There’s something timeless and comforting about a classic no-bake cookie, isn’t there? Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies are one of those delightful treats that require minimal effort, taste incredible, and bring back wonderful memories with each bite. Perfect for when you’re craving a homemade dessert without needing to turn on the oven, this recipe is a keeper for peanut butter lovers and those searching for a chocolate-free option.
Let’s dive into this effortless, creamy, peanut-buttery treat!
Ingredients
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, diced
- 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (118ml) nonfat milk
- ½ cup (133g) creamy peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3 cups (243g) quick cooking oats
How to Make Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies
Step 1: Prepare Your Equipment and Ingredients
Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper. These cookies come together quickly, so it’s crucial to have all your ingredients measured and ready to go before you start cooking!
Step 2: Melt Butter and Combine with Sugar and Milk
In a 3-quart saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the granulated sugar and milk, whisking until smooth. Continue stirring occasionally as you bring the mixture to a boil.
Step 3: Boil for Consistency
Once the mixture reaches a boil, continue boiling for about 1 ½ minutes. Using a candy or instant-read thermometer is ideal here; you’ll want the mixture to reach 230°F for the right consistency. If you don’t have a thermometer, timing for about 1 ½ minutes over medium heat should do the trick.
Step 4: Add Peanut Butter, Salt, Vanilla, and Oats
After removing the saucepan from the heat, stir in the peanut butter, salt, vanilla extract, and quick oats. Mix thoroughly to ensure everything is well combined.
Step 5: Form the Cookies
Using a cookie scoop or two tablespoons, drop balls of the cookie mixture onto the prepared baking sheets. Let them sit at room temperature until they’re set, or pop them in the fridge to speed up the setting time.
Helpful Tips for Perfect No-Bake Cookies
- Prep Ingredients First: This recipe moves quickly once you start cooking, so it’s best to measure everything before turning on the stove.
- Use a Thermometer if Possible: A candy or instant-read thermometer takes the guesswork out of boiling. If you don’t boil the mixture long enough, the cookies won’t set properly.
- Choose the Right Peanut Butter: Opt for regular creamy or crunchy peanut butter, not natural peanut butter, which can affect the texture.
- Speed Up Setting with the Fridge: If you’re in a rush, place the cookies in the fridge for about 20–30 minutes to help them set faster.
Substitutions and Variations
- Peanut Butter Options: Creamy peanut butter works best, but if you prefer a bit of crunch, you can use crunchy peanut butter as long as it’s the regular, non-natural variety.
- Milk Alternatives: If you’re avoiding dairy, try substituting with almond or oat milk.
- Add-Ins: For a fun twist, toss in some chopped nuts, mini M&Ms, or mini chocolate chips for added texture and color.
- Reduced Sugar: You can reduce the sugar slightly if desired, but keep in mind this may affect how the cookies set.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why aren’t my no-bake cookies setting?
If your cookies are too soft or don’t set properly, it’s likely that the sugar mixture didn’t boil long enough. Boiling it to at least 230°F ensures the cookies will set.
Can I use old-fashioned oats instead of quick oats?
Quick oats are ideal for this recipe as they mix in smoothly. Old-fashioned oats may result in a chewier texture, which some may prefer, but they won’t hold together as well.
How do I make these cookies vegan?
Swap the butter for vegan margarine and use a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk to make this recipe vegan-friendly!
Storage Instructions
Store your Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you prefer a firmer texture, keep them in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay fresh for up to two weeks. These cookies also freeze well – just place them in a freezer-safe bag, and they’ll keep for up to three months. Simply thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy them!
Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies are a sweet and nostalgic dessert that’s just as much fun to make as it is to eat. With only a few ingredients and no need for baking, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe whenever you’re short on time but craving a delicious treat. Enjoy!
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Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies Recipe: A Classic Sweet Treat Made Easy!
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies are a delicious, easy treat for peanut butter lovers. With just a few ingredients, no oven needed, and ready in minutes, these cookies are perfect for satisfying sweet cravings fast. Creamy peanut butter, quick oats, and vanilla come together for a chewy, rich cookie that’s a classic favorite!
Ingredients
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, diced
- 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (118ml) nonfat milk
- ½ cup (133g) creamy peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3 cups (243g) quick cooking oats
Instructions
- Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper. Pre-measure all ingredients to ensure smooth preparation.
- In a 3-quart saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add sugar and milk, whisking until smooth.
- Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally, and cook for about 1 ½ minutes, or until mixture reaches 230°F on a candy thermometer.
- Remove from heat and stir in peanut butter, vanilla, salt, and oats until fully combined.
- Drop 2-tablespoon-size balls of the cookie mixture onto prepared sheets. Let sit to set or refrigerate for faster hardening.
Notes
- Regular, non-natural peanut butter works best to achieve a creamy texture.
- Using a candy or instant-read thermometer helps ensure the cookies set properly.
- Add-ins like chopped nuts or mini M&Ms can be mixed in for extra texture and flavor.
- Chill the cookies if you prefer a firmer texture or need them to set faster.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 161 kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Cholesterol: 10mg