Classic No-Bake Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies
Rediscover the nostalgia of childhood with these Classic No-Bake Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies! This timeless recipe brings together the delightful flavors of creamy peanut butter and rich cocoa, offering an indulgent treat that requires no baking and minimal effort. The quick-cooking oats provide a chewy texture, making them the perfect snack for kids and adults alike. Whether enjoyed as an after-school treat or a late-night snack, these cookies are sure to please the whole family just as they did 25 years ago.
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Sugar
2 cups (granulated)
Butter
4 tablespoons (melted)
Cocoa Powder
4 tablespoons (unsweetened)
Milk
1/2 cup (whole or your choice)
Quick-Cooking Oats
3 cups (uncooked)
Crunchy Peanut Butter
1/2 cup (smooth or crunchy)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, combine the melted butter, cocoa powder, sugar, and milk.
2
Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring constantly.
3
Once boiling, continue to cook for 3 minutes while stirring, ensuring the sugar is fully dissolved.
4
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the quick-cooking oats and crunchy peanut butter until well combined.
5
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a sheet of wax paper or parchment paper.
6
Let the cookies cool at room temperature until they are set, about 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Classic No-Bake Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies?
These are nostalgic treats that combine creamy peanut butter, cocoa, and quick-cooking oats into a chewy, stovetop cookie that requires no oven time.
How many ingredients are needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 6 main ingredients: sugar, butter, cocoa powder, milk, quick-cooking oats, and peanut butter.
Do I need to bake these cookies?
No, these are no-bake cookies. They are prepared in a saucepan on the stove and set at room temperature.
What type of oats should I use for the best texture?
Quick-cooking oats are used in this recipe to provide the perfect chewy texture.
Can I use smooth peanut butter instead of crunchy?
Yes, you can use either smooth or crunchy peanut butter depending on your preference.
How long should I boil the mixture?
Once the mixture reaches a rolling boil, you should continue to cook it for exactly 3 minutes while stirring.
What kind of milk is recommended?
You can use 1/2 cup of whole milk or any milk of your choice.
How long do the cookies take to cool and set?
The cookies generally take between 30 minutes to 1 hour to fully set at room temperature.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to yield 8 servings.
What type of cocoa powder should be used?
Use 4 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder for the rich chocolate flavor.
What happens if I don't boil the mixture for the full 3 minutes?
If not boiled long enough, the cookies may remain soft or gooey and fail to set properly.
Can I use old-fashioned oats instead of quick oats?
While quick oats are recommended for texture, old-fashioned oats can be used, though the cookies will be significantly chewier.
How much butter is required?
The recipe calls for 4 tablespoons of melted butter.
What is the heat setting for the saucepan?
The mixture should be placed over medium-high heat to reach a rolling boil.
Should I stir the mixture while it boils?
Yes, you should stir constantly during the boiling process to ensure the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture doesn't burn.
When do I add the oats and peanut butter?
Remove the saucepan from the heat first, then stir in the quick-cooking oats and peanut butter.
What should I drop the cookie mixture onto to set?
Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a sheet of wax paper or parchment paper.
Is this recipe considered kid-friendly?
Yes, it is a classic kid-friendly recipe that is popular for after-school treats.
Can these cookies be stored for later?
Yes, once they are set, store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
How much sugar does the recipe call for?
The recipe uses 2 cups of granulated sugar.
What is the best way to portion the cookies?
You can use a standard spoon or a cookie scoop for uniform sizes.
Can I use dairy-free milk?
Yes, the recipe allows for your choice of milk, including dairy-free alternatives like almond or oat milk.
Why are my cookies crumbly?
Cookies can become crumbly if the mixture is boiled for too long, causing the sugar to over-crystallize.
Do I need to grease the parchment paper?
No, the cookies have enough fat content that they will not stick to wax or parchment paper.
How much peanut butter is used?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of crunchy or smooth peanut butter.
Are these cookies suitable for snacks?
Yes, they are perfect as an after-school snack or a late-night treat.
Can I speed up the cooling process?
While they set well at room temperature, you can place them in the refrigerator if you need them to firm up faster.
What is the preparation for the oats?
The oats should be used uncooked directly from the container.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients; just ensure you use a large enough saucepan to handle the volume and maintain a rolling boil.
How much cocoa powder is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 4 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder.