Appetizer & Dessert

Easy No Bake Cookies Recipe – Recipes From Chef

Name: Easy No Bake Cookies Recipe – Recipes From Chef
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 13 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 cup whole milk; 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup; 1/2 cup salted butter; 1 tsp pure vanilla extract; 2/3 cup smooth peanut butter; 1 3/4 cups white sugar; 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips; 3 cups quick oats

Rosa Crumley March 21, 2025

Servings: 8 Total Time: 13 mins Difficulty: Intermediate

Jump To Recipe Print Recipe

Before diving into the recipe, let’s talk about what pairs perfectly with these delectable treats.

Milk: A classic choice. Swirl your cookie in a glass of cold milk for an indulgent experience. The milk cuts through the richness, balancing flavors.

Ice Cream: Crush some cookies on top of a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a delightful sundae twist. The crunch combined with the creaminess is heavenly.

Fruit: Add some fresh berries on the side. Their tartness and juiciness provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cookies.

Now that you have some mouthwatering pairings, let’s dive into the delightful world of easy no-bake cookies!

What Are Easy No-Bake Cookies?

Easy no-bake cookies are a delightful dessert made without the need for an oven. These treats typically combine oats, cocoa powder, peanut butter, and sugar, resulting in a tasty, no-fuss recipe that everyone can enjoy.

It’s a classic go-to when cravings strike, and it’s incredibly versatile.

These cookies are loved for their simple preparation and fulfilling flavor. You can customize them with additional ingredients or substitutes, making them a perfect fit for various dietary needs or taste preferences.

Why This Recipe Works?

1. Quick and Simple

This recipe requires minimal preparation time. No need to worry about precise measurements or complicated baking techniques. Simply gather your ingredients, mix them up, and let the cookies set. Within minutes, you’ll have delicious treats ready to indulge in.

2. Versatile Ingredients

The ingredients are pantry staples. You likely have cocoa powder, oats, sugar, peanut butter, and a few others just sitting in your kitchen. This means you can whip up these cookies whenever a sweet craving hits, without a last-minute grocery run.

3. Customizable

Everyone has unique tastes. You can adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences. Want to swap the peanut butter for almond butter? Go for it! Adore coconut? Toss in some shredded coconut! The possibilities are endless, and you can just have fun with it.

4. No Baking Required

No oven, no problem. This recipe is perfect for hot days or when you’re short on time. You can create these cookies without heating up the kitchen, making them ideal for all seasons.

Ingredients You’ll Need To Make This Dish

To make these easy no-bake cookies, you will need:

1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup whole milk
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
1/2 cup salted butter
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
2/3 cup smooth peanut butter
1 3/4 cups white sugar
1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
3 cups quick oats

How To Make These Easy No-Bake Cookies?

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Choose a clean surface and gather all your ingredients. You’ll also need a medium saucepan, a mixing bowl, and some parchment paper for setting your cookies.

Step 2: Cook the Mixture

In a medium saucepan, combine the butter, sugar, cocoa powder, milk, and honey (or maple syrup). Stir it all together over medium heat until it comes to a rolling boil. Bring it to a boil and let it bubble for about one minute. This will help the sugar fully dissolve and blend with the butter and cocoa.

Step 3: Remove From Heat

Take the saucepan off the heat after a minute. This step is crucial as you don’t want to cook the mixture for too long, or it may harden too much once cooled.

Step 4: Stir in Peanut Butter and Vanilla

Add the smooth peanut butter and pure vanilla extract to the heated mixture. Stir until everything is well combined and smooth.

Step 5: Incorporate Oats and Chocolate Chips

In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats and mini chocolate chips. Pour the warm chocolate mixture over the oats and chips. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated.

Step 6: Form the Cookies

Using a tablespoon or a small ice cream scoop, drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a sheet of parchment paper. Leave space between each mound, as they may spread slightly.

Step 7: Let Them Set

Allow the cookies to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, feel free to pop them in the fridge to speed up the setting process.

Tips & Tricks

Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet cookie, reduce the amount of sugar. Start with 1 1/2 cups and adjust to taste.
Use Natural Nut Butters: They provide a healthier twist. Look for options without added sugars or oils.
Experiment with Add-ins: Consider adding nuts, dried fruits, or chia seeds for an extra boost of nutrition.
Monitor Boiling Time: Perfecting your boiling time (one minute) is key to achieving the right texture. Don’t overcook!
Storage Options: These cookies can be frozen for up to three months. Just stack them in a freezer-safe bag and enjoy later!

How Do You Store The Leftovers?

To store your no-bake cookies, follow these simple steps:

Cool Completely: Ensure the cookies are completely set before storing.
Use Airtight Containers: Place them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
Storage: Store at room temperature for up to a week. You can also refrigerate them for a firmer texture.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Thaw as needed.

What Sides Would Complement Easy No-Bake Cookies?

1. Fresh Fruit

Fresh fruit pairs beautifully with these cookies. The sweetness of strawberries or raspberries offers a nice balance to the rich chocolate flavor. Moreover, the tangy notes in citrus fruits like mandarin oranges provide a refreshing contrast.

2. Yogurt Parfaits

Layering these cookies with yogurt and granola will create a delightful parfait. The combination of creamy yogurt, crunchy granola, and chocolate cookies creates both texture and flavor that’s hard to resist.

3. Vegetable Sticks

Sounds odd but hear me out! Carrot or celery sticks with a side of peanut butter offer a savory note that balances the sweetness of the cookies. It’s a fun and unexpected way to add some crunch to your treat time.

What Alternatives Can You Use for the Ingredients?

1. Nut Butter

If peanut butter isn’t your jam, feel free to use almond butter or sunflower seed butter. Both provide a different flavor profile while still satisfying that nutty craving.

2. Sweeteners

Replace honey with agave syrup or date syrup if you’re aiming for a vegan option. These natural sweeteners will keep the cookie’s texture intact.

3. Cocoa Powder

In a pinch, you can substitute cocoa powder with carob powder for a unique twist. It’s a caffeine-free option that adds sweetness and depth.

4. Oats

Don’t have quick oats? Rolled oats will work just fine, but you may need to adjust the setting time as they might require a bit longer to soften.

Conclusion

Easy no-bake cookies are a delightful treat that brings joy into our kitchens and hearts. They’re quick to make, require very few ingredients, and can be customized to your taste. Whether you enjoy them with milk, ice cream, or even fresh fruit, they never disappoint.

So, next time you’re looking for a quick dessert that’s as easy as pie (or should I say cookie?), remember this recipe.

Dive in, have fun, and most importantly, enjoy every bite. This is the kind of treat that can make any day a little sweeter!

You’ll also like the following recipes!

Print Recipe

Easy No Bake Cookies Recipe – Recipes From Chef

Author: Rosa Crumley Cuisine: American Courses: Appetizer & Dessert

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 5 mins Cook Time 8 mins Total Time 13 mins

Servings: 8 Calories: 215 kcal

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

I remember the first time I made no-bake cookies. It was a hot summer day, and I didn’t want to heat up the kitchen. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, I whipped together a batch of these cookies.

As they set in the fridge, that delicious aroma of chocolate and peanut butter wafted through the air. Soon after, family and friends were gathered around, savoring the sweet, chewy treats. It was a moment of pure joy, and that’s exactly what I want to share with you.

Ingredients

¹⁄₃ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
¹⁄₂ cup whole milk
¹⁄₄ cup honey or maple syrup
¹⁄₂ cup salted butter
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
²⁄₃ cup smooth peanut butter
1 ³⁄₄ cups white sugar
¹⁄₄ cup mini chocolate chips
3 cups quick oats