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A close-up macro shot of a pile of homemade chocolate peanut butter no-bake cookies, highlighting their lumpy, oatmeal texture.

Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies (The Easiest, Foolproof Recipe!)

The best Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies recipe! These classic, easy-to-make cookies are chewy, fudgy, and ready in minutes. A foolproof guide to getting perfect chocolate, peanut butter, and oatmeal no-bakes that set up every time.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 185

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter cubed
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 3 cups quick-cooking oats not old-fashioned
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Equipment

  • 1 Saucepan
  • 2 Parchment paper sheets
  • 1 Tablespoon

Instructions
 

  1. Line two baking sheets or a large counter space with parchment or wax paper.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine the butter, granulated sugar, whole milk, and cocoa powder.
  3. Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves.
  4. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a full, rolling boil. Once it starts boiling vigorously, set a timer for exactly 60 seconds. Do not stir during this time.
  5. Immediately remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the peanut butter, vanilla extract, and salt until the peanut butter is mostly melted. Add the quick-cooking oats and stir until just combined.
  6. Working quickly, drop heaping tablespoons of the cookie mixture onto the prepared parchment paper. Let the cookies cool at room temperature for at least 30-45 minutes, or until they are completely firm and set.

Notes

Why Quick-Cooking Oats?: They have a finer texture and absorb the liquid mixture more effectively than old-fashioned oats, which can result in dry, chewy cookies that don't quite meld together.
Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Separate layers with wax paper to prevent sticking.
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