Easy to make, and so delicious to share, these no bake cookies are ready to go in less than 20 minutes! Great for parties, gatherings, or as a hostess gift!
When you need a quick and easy dessert that will wow your friends and family, these no bake cookies are perfect! There’s no heating an oven, so they are great for hot summer days. So simple to do, they make a great project for kids to help with in the kitchen!
Do I need to use peanut butter in these no bake cookies?
If you are allergic to peanuts, or need to have a peanut free no bake cookie, there are several options you can do. You can easily swap the peanut butter for a more allergy free option like:
- almond butter
- cashew butter
- sun butter
What oats should I use in this recipe?
I like to use the old fashioned rolled oats in my no bake cookies. However, you can also use the quick oats if you want. They will look slightly different, but have the same flavor. If you really want to get creative, try the flavored oats. But, be sure to cut back on the amount of added sugar overall.
No Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies
Can I make these no bake cookies dairy free?
Yes, you can substitute almond or coconut milk, and you can also use coconut oil instead of butter. The no bake cookies will melt very easily, so you will want to keep them in the refrigerator or freezer and serve cold. These no bake cookies may also take a bit longer to set up, and will require being chilled for them to harden.
Can I try a different sugar?
Absolutely! I have used coconut sugar, and even erythritol (sugar substitute that doesn’t affect blood sugar). Use them 1:1 as a replacement. Brown sugar can also be substituted, but you will want to cut the amount back to 1 1/2 cups. Brown sugar will also give a deeper flavor to the no bake cookies.
Let’s grab our oats, peanut butter, and get to work not baking!
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 Tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 3 cups oats
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Mix the first 4 ingredients in a medium sauce pan.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then remove from heat.
- Stir in peanut butter.
- Add in oats and vanilla and stir well to combine.
- Drop by tablespoon full onto a sheet of waxed paper and allow to cool completely.
What is your favorite dessert? Will you try these no bake cookies? Be sure to pin this for later and let me know what you think!

Chocolate Oatmeal No Bake Cookies
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 Tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 3 cups oats
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Mix the first 4 ingredients in a medium sauce pan.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then remove from heat.
- Stir in peanut butter.
- Add in oats and vanilla and stir well to combine.
- Drop by tablespoon full onto a sheet of waxed paper and allow to cool completely.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
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Wholesome Organic Cane Sugar, Fair Trade, Non GMO, 10 LB, single unit
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Smucker's Natural Creamy Peanut Butter, 26 Ounce (Pack of 6)
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Organic Cocoa Powder (2 pounds) by Anthony's, Batch Tested and Verified Gluten-Free & Non-GMO
-
Beyond Gourmet 42 Unbleached Non-Stick Parchment Paper, Made in Sweden, 71-Square-Feet
-
McCormick All Natural Pure Vanilla Extract, Gluten-Free Vanilla
Nutrition Information
Yield 36 Serving Size 1 cookieAmount Per Serving Calories 117Total Fat 5gSaturated Fat 2gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 2gCholesterol 7mgSodium 40mgCarbohydrates 17gFiber 1gSugar 11gProtein 2g
While I do my best to make sure these numbers are accurate, please be your own best advocate and double check!

How awesome is this recipe when you crave cookies, but don’t want to turn the oven on?! Becuase hello, it’s fall and stilll upper 90s in Austin. Will definitely try this week!
My kids will love making these! It is too hot to bake today so no-bake is the way to go!
OMG. Yes. Please. Chocolate-y cookies and I don’t even have to turn on my oven? Loving this!
I love how easy these look! Perfect for late-night cravings!
So nice to have egg-free cookies in our home. Thanks for a fun dessert and snack recipe!
Children will love them so chocolatey and so easy to make!
Delicious cookies that don’t require baking? Sold! Love the chocolate oatmeal combo!
My kids love these! They’re a great holiday cookie. 🙂
These cookies are amazing and so good! Love that they are quick to assemble and don’t require baking!
Love no-bake cookies! You get to eat them so much faster. 😉 And these look to good to wait for.
These look so good, and easy to make too. I love that they are no bake!