But of course, these gems have more to offer than just exceptional flavor. They are a super easy recipe to make, using only a few simple ingredients, and are ready in a snap! With just a few steps and no waiting for the oven to preheat, they’re a fantastic recipe to make the next time the occasion calls for any cookie recipes, but especially if you’re low on time or energy. If you’re looking for more no bake desserts, then check out my Oreo balls recipe, no-bake cheesecake recipe, and chocolate bon bons recipe.

What You Need to Make This Recipe

Cocoa Powder – natural, unsweetened cocoa powder is best for this no bake recipe. For a variation, you can substitute dark chocolate cocoa powder for the original, but otherwise a classic storebought box of cocoa powder will do the trick. Quick Oats – choose quick-cooking oats over old-fashioned oats as quick-cooking oats are rolled extra thin and par-cooked before drying, meaning that they need minimal heat or cooking time to tenderize. If only old-fashioned oats are available to you, they can be used, but the cookies will be more dense and chewy. Creamy Peanut Butter – use a no-stir creamy peanut butter rather than natural peanut butter, as it will help the cookies bind together while providing the classic homestyle flavor to the cookies. Milk – for tender and rich no bake cookies, choose whole milk. However, 2% or 1% milk also works in a pinch. You can also use a non-dairy alternative like almond milk or oat milk. Vanilla Extract – for the best flavor, use pure vanilla extract. Not only does it add more flavor to the cookies, it also helps enhance the flavor of the cocoa powder.

How to Make No Bake Cookies

  1. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or wax paper. Add sugar, butter, and cocoa powder to a medium saucepan.
  2. Pour the milk into the saucepan and place it over medium heat.
  3. Stir occasionally until the mixture reaches a boil.
  4. Allow the mixture to boil for exactly 60 seconds without stirring, then remove from the heat. Add the oats, peanut butter, and vanilla.
  5. Stir the cookie mixture well until combined.
  6. Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop 2-tablespoon size heaps of the mixture onto a prepared cookie sheet. Cool the cookies for 20-30 minutes, or until set.

Pro Tips for Making This Recipe

Boil the chocolate and sugar mixture for exactly one minute. This will ensure that the mixture cooks up to the perfect consistency, allowing it to set. Additionally, be sure not to stir the chocolate mixture while it boils. Scoop the cookies quickly. The cookie batter will start to stiffen up as it cools, so work quickly as you scoop the cookie dough. For the quickest process and uniformity, I recommend using a cookie scoop. Make this no-bake cookies recipe your own. Mix-in toppings add your own flair to the recipe. Stir a teaspoon of instant coffee granules, a handful of roasted peanuts, or a half cup of sweetened dried coconut flakes into the batter with the oatmeal. You can also gently press M&Ms, sprinkles, or chocolate chips onto the top of the cookie mounds before cooling. This is such an easy dessert to jazz up, so have fun with it!

If you’ve tried this No Bake Cookies recipe, then don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know how you got on in the comments below, I love hearing from you!

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