Old Fashion Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal No-Bake Cookies

No need to heat up the oven for these classic Chocolate Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies! They are quick, easy, and a super tasty treat that is one of the first recipes I learned to make when I was a kid.

I made so many batches of no-bake cookies when I was growing up! We always had the ingredients on hand, and they were just so darn simple to whip up that they became my go-to recipe. Especially since I didn’t need my mom to help me get pans into and out of a hot oven.

Truthfully, anything involving peanut butter and chocolate is pretty much a slam-dunk in my book. But it’s the addition of quick oats that completes the trifecta of chocolate, peanut butter, and oatmeal in these classic no-bake cookies.

I am a huge fan of oatmeal cookies in all their delicious varieties. It’s that wonderful chewy texture and oat-y flavor that just speaks to me. If you have the same feelings about oats as I do, then you need to go make these oatmeal rolled sugar cookies and toffee oatmeal chocolate chip cookies soon!

But unlike those options, these chocolate peanut butter no-bake cookies are naturally gluten-free, so long as you make sure you are cooking with gluten-free oats.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves the classic combination of chocolate and peanut butter. It’s incredibly easy to make, requires no baking, and is a great beginner recipe for kids. Plus, these cookies are gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free oats.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Medium saucepan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper

Ingredients

• 2 cups sugar
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 3 cups quick oats
• 1 cup smooth peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon vanilla

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.
2. In a medium saucepan, bring sugar, milk, butter, and cocoa powder to a boil, stirring occasionally. Once the mixture is boiling, let it boil for one full minute, then remove from heat.
3. Add the oatmeal, peanut butter, and vanilla and stir until well combined.
4. Scoop out tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets.
5. Let the cookies rest at room temperature until cool.

Tips for Success

Ensure you let the mixture boil for a full minute before removing it from the heat. This helps the cookies set properly. Also, work quickly once you add the oats and peanut butter, as the mixture will start to firm up as it cools.

Additional Tips or Variations

Try adding a pinch of salt for a little extra flavor. If you prefer a chunkier texture, use chunky peanut butter instead of smooth. For a different twist, consider adding shredded coconut or chopped nuts.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

Each cookie is rich in protein from the peanut butter and full of fiber from the oats. However, they are also high in sugar and should be enjoyed in moderation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can you put no-bake cookies in the fridge to harden?

You shouldn’t need to refrigerate your no-bake cookies to firm up. They will do that on their own within about 20-30 minutes as the oats soak up additional moisture and the chocolate peanut butter mixture cools.

Conclusion

These Old Fashion Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal No-Bake Cookies are a delightful treat that are easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Perfect for a Santa treat or an after-school snack, they’re sure to become a favorite in your household too. Give them a try and let me know how they turn out. I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments below!