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Slightly chewy, peanut buttery, oaty, chocolatey perfection – no bake chocolate cookies are the easiest way to a BIG yum.

A single no bake cookie on a piece of parchment on top of a pile of other cookies.

You will love this easy recipe for Chocolate No Bake Cookies!

Here’s the deal, I made these every single sunday with my dad when I was growing up so I am the chocolate no bake cookie MASTER! This qualifies me to give you all the secret tips that will make these the best no bake cookies recipe on the internet. 


My biggest tip? Don’t let the mixture boil for too long. Overboiling will make your cookies dry and that is not the taste we’re going for! You want to boil it for 1 minute from when it just begins to boil. Next, let the mixture set up just slightly before scooping out your chocolate oatmeal cookies so they stay nice and tall  / don’t go too flat. Because when these cookies go flat, they look a little less…appealing. 

Two chocolate no bake cookies stacked on top of each other. The top one has a bite taken out of it.

Ingredients for No Bake Cookies

  • Sugar
  • Cocoa powder 
  • Milk
  • Salted butter – I always use salted butter, but you can use unsalted if preferred. 
  • Peanut butter – Don’t go with natural peanut butter, it’s much better with the regular stuff. 
  • Vanilla
  • Quick oats – You can actually use either quick oats or rolled oats. Rolled oats will give you a chewier, oat texture if you decide to go that route.
A single chocolate no bake oatmeal cookie on the counter.

How to make No Bake Cookies

  1. Combine the sugar, cocoa powder, milk and butter in a saucepan over medium high heat.
  2. Bring to a boil. Boil for 1 minute and then remove from heat.
  3. Stir in the peanut butter and vanilla until completely combined.
  4. Stir in the quick oats. Let it sit for a minute or two until it has thickened a little bit.
  5. Once thickened, scoop the cookies onto parchment or wax paper.
  6. Cool completely before serving.

How to store No Bake Cookies

Let your cookies cool completely and then store in an airtight container on the counter for 3-5 days.

How long do no bake cookies last?

I guarantee these cookies will stay fresh longer than they last. They’re addictive and delicious in their own right, they’ll be gone before you know it! But in case you have more self-control than I do, these cookies will last up to 5 days.

Can you freeze no bake cookies?

Yes, you can! Once cooled and shaped, place in a freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months.

A single no bake cookie on a pile of no bake cookies.

FAQs for Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies

Are No Bake Cookies gluten free?

If you use certified gluten free oats, you can easily make these chocolate no bake cookies gluten free.

Can you use old fashioned oats in No Bake Cookies?

Yes, you can! I typically use quick oats, but old fashioned oats will work just as well.

Why are my No Bake Cookies sticky?

You probably didn’t let them sit long enough! Make sure they’re completely cooled and they will hold together swimmingly.

How long does it take for No Bake Cookies to harden?

If you just let your no bake chocolate oatmeal cookies to harden, it can take up to 30 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, you can pop the pan in the fridge to help speed up the process.

Why are my No Bake Cookies dry?

If your cookies have turned out dry, it’s likely because you boiled them for too long! Only boil your cookies for 1 minute after it begins to boil and your cookies will stay nice and moist.

How long to boil No Bake Cookies?

Only ONE minute. Seriously, just boil these for 1 minute.

A single no bake cookie on a piece of parchment on top of a pile of other cookies. Across the bottom it says "no bake oatmeal cookies".
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5 from 2 votes

Oatmeal Chocolate No Bake Cookie Recipe

Slightly chewy, peanut buttery, oaty, chocolatey perfection – no bake chocolate cookies are the easiest way to a BIG yum.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies

Ingredients 

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

Instructions 

  • Combine the sugar, cocoa powder, milk and butter in a sauce pan over medium high heat.
  • Bring to a boil. Boil for 1 minute and then remove from heat.
  • Stir in the peanut butter and vanilla until completely combined.
  • Stir in the quick oats. Let it sit for a minute or two until it has thickened a little bit. 
  • Once thickened, scoop the cookies onto parchment or wax paper.
  • Cool completely before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 145kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 6mg | Sodium: 41mg | Potassium: 81mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 67IU | Calcium: 14mg | Iron: 1mg
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About Karli Bitner

This blog is a little glimpse into my kitchen, family & life. I hope you’ll giggle the days away with me and enjoy the craziness that goes on at my house. If you are Cookie obsessed like I am, check out my Sister Site, Cookies for Days.

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