Say hello to mouthwatering chocolate peanut butter No Bake Cookies! This leveled-up version of the classic recipe is a huge favorite in my household, but I’ll share how to make the original as well. 🍪

sideview of stack of five no bake cookies ready to serve

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Why You Will Love These No Bake Cookies

This recipe is a delicious twist on the classic recipe, resulting in a chewier cookie with more staying power. And thanks to the extra oats, you can tell yourself these cookies are practically a health food. 😉 (If you’re looking for the classic recipe, don’t worry—I’m providing that too!)
These cookies are a must-have for holidays, gatherings, or simply just because! Whether you’re whipping these up for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or treating yourself on a random Wednesday, these flavorful cookies never disappoint. And by the way, don’t let anyone tell you “cookie season” is only during the holidays! Cookie season is whenever your heart—and taste buds—say it is. 🍪

Ingredients Needed for This No Bake Cookie Recipe

Ingredient quantities for this easy no bake cookie recipe are located in the recipe card at the end of the post.

Milk
Butter
Granulated sugar
Cocoa powder (preferably Dutch process cocoa powder for a richer chocolate flavor and color)
Quick oats
Vanilla extract
Peanut butter

How to Make No Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies (Quick Overview)

The section below just outlines a few quick tips. The full process in detail is located in the recipe card at the end of the post.

These cookies are a total breeze to make! Let’s get started.

To Make the Classic Recipe

I hope you try (and love!) my version of these cookies, but if you would prefer to make the classic recipe, make these changes:

Reduce the oats to 3 cups from 4 cups
Boil the cocoa-sugar mixture for 60 seconds
These will set up in about 30 minutes outside of the fridge

Start by combining milk, butter, sugar, cocoa powder, and salt in a pan. Heat on high, stirring occasionally.

overhead view of small saucer pot with melted butter, chocolate and sugar mixture

Once the mixture reaches a rolling boil, turn off the heat and add the oats, peanut butter, and vanilla extract.

(Note: I transferred everything to a separate bowl for photo purposes, but you can combine everything in the original pan.)

overhead view of glass mixing bowl with chocolate mixture combined with peanut butter mixture ready to be combined

Stir until well combined.

overhead view of combined chocolate and peanut butter mixtures in a glass mixing bowl with spatula

Once the dough is no longer hot to the touch, form into cookies of your desired shape and size. I like to place them on a cookie sheet covered with parchment paper for easier removal.

They can be formed into a traditional cookie shape (like shown in the first photo above) or into more of an “organic” shape, as shown in the photo below.

overhead view of formed no bake chocolate peanut butter oatmeal cookies

Chill for one hour to set them up, then serve and enjoy!

These cookies will have a different texture than the classic recipe—they’re supposed to! They’re denser, chewier, and a touch crumbly (especially before they’re chilled), but absolutely delicious. They always go FAST whenever I serve them!

Store no-bake cookies in an airtight container either in or out of the fridge for up to a week.

More Cookie Recipes

Want to make more cookies? You’re in luck—I have plenty of recipes!

Throwing a party? Whip up these easy peanut butter cookies and watch them disappear! Quick, delicious, and perfect for any gathering.
Craving crowd-pleasers? You can’t go wrong with classic chocolate chip cookies, or go big with decadent double chocolate cookies!
Searching for a Thanksgiving hit or a Halloween favorite? These scrumptious pumpkin bars with cream cheese are always a crowd favorite.
For a heavenly pumpkin-chocolate blend, bake some pumpkin chocolate chip cookies. They’re a flavor match made in heaven!
If you’re in the mood for a peanut butter treat with a chocolate twist, try these classic pb blossoms topped with a Hershey’s Kiss for a delightful surprise.

sideview of two stacks of four tan peanut butter cookies and one cookie in foregroud with fork mark pattern standing upright, all on brown sheetpan — **PB Cookies**

stack of 5 tasty homemade soft chocolate chip cookies on countertop — **PB Cookies**

overhead view of no bake cookies stacked evenly ready to serve

More Easy Holiday Desserts

If you’re looking for more low-stress holiday desserts other than cookies, check out these recipes:

Indulge in this easy no bake peanut butter pie, the epitome of what filling and fabulous dessert recipes are all about!
Dazzle your guests with a Thanksgiving menu that wows! Create this mouthwatering pecan nut pie and watch it steal the spotlight.
Satisfy your pumpkin spice cravings with this extraordinary pumpkin cheesecake, perfect for embracing those fall vibes. And if holiday coffee is your thing, don’t miss out on this pumpkin pie latte!
Get festive with a classic dessert recipe like the ever-tasty pumpkin pie.
Looking to start a new holiday tradition? This simple yet delightful pumpkin fluff recipe is perfect as a dip, spread, or even a standalone dessert!
And don’t forget to whip up this irresistible brownie cheesecake fluff—a surefire crowd-pleaser.

sideview of no bake peanut butter pie using cool whip topped with chopped reese's cups and whipped cream and one bite taken out — **Peanut Butter Pie**

overhead view of half of baked pecan nut pie in a clear pie dish on a white countertop — **Peanut Butter Pie**

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No Bake Cookies

Say hello to mouthwatering chocolate peanut butter No Bake Cookies! This leveled-up version of the classic recipe is a huge favorite in my household, but I'll share how to make the original as well.

Servings to 36

Course Dessert

Cuisine American, Western

Keyword easy

Prep Time 20

Ingredients

1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup (1 stick) salted butter
2 cups granulated sugar
1/4 cup cocoa powder (preferably Dutch process)
4 cups quick oats
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup peanut butter

Instructions

Add milk, butter, sugar, cocoa powder, and salt to a pan. Turn heat to high, stirring occasionally.
Once the mixture has reached a rolling boil, turn off the heat.
Add oats, vanilla extract, and peanut butter, and carefully stir with a spatula until well combined.
After the dough is no longer hot to the touch, shape it into cookies of your desired size and shape.
Chill the cookies in the fridge for at least one hour to firm them up, then serve and enjoy!

Notes

This recipe variation is a family favorite that I hope you love too! But if you’d prefer to make the classic recipe, make these changes:

Use 3 cups of oats instead of 4 cups
At Step 2, boil the mixture for 60 seconds
These will set up in about 30 minutes outside of the fridge

Nutrition Disclaimer

Nutrition Estimates are per serving and included as a courtesy only. They are accurate to the best of our knowledge based on the ingredients and brands used, but their accuracy is not guaranteed.