No Bake Cookie Recipe: Quick, Easy & Customizable

Craving a delicious treat without turning on the oven? This no bake cookie recipe delivers rich, chocolatey flavor in under 20 minutes using simple pantry staples. It’s perfect for busy days, kids in the kitchen, or when you just want a cozy snack faster than cookies can bake.

No Bake Cookie Recipe

A quick and easy no-bake cookie recipe made with oats, cocoa, and peanut butter. Ready in under 20 minutes, with endless customization options for different flavors and textures.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 24

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 150

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• ½ cup unsalted Butter (or coconut oil) For a dairy-free option, use coconut oil.
• 2 cups Granulated sugar Or use 1½ cups sugar + ⅓ cup maple syrup for healthier option.
• ½ cup Milk Can be any milk including dairy-free alternatives.
• ¼ cup Unsweetened cocoa powder Add 1 tsp espresso powder for deeper chocolate flavor.
• ½ cup Peanut butter or almond butter Use almond butter for a lighter twist.
• 1 tsp Vanilla extract
• 3 cups Quick oats Don't use old-fashioned oats for best texture.
• Pinch Salt
• ½ cup Shredded coconut Optional for an oatmeal-style cookie.
• Optional Chopped nuts or chocolate chips Optional for added crunch or chocolate chunks.

Equipment

• 1 Medium saucepan 1For melting the butter, sugar, milk, and cocoa together.
• 1 Spoon or Spatula For stirring the ingredients in the saucepan and mixing in the oats.
• 2 Baking sheets or pans To drop the cookie mixture onto and let it cool and set.
• 1-2 Parchment or wax paper To line the baking sheets, preventing sticking and for easy cleanup.

Method

 

1. Line two baking sheets with parchment or wax paper.
2. Combine butter (or oil), sugar, milk, cocoa, and salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a rolling boil and let it boil for 1 full minute, stirring constantly.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the peanut butter (or almond butter) and vanilla extract until smooth and fully combined.
4. Mix in oats and any optional add-ins like shredded coconut, espresso powder, or chopped nuts/chocolate chips.
5. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the parchment-lined sheets.
6. Let the cookies rest at room temperature for 30-40 minutes, or in the fridge for 15-20 minutes, until set.

Notes

• Customizing: You can add coconut, espresso, or nuts to fit your preferences.
• Troubleshooting: If the cookies don’t set, ensure the mixture is boiled for exactly 1 minute. If overcooked, they can become dry.
• Storage: Store at room temperature for up to 5 days in an airtight container. In the fridge, they last up to 10 days, and they can be frozen for up to 2 months (thaw for 10 minutes before eating).

Why You’ll Love This No-Bake Cookies Recipe

• Oven-Free & Fast: Ready in less than 20 minutes.
  
• Simple Pantry Ingredients: Butter (or coconut oil), oats, cocoa, and peanut butter.
  
• Kid-Friendly: Great for little helpers or beginner bakers.
  
• Naturally Gluten-Free: Just use certified oats.
  
• Fully Customizable: Try coconut, espresso, or healthier add-ins below.

Variations for No Bake Cookie Recipe

• No-Bake Oatmeal Cookies: Use coconut oil, add shredded coconut, and skip sugar-for-chocolate swaps.
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies: Add 1 tsp espresso powder and use extra cocoa for deeper flavor.
• Healthy Version: Swap ½ butter for coconut oil, use 1½ cups sugar + ⅓ cup maple syrup, and choose almond butter instead of peanut butter.

Storage tips for No Bake Cookie Recipe

• Room Temp: Airtight container, up to 5 days.
  
• Refrigerator: Lasts up to 10 days.
  
• Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months (thaw 10 mins before eating).

Serving Suggestions (No Bake Cookie Recipe)

• Classic with cold milk or hot cocoa.
• Crumble over vanilla ice cream for an easy sundae.
• Perfect in lunchboxes or as a mess-free road trip snack.
• Include them on a holiday cookie platter with fudge and peanut butter balls.

Nutritional Info (Per Cookie Makes ~24)

Conclusion

This no bake cookie recipe proves that delicious treats don’t require an oven. In just minutes, you’ll have fudgy, satisfying cookies perfect for busy days, snacks, or anytime you need a quick chocolate fix. Plus, the recipe is flexible: oat lovers, health-conscious folks, or chocoholics can easily customize it to suit their taste.

If you loved this no bake cookie recipe, bookmark this page and share it with friends or family who love quick, oven-free treats. Try it today and discover how easy and delicious homemade cookies can be.

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