the mixture.

How do you fix gooey no bake cookies?

To fix gooey no-bake cookies, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and heat them in the oven for 1-2 minutes at 325°F.

Can you mail no-bake cookies?

You can send cookies in the mail. Just make sure they are well-wrapped and cushioned in a container before shipping. To make sure they are well protected, it is recommended to wrap each cookie individually with plastic wrap.

Are peanut butter no-bake cookies gluten-free?

These no-bake cookies are gluten-free since they don’t contain any flour.

More You’ll Love

4.84 from 6 votes

A batch of these classic peanut butter no-bake cookies takes just a few minutes to make and come out decadent and rich.

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 1 20

Servings

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Ingredients

3 cups quick-cook oats
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup butter
2 cups sugar
½ cup milk
1 cup peanut butter
2 teaspoons vanilla

Instructions

In a large bowl, stir together oats and salt. Set aside.
In a small saucepan, over medium-high heat, whisk together butter, sugar, and milk.
Bring the mixture to a boil for about a minute and then remove from heat.
Whisk in peanut butter and vanilla until well combined.
Pour the peanut butter mixture over oats and stir until combined.
Line a baking sheet with wax paper. Drop tge cookies onto the wax paper using a medium cookie scoop.
Let the cookies cool on the countertop. Store in the refrigerator once cookies are cool and dry.

Video

Notes

It’s important to start the 60 seconds once you’ve reached a rolling boil, not when you see the first few bubbles. If you start counting too soon, your cookies may not set properly.
If your cookies are too hard, you might have boiled your sugar mixture too long or at too high of a heat.
If your cookies are too gooey, you might not have boiled your sugar mixture long enough.
It’s VERY important you let them cool on the counter before putting them in the fridge or they will become gooey.

Nutrition

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Proudly Prepared by the Spaceships Kitchen

This recipe was developed, tested, cooked and photographed by the Spaceships Kitchen. From our dinner table to yours, we hope you think it's out of this world!

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