No Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Cookies

Today’s post was written by Merritt, from It’s Better with Butter. Merritt is a food blogger that focuses on easy and approachable recipes. Her blog focuses on delivering delicious recipes that are diverse and easy to make. Merritt is passionate about trying and eating all cuisines and flavors, which is showcased in her recipes that she publishes!

If there is one dessert that reminds me of my mom, it is no-bake peanut butter chocolate cookies. My mom would make these for every sporting event and often just for fun to enjoy at home. No-bake cookies are a great dessert that are fun for the whole family and are an easy way to make dessert with your kids! 

My mom would always use cooking and baking as a way to spend time with us. It was a great activity that was hands on, helped teach us skills, and definitely helped foster my love of food. I carried this on with me as I started to nanny. Easy baking projects were a great way to get kids off of screens and do something that is fun and tasty! If you want more screen time alternatives, check out this blog post all about activities that do not involve screens!

These no-bake peanut butter chocolate cookies are made with very few ingredients, are gluten free, and are full of rolled oats! They are a delicious, and easy dessert, that might be a new family favorite. If you make these cookies and want other dessert ideas, check out other desserts here! I enjoy making these for get togethers with friends. They are a perfect dessert to make in the morning and let cool! The best part is there is no oven required so I do not have to wait for any pre-heating!

What are No-Bake Cookies Made Of?

Rolled Oats: Rolled oats help hold the cookies together and give the cookies a lot of substance and flavor. Since these cookies have no flour, it is important to get rolled oats and not quick oats. Quick oats will make for a more crumbly cookie. 

Granulated Sugar: Sugar helps sweeten the cookies and will harden when cooled, helping them hold together at room temperature.

Cocoa Powder: Cocoa powder adds the chocolate flavor for this recipe! You can use dark cocoa powder for an extra strong chocolate flavor. 

Unsalted Butter: Butter is the oil source for these cookies with the peanut butter. Unsalted butter is best since salted butter can become quite strong when melted. If you only have salted butter, skip adding the salt.

Evaporated Milk: Evaporated milk does not have added sugar and is slightly thicker than regular milk. Evaporated milk adds moisture, fat, and flavor to these cookies! Be sure to buy evaporated milk and not condensed milk! Condensed milk is sweetened and very thick and will make your cookies too sweet!

Chunky Peanut Butter: No-stir peanut butter will help hold your cookies together and add the peanut butter flavor. I like using chunky peanut butter so that you get little peanuts throughout the cookies. You can use smooth peanut butter too but be sure to use no-stir peanut butter so that your cookies harden!

Vanilla Extract: Vanilla adds a little boost of flavor to these cookies! You can try using almond extract too if you want to try a new flavor.

Salt: Salt helps balance all the sweet flavors.

Can I use Different Nut Butters?

Yes! You can sub out your favorite nut butters in this recipe. Hazelnut butter, almond butter, and cashew butter are all great flavors that remove the peanuts from this recipe. Just be sure to get nut-butters that are no-stir or you may find that your cookies are soft and require refrigeration.

Do I Have To Keep These Cookies In the Fridge?

No! These cookies are countertop stable and will remain hardened at room temperature. The granulated sugar in these cookies helps them remain hard at room temperature. Though not necessary, you can keep these cookies in the fridge for a cool treat that goes great with tea or milk! No-bake desserts are great either kept on the counter top or in the refrigerator since they are so easy to make. If you want to check out my other favorite no-bake dessert check out my Chocolate Raspberry Nanaimo Bars!

Can I Make These Cookies Dairy Free?

To make these cookies dairy free, you can use coconut milk instead of evaporated milk. I recommend using full fat coconut milk so that it is as close to the texture and consistency of evaporated milk. You can also use coconut cream and dilute it a bit with water. If you prefer dairy free desserts, my Berry Salad with Whipped Coconut Cream is a super kid-friendly dessert that is both fun and colorful!

I Do Not Have a Double Boiler, What Can I Use?

A double boiler is not necessary to make these cookies! I often just use a pot of water that I place a glass boil over (see image below). The main point of the double boiler is to remove the sugar from the direct heat so that the sugar does not burn. 

Another method is the microwave method. This method does require a bit of attention but is also very easy. For the microwave method: using a microwave safe bowl, heat the butter, sugar, and cocoa powder in 20-30 second intervals. Stir in between and continue to heat until the mixture is glossy. 

Recipe for No-Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Cookies: 

Yield: 20-25 Cookies

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Assembly Time: 15 minutes

Cool Time: 1 hr

• 2 Cups granulated sugar (400g)
• ½ Cup unsalted butter (113g or 1 stick)
• 3 Tbs cocoa powder (25g)
• ½ Cup evaporated milk (120 ml)
• ½ Cup chunky peanut butter (155g)
• 3 Cups rolled oats (315g)
• ½ tsp salt  (3g)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (5ml)

How To Make No-Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Cookies:

1. Over a double boiler: Add the butter, cocoa powder, and sugar.

2. Stir and let come to a low boil, about 4 minutes. Continue to stir until the mixture is glossy and smooth, about 3 more minutes.

3. Remove the heat and add the peanut butter, salt, and vanilla. Stir to combine. If the peanut butter is too thick, you can put the bowl back over the heat to help loosen the peanut butter.

4. Add the oats and stir to combine.

5. Spoon the cookie mixture onto parchment paper in small 1 inch balls.

6. Allow to cool and harden, about 1 hour.

7. Enjoy!

How To Store No-Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Cookies:

These cookies can be stored in a ziploc baggie or air tight container on your counter for about 1 week, if they last that long! Another great option is to freeze them and enjoy them over a couple of months. They can be heated in the microwave or left on the counter to defrost. You can pair them with an extra drizzle of peanut butter or a small scoop of ice cream!