These peanut butter no bake cookies are a quick and simple treat for the days when you want something sweet but don’t feel like preheating your oven. With just a handful of pantry staples, these cookies come together in minutes!
No-bake cookies were often called “preacher cookies” in the South. These cookies are so easy to make, they’re the kind of thing you could throw together if the preacher made an unexpected call to visit!
These no-bake cookies are an excellent activity if you have little ones who want to help in the kitchen! Let them be a part of the entire process without having to worry about the oven. We think your family will love eating these simple cookies together.
Be sure to use quick oats for this recipe! We love seeing people use old-fashioned, rolled oats everywhere else, but this recipe will only work well with the quick “cheating” variety. This time, the easier road is the right road! In the same vein, make sure you’re using creamy peanut butter – no natural varieties in this recipe.
Ingredient Notes
- Sugar—Granulated sugar
- Butter—Both salted or unsalted will work. Dairy free options will also work.
- Milk—Whole or 2%. You can also use allergy friendly alternatives like almond milk.
- Creamy Peanut Butter—Do not use natural peanut butter–your cookies will be too bitter.
- Vanilla Extract—To help balance the flavor.
- Quick Oats—Not rolled or old fashioned oats. Quick oats work best for this recipe.
What Are No Bake Cookies?
As the name suggests, these cookies don’t require any baking. No bake cookies originate from the south where they are sometimes called “preacher cookies”. When preachers would make home visits, these cookies were an easy treat for families to whip up last minute. Heating the ingredients before adding the oats helps create a sort of glue that holds the cookies together as they cool. While these cookies are traditionally made with quick oats, they can also be made with rice krispies or corn flakes.
Equipment You Will Need for Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies
For this recipe, you will need a large pot that can fit on your stove. You will also need measuring cups, a spoon, baking sheets, and parchment paper (to prevent the cookies from sticking to the baking sheets while they cool).
How to Make Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies
- In a large pot, combine the sugar, butter, and milk over medium heat. Stir the ingredients until the butter is completely melted.
- Once the butter is melted, increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Allow the mixture to boil for a moment without stirring it.
- Turn off the heat and remove the pot. Stir in the peanut butter and vanilla.
- Fold in the oats until they are well combined.
- Drop large dollops of the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with wax or parchment paper. Allow the cookies to cool on the counter until they are firm and set.
- Serve and enjoy!
How to Store and Serve No-Bake Cookies
Make sure the cookies have completely cooled to room temperature before serving, to maintain the integrity of the treat. Leftovers can be stored at room temperature for up to a week in an airtight container. You can also store these cookies in the fridge for up to two weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can’t I use natural peanut butter in these cookies?
Natural brands have a less consistent texture–and since these cookies aren’t getting baked, we want to make sure the peanut butter used is smooth and consistent. That is also why we recommend creamy peanut butter over the chunky varieties.
Why do my no-bake cookies turn out gooey?
This usually happens if you don’t allow the mixture to boil long enough. This is a double edged blade, however! Sixty seconds is the perfect amount of time to let your “dough” boil. If you boil it any longer, you risk burning your no-bake cookies mixture.
Why are my no bake cookies dry?
Again, the culprit here is boiling the mixture too long. If you boil no bake cookies mixture too long, the cookies can turn out dry and crumbly.
How can I make my cookies cool quicker?
Air-drying is the best method for setting your no-bake cookies. However, if you’re in a bit of a bind, you can put the baking sheets in the fridge for a few minutes. Be careful not to leave them in very long, or you’ll risk your cookies getting too hard!
Expert Tips and Tricks
- To level up your cookies, try sprinkling sea salt and crushed coconut on top of the cookies while they harden!
- Make sure you know the climate you’re cooking in. 45 minutes is enough time to cool in drier air, but if you’re closer to the coast and experience higher humidity levels, it may take a bit longer.
- These peanut butter no bake cookies can be stored in the freezer for months at a time. While they can be served straight from the freezer, we recommend letting them thaw for about an hour so they are easier to chew.
Amazing Peanut Butter No Bakes
Ingredients
- 1¾ cup Granulated sugar
- ½ cup Unsalted butter 1 stick
- ½ cup Milk
- ¾ cup Peanut butter creamy
- 1 tsp Vanilla
- 3¼ cup Quick oats
Instructions
- In a large pot, combine the sugar, butter, and milk over medium heat. Stir the ingredients until the butter is completely melted.
- Once the butter is melted, increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Allow the mixture to boil for around 60 seconds without stirring it.*
- Turn off the heat and remove the pot. Stir in the peanut butter and vanilla.
- Fold in the oats until they are well combined.
- Drop large dollops of the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with wax or parchment paper. Allow the cookies to cool on the counter until they are firm and set.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
If You Like Our Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies, Try More Peanut Butter Desserts
Peanut Butter Cookies with Snickers
Easy Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake
More Cookie Recipes
No Bake Coconut Pecan Praline Cookies
Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cookies with Oatmeal
White Chocolate Chip and Oatmeal Almond Cookies
Cranberry White Chocolate Cookies
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies with Snickers
No Bake Cranberry Pecan Cookies with Pecans
White Chocolate Oreo Bars with Marshmallows
Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies
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