Treat yourself to a delicious snack with these easy chocolate oatmeal no-bake cookies! Perfect for when you're short on time and craving something sweet.
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These simple cookies are a delicious, gooey treat that requires no baking! They're an easy dessert that can be ready to eat within minutes.
With just a few simple ingredients like cocoa powder, oats, and peanut butter, these no-bake cookies will surely become an instant favorite! Try out this recipe for your next sweet tooth craving.
Ingredients
These cookies are made with these simple ingredients:
- Old fashioned oats
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Creamy peanut butter
- Sugar
- Butter
- Vanilla extract
- Milk.
The combination of these ingredients creates a deliciously soft texture that is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Instructions
Once you've gathered the ingredients, it's time to prepare the cookies. Just follow these easy step-by-step directions.
Add butter and milk to a saucepan over medium heat.
Dump in sugar.
Whisk in unsweetened cocoa powder. Heat the mixture until the sugar is dissolved.
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add oatmeal.
Dump in the peanut butter.
Add vanilla and stir until well combined.
Drop spoonfuls of the mixture on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
Chill until the cookies have hardened.
Variations
For more texture, you can customize these cookies to fit your preferences by adding mix-ins like chopped nuts, dried fruit, or shredded coconut flakes.
If you're feeling adventurous, try replacing the sugar with your favorite sweetener. Try honey or agave syrup for an extra boost of natural sweetness. A sugar alternative like stevia or monk fruit can work, too. You can also adjust the amount based on how sweet you want your cookies to be!
For a more chocolatey flavor, leave out the peanut butter and replace it with more cocoa powder. Using Dutch-processed cocoa will produce a more intense chocolaty taste and deep color. Or, replace the creamy peanut butter with a chocolate hazelnut spread.
No matter how you customize them, chocolate oatmeal no-bake cookies are always delicious. If you prefer more traditional cookies, try my vegan gluten-free oatmeal cookies.
Tips
Here are some tips to ensure your no bake oatmeal cookies come out perfect every time.
- Measure the ingredients accurately. When measuring ingredients like cocoa powder and oatmeal, use a spoon to gently scoop into the cup, leveling it off with a knife or finger.
- Adjust the butter. If your cookies are too soft, increase the butter or add more peanut butter.
- Use a cookie scoop. For perfectly round cookies, portion out the mixture onto parchment paper-lined baking sheets with a cookie scoop.
- Press down on each cookie mound with your fingertips to flatten them slightly.
- Let chill for at least 20 minutes.
Serving suggestions
There are many different ways to serve and enjoy no-bake cookies.
Enjoy them as-is to enjoy the cookie's rich, chocolaty flavor and texture without any added flavors or toppings. You can also top them with a scoop of ice cream for a decadent dessert.
Another great way to serve these cookies is in a parfait glass. Layer chopped-up cookies with yogurt, fresh fruit, and whipped cream for an indulgent treat that's sure to be a hit! You can also use them as an ice cream topping or break them up over ice cream for an extra crunchy texture.
These cookies are also perfect for holiday platters. Mix them with lemon ricotta cookies and Christmas pinwheel cookies for a delicious assortment.
Storage
No bake cookies are a delicious treat that can be stored easily. The best way to store them is in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will keep them fresh for up to two weeks.
If you want to freeze your cookies, you can also do that. Place them in a freezer-safe container and store them for up to three months. When ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.
FAQ
No-bake cookies typically need to chill in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes. This is important because chilling helps the ingredients of the cookie firm up and hold their shape.
A common issue is an incorrect ratio of liquid and dry ingredients. For example, too much butter or milk in relation to the other ingredients can prevent the cookies from setting correctly.
They are made with a few basic ingredients, such as sugar, butter, milk, and cocoa powder, that are melted together. Once the mixture has cooled slightly, it is spooned onto a lined sheet pan and chilled to set.
Related Recipes
Want a few more sweet snack recipes that won't make too much? Check out these delicious treats.
- Eggless peanut butter cookies are easy to make and perfect for snacking.
- Cookie and cream dessert is made quick with just two ingredients.
- Edible cookie dough recipe for one is perfect for a single-serve indulgence.
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest to see more recipes.
Recipe
Chocolate Oatmeal No-Bake Cookies
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- ⅔ cup oats
- 3 tablespoons peanut butter
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ⅓ cup sugar
Instructions
- Line a small baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Add the butter, milk, cocoa powder, and sugar to a saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk to combine and heat the mixture until the sugar has dissolved.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat, and stir in the vanilla, peanut butter and oats until well combined.
- Drop spoonfuls of the mixture on the parchment-lined baking sheet, and chill until the cookies have hardened.
Notes
- Measure the ingredients accurately. When measuring ingredients like cocoa powder and oatmeal, use a spoon to gently scoop into the cup, leveling it off with a knife or finger.
- Adjust the butter. If your cookies are too soft, increase the butter or add more peanut butter.
- Use a cookie scoop. For perfectly round cookies, portion out the mixture onto parchment paper-lined baking sheets with a cookie scoop.
- Press down on each cookie mound with your fingertips to flatten them slightly.
- Let chill for at least 20 minutes.
Liz
These cookies were so good and I loved not having to heat up the oven! Will make again!
Sarita
So good! Make this with almond milk instead of dairy and it was delicious. Oh and I tripled the recipe for my large family, lol!
Kris
So easy and SO tasty! We made them for movie night and they were a real hit!
JD Alewine
I'm a sucker for a no bake recipe, and this one hits the spot. It's so tasty!
Shelby
Ohh, I loved the time save of not having to bake anything! And they came out absolutely perfect, best treat all day!
Nancy
My mom made these "haystack" cookies since I was a kid, only she didn't put peanut butter in them...so yummy.
Laura
This recipe doesn’t list the amounts of the ingredients. Fail.
Lisa MarcAurele
You need to scroll down to the recipe card or click to "Jump To Recipe" at the top of the post.
Pam
I want to make this recipe today but I did not see an estmated number of cookies that it makes. Thank you
Lisa MarcAurele
I got 6 cookies.