No-Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
Introduction
No-bake chocolate oatmeal cookies are a quick and easy treat that satisfy your sweet tooth without heating up the oven. With a rich chocolate flavor combined with hearty oats and creamy peanut butter, these cookies come together in just minutes and are perfect for a no-fuss dessert.
Ingredients
- 2 cups white sugar
- ½ cup butter or margarine
- ½ cup milk
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 pinch salt
- 3 cups quick cooking oats
- ½ cup peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Step 1: In a saucepan, combine the sugar, butter or margarine, milk, cocoa powder, and salt. Bring the mixture to a full rolling boil and allow it to boil for 2 minutes while stirring occasionally.
- Step 2: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the quick cooking oats, peanut butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Step 3: Working quickly, drop the cookie mixture by teaspoonfuls onto sheets of waxed or parchment paper.
- Step 4: Let the cookies cool at room temperature until they are set and firm, about 20–30 minutes. Enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- Use creamy or crunchy peanut butter depending on your texture preference.
- For a nut-free version, substitute the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or omit it entirely.
- Adding a handful of chopped nuts or shredded coconut can add extra flavor and texture.
- Make sure to boil for the full 2 minutes to ensure the cookies set properly.
Storage
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If your kitchen is warm, refrigeration is recommended to keep them firm. To enjoy, let chilled cookies come to room temperature before serving or microwave a cookie for a few seconds to soften.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use old-fashioned oats instead of quick cooking oats?
Quick cooking oats work best for the right texture and setting of the cookies. Using old-fashioned oats may result in a chewier and less cohesive cookie, but it is possible if you prefer a heartier bite.
Why do the cookies sometimes turn out too soft or crumbly?
If the sugar mixture is not boiled long enough, the cookies may not set properly and can be soft or crumbly. Be sure to boil the mixture for the full 2 minutes and mix well before dropping onto paper.
PrintNo-Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
These No-Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies combine the rich flavors of cocoa and peanut butter with the wholesome texture of quick-cooking oats. Perfect for a quick sweet treat without turning on the oven, these cookies come together easily on the stovetop and set quickly as they cool. With a simple list of pantry staples, you can enjoy a classic, fudgy, and chewy cookie that’s perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups white sugar
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 pinch salt
- 3 cups quick cooking oats
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup butter or margarine
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Gather Ingredients: Collect all the ingredients needed for the recipe so you have everything ready before starting the cooking process.
- Boil Sugar Mixture: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, butter, milk, cocoa powder, and salt. Bring this mixture to a full rolling boil and maintain the boil for 2 minutes to properly dissolve the sugar and blend the flavors.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Quickly stir in the quick-cooking oats, peanut butter, and vanilla extract until evenly mixed and smooth.
- Form Cookies: Working quickly before the mixture cools and hardens, drop spoonfuls of the cookie mixture by teaspoonfuls onto waxed paper or parchment paper, shaping them as desired.
- Cool and Set: Allow the cookies to cool completely at room temperature until they firm up and can be handled easily.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once set, these no-bake cookies are ready to be enjoyed as a delightful snack or dessert.
Notes
- Use quick-cooking oats for the best texture; old-fashioned oats can be used but will slightly change the consistency.
- Work quickly when dropping the cookies as the mixture hardens fast once off the heat.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- For a nut-free option, substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter.
- These cookies do not require refrigeration but will keep longer if refrigerated.
Keywords: No-bake cookies, chocolate oatmeal cookies, easy dessert, quick cookies, peanut butter cookies, stovetop cookies
