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Easy Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies

Name: Easy Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups granulated sugar; ½ cup unsalted butter; ½ cup milk; 4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1 cup creamy peanut butter; 3 cups quick-cooking oats

If you’re looking for a quick treat that combines delicious chocolate and creamy peanut butter without the hassle of baking, then these Easy Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies are the perfect solution. They’re the kind of cookies that remind you of simpler times, where you could whip something up in a flash and enjoy every gooey bite. Ideal for busy parents, impromptu gatherings, or simply satisfying that midday sweet craving, these indulgent morsels offer a delightful experience for everyone.

Why Make This Recipe

No baking required, making it a convenient option for any day of the week.
Perfect for novice bakers or busy schedules, with minimal prep and cleanup.
Customized to fit your taste preferences, swappable ingredients make it versatile.

These cookies are special because they balance the rich flavors of chocolate and peanut butter with the hearty texture of oats. And the best part? You can whip them up in under 30 minutes!

Simple Way to Prepare Easy Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies

Making these cookies is not only quick but also a fun activity to do with friends or family. Here’s how you can create your very own Easy Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies from scratch.

Ingredients

2 cups granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter
½ cup milk
4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup creamy peanut butter
3 cups quick-cooking oats

Directions

Combine Wet Mixture Ingredients
In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine 2 cups granulated sugar, ½ cup unsalted butter, ½ cup milk, 4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, and ½ teaspoon salt. Whisk briefly to incorporate the cocoa, then use a spatula or wooden spoon for stirring.
Bring to a Rolling Boil
Place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly and scraping the bottom and sides. Continue stirring until the mixture reaches a full, rolling boil, which is defined by vigorous, continuous bubbles that do not stop when stirred. This process typically takes around 5 to 7 minutes.
Boil for Exactly One Minute
Once the full rolling boil is achieved, immediately set a timer for exactly one minute. Continue stirring constantly during this precise boiling time to ensure proper setting and texture of the cookies.
Remove from Heat & Add Vanilla
As soon as the one-minute timer expires, immediately remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract until it is well incorporated into the hot mixture.
Stir in Peanut Butter
Immediately add 1 cup creamy peanut butter to the hot mixture. Stir vigorously with a spatula or wooden spoon until the peanut butter is completely melted and smoothly incorporated, creating a uniform, glossy chocolate-peanut butter concoction.
Add Quick-Cooking Oats
As soon as the peanut butter is fully blended, immediately add 3 cups quick-cooking oats to the saucepan. Stir quickly and thoroughly to ensure every oat flake is evenly coated with the warm, sticky mixture until it becomes thick, cohesive, and holds its shape.
Prepare for Scooping
Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or wax paper. Have a 1.5-tablespoon cookie scoop or two spoons ready for forming the cookies.
Scoop the Cookies
Working quickly before the mixture sets, scoop 1.5 to 2 tablespoon mounds onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about an inch of space between each. Optionally, gently shape them into desired rounds with the back of a spoon or slightly damp fingers. This recipe typically yields around 30-36 cookies.
Let Cookies Set
Allow the cookies to sit undisturbed at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to an hour, or until completely firm to the touch. For a faster set, refrigerate for about 15-20 minutes. Once firm, gently peel them off the paper and enjoy.

Keeping Easy Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies Fresh

Room Temperature: These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigeration: If you want them to last a bit longer, you can refrigerate them for 4 to 5 days at around 40°F.
Freezing Option: For long-term storage, freeze them for up to 2 months. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid before transferring them to a freezer-safe container to avoid sticking.

Best Ways to Serve Easy Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies

These cookies are delightful on their own, but there are various ways to serve and enjoy them that elevate the experience even further:

With Milk: There’s nothing quite like pairing these cookies with a cold glass of milk. The combination of flavors makes for a nostalgic treat.
Ice Cream Sandwich: Sandwich a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream between two cookies for a decadent dessert.
Decorative Plating: Arrange them on a pretty platter and dust with powdered sugar for a touch of elegance if you’re hosting friends or family.
Dessert Charcuterie Board: Include these cookies on a dessert board with fresh fruit, nuts, and chocolate for a shared indulgence experience.

Tips to Make Easy Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies

Consistency is Key: Make sure you allow the mixture to boil for exactly one minute to ensure that the cookies set properly.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh peanut butter and quality cocoa powder can elevate the flavor of your cookies.
Avoid Overmixing: Once you add the oats, mix just until combined; overmixing can lead to a tougher texture.

Variations or Substitutions

If you want to switch things up, consider these options:

Nut Variations: Substitute creamy peanut butter with almond butter or cashew butter for a different nutty flavor.
Add-Ins: Incorporate additional ingredients such as mini chocolate chips, shredded coconut, or even dried fruits like cranberries for a fun twist.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can make these cookies a day in advance and store them in an airtight container for the best taste.

Q: Why did my cookies turn out too hard?
A: If you boil the mixture for too long, it could dry out the cookies. Always stick to the one-minute rule.

Q: Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
A: Yes, quick oats are ideal for this recipe, but if you only have rolled oats, you can grind them slightly to make them finer.

Q: How do I make these cookies more chocolatey?

Add extra cocoa powder to the wet mixture before boiling.
Top the cooled cookies with melted chocolate for an indulgent finish.

In conclusion, Easy Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies offer a delightful way to satisfy your sweet tooth without the need for an oven. The simplicity of this recipe makes it accessible for all levels of bakers, while the rich flavors never fail to impress. So grab your ingredients, gather your loved ones, and dive into the joy of no-bake baking today!