chocolate peanut butter no bake cookies

June 7, 2023 by Addison LaBonte Jump To Recipe

These chocolate peanut butter no-bake cookies are so satisfying and easy! The chocolate peanut butter combination is such a classic. These cookies are moist, chewy, chocolaty, and creamy. They are great for any special occasion, holidays, birthdays, and regular rainy days. Both kids and adults enjoy them. This recipe is perfect for days when you do not want to turn the oven on. They are quick, easy and so delicious!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

These chocolate peanut butter no-bake cookies are quick and easy.
They are made without an oven.
This recipe requires only pantry staple ingredients. You probably have all the ingredients in your kitchen already!
The chocolate and peanut butter combination is the best.
They are soft, chewy, and moist.
No need to turn on the oven! These are great all year long.
This recipe can be fun for kids to help out with.
It can be made gluten-free with gluten-free oats.
This recipe is naturally egg free. Make it dairy free with dairy-free milk and dairy-free butter.
Check out these Chocolate Peanut Butter Revel Bars or these Chocolate Cake Pops for another delicious dessert!

Ingredients & Substitutions

These are the main ingredients and substitutions for chocolate peanut butter no-bake cookies. Scroll down to the recipe card for the full ingredients list and instructions.

Granulated sugar sweetens these cookies. Do not use a sugar substitute.

Unsalted butter adds a classic buttery flavor! In addition, it helps thin out the cookie dough. For dairy free, use dairy-free butter sticks.

Use any type of milk! Regular cow’s milk and dairy-free milk work well.

Cocoa powder adds a strong chocolate flavor! Do not replace with chocolate chips or anything else.

Creamy peanut butter adds that classic peanut butter flavor. I much prefer all-natural creamy peanut butter for my recipes, but these cookies set up better with Jif peanut butter. If using an all-natural variety, these cookies will be more moist and take longer to firm up.

A little vanilla extract adds a warm homemade flavor.

Lastly, use quick-cooking oats. These are much better texture-wise. Old-fashioned oats work, but these cookies will be more chewy. For gluten-free, use certified gluten-free oats.

Ingredients for chocolate peanut butter no bake cookies.

What are No Bake Cookies?

No bake cookies are cookies that do not require any baking in the oven! They are typically cooked on the stovetop. Or, no bake cookies can be raw.

Typically, no-bake cookies contain oats, sugar, baking fat, and some flavoring.

After mixing, drop the cookie dough by the spoonful. Then, allow it to set.

No bake cookies tend to be soft and moist. Since they do not bake, they never get crispy or crunchy.

These chocolate peanut butter no bake cookies are soft, gooey, and slightly chewy. They have a strong peanut butter chocolate flavor.

Taste & Texture

These peanut butter chocolate no bake cookies have a strong chocolate peanut butter flavor! They taste exactly as you would expect. The oats add flavor as well. They are not overly sweet.

These cookies are soft, moist, and somewhat chewy. The oats yield a chewy texture. Since they are no bake, they never become crispy.

How to Make

Step 1

In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, butter, milk, and cocoa powder. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir until the mixture comes to a boil.

Step 2

Once the mixture is boiling, let it continue to boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly.

Step 3

Remove the saucepan from heat and immediately add the peanut butter and vanilla extract. Stir until the peanut butter is fully melted and the mixture is well combined.

Step 4

Add the quick-cooking oats to the mixture and stir until all the oats are coated and evenly distributed.

Step 5

Drop by the spoonful onto wax paper or parchment paper. Use a cookie scoop or two spoons to portion out the cookies.

Step 6

Let the cookies cool and set at room temperature for about 20 to 30 minutes until they are firm. Do not place them in the fridge while cooling.

Step 7

Finally, serve once the cookies have cooled and set.

Tips & Tricks for Success

For the best results, follow this recipe as written. Do not make any substitutions.

Choose creamy peanut butter from a brand like Jif. All-natural peanut butter will produce more gooey cookies.

Quick-cooking oats provide a better texture overall than rolled oats.

Allow the mixture to boil for 1 minute. Do not boil longer or shorter.

Allow these chocolate peanut butter oatmeal no bake cookies to fully set. Do not place them in the fridge or freezer to cool down.

Use wax paper or parchment paper. This helps with easy clean-up. The cookies peel right off.

Flavor Variations & Add-Ins

Although these chocolate peanut butter no bake cookies are delicious, there are some ways to switch up the flavors.

Add in some shredded coconut flakes to the mixture. This adds a burst of coconut flavor and added texture.

For some crunch, add in some chopped nuts. Almonds, pecans, peanuts and walnuts work well.

To balance out the sweetness, top with some flaky sea salt.

Try these Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies too!

How to Serve & Store

Serve these peanut butter chocolate no-bake cookies once fully set. This usually takes 20 to 30 minutes.

Serve with a glass of milk, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, or even ice cream!

Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 4 days. If it is summer or warm in your house, store in the fridge. These cookies can become very gooey if warm.

Alternatively, store in the fridge for up to 7 days.

Freeze chocolate peanut butter no bake cookies for 1 month. They can be enjoyed frozen!

For a fun chocolate and strawberry combination, serve with these Strawberry Brownies!

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes no-bake cookies so soft?

No-bake cookies remain soft because they never go in the oven. They are not baked, so they never become crispy.

How long does it take no-bake cookies to harden?

It takes no-bake cookies about 20 to 30 minutes to harden.

Should you put no-bake cookies in the fridge so they harden?

No, do not put no-bake cookies in the refrigerator to firm up. Allow them to fully cool and set at room temperature.

Do no-bake cookies need to be refrigerated?

No-bake cookies do not need to be refrigerated. If you choose, they can be stored in the fridge. These chocolate peanut butter no bake cookies become firmer in the fridge.

What type of oats should I use?

Use quick-cooking oats for the best texture. They work better than rolled oats.

Chocolate peanut butter oatmeal cookies.

Equipment Needed

USA Pan 3 Piece Cookie Sheet Set: These cookie sheets are great for baking cookies. In this case, place the cookies on parchment paper on top of these pans.

Pre-Cut Parchment Paper Sheets: Use parchment paper to prevent sticking. These chocolate peanut butter no bake cookies are gooey!

Pyrex 3 Glass Mixing Bowls: These are great mixing bowls for baking and cooking.

Pyrex Glass Measuring Cups: Measure out the ingredients with these cups.

Cookie Scoop: Use a cookie scoop to scoop out the gooey cookie dough.

You May Also Enjoy

If you enjoy this chocolate peanut butter no-bake cookies recipe, please leave a rating and review! You can find more great recipes on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. Check out these Cookie Recipes or these 10 No Bake Desserts for more sweet treats!