When the craving for something sweet strikes, but the thought of turning on the oven sounds like too much, these no-bake peanut butter cookies come to the rescue.

Packed with rich peanut butter flavor, a hint of sweetness, and just the right amount of crunch, they’re the perfect quick treat to satisfy your snack attack without the fuss. Best part? You don’t even need to bake them.

I first stumbled upon this recipe during a hectic week when I wanted something easy, delicious, and quick to whip up for a small gathering.

It became an instant hit – people couldn’t believe how good something so simple could be. These cookies are a crowd-pleaser and great for any occasion, whether you’re making a batch to share or treating yourself after a long day.

What makes this recipe so special is the combination of smooth peanut butter, oats, and just enough sweetness to hit the spot. With no baking involved, you save time and energy, all while enjoying the indulgence of a homemade treat.

And if you’re looking to take it up a notch, I recommend serving these with a smooth cafe latte or some creamy whipped Greek yogurt for an extra layer of indulgence.

Ready to try it for yourself? Let me know how it goes, and feel free to get creative with your toppings or additions!

Why You Will Be Hooked?

A countertop covered with waxed paper features teaspoonfuls of cookie mixture dropped into neat piles. A spoon and a small bowl of batter are nearby, showing the process of shaping the cookies.

No-Bake Magic: I love that these cookies come together in minutes, and there’s no oven required. Perfect for busy days!
Peanut Butter Bliss: The rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter really shines in these cookies, making each bite indulgent.
Perfect for Customizing: Add chocolate chips, drizzle with honey, or top with sea salt—this recipe is flexible, and I’ve done them all!
Quick and Easy: These cookies fit my lifestyle because they’re quick to make, with minimal cleanup required.
Satisfying Without Overindulging: With just the right balance of sweetness and flavor, these cookies hit the spot without feeling overly indulgent.

No-Bake Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

These no-bake peanut butter cookies are a quick and easy treat, combining creamy peanut butter, oats, and a sweet buttery base. With no oven required, they’re perfect for a simple dessert or snack. Ready in under an hour, these chewy delights are great for any occasion or last-minute cravings!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 10

Total Time 15

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 48

Calories 152 kcal

Equipment

Medium saucepan
Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
Large mixing bowl (optional)
Waxed or parchment paper

Ingredients

3 cups white sugar
3/4 cup butter
3/4 cup milk
1 1/2 cups peanut butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 1/2 cups quick-cooking oats

Instructions

Prepare Workspace:

Line your countertop with waxed or parchment paper for the cookies to cool on.

Cook Base Mixture:

In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, butter, and milk over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the mixture begins to boil.

Boil:

Bring the mixture to a rapid boil and let it boil for 1 full minute. Stir constantly to prevent scorching.

Add Peanut Butter and Vanilla:

Remove the saucepan from heat. Quickly stir in peanut butter and vanilla extract until fully combined and smooth.

Incorporate Oats:

Stir in quick-cooking oats, mixing until the mixture starts to cool slightly and thickens. If the saucepan is too small, transfer everything to a large mixing bowl before adding oats.

Form Cookies:

Drop teaspoonfuls of the batter onto the prepared waxed paper. Shape quickly, as the mixture will harden as it cools.

Cool and Set:

Let the cookies cool at room temperature until firm, about 30-45 minutes.

Serve:

Once set, serve and enjoy!

Nutrition Info:

Nutrition	Value
Calories	152kcal
Carbohydrates	19g
Fibre	3g
Fat	8g
Protein	3g
Sugar	14g

Variations that Are a Must-Try for You!

Here are some expert-level variations for this recipe that add creative twists without sticking to the basics:

1. Chocolate Swirl

Melt 1/4 cup of chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark) and drizzle it over the cookies before they set. Use a toothpick to create a swirl effect for an elegant presentation.

2. Espresso Kick

Dissolve 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder in the milk during the cooking step for a subtle coffee flavor that pairs beautifully with peanut butter.

3. Nutty Medley

Replace 1/2 cup of oats with a mix of chopped nuts like almonds, pecans, or hazelnuts for added crunch and depth of flavor.

4. Coconut Craze

Stir in 1/2 cup of shredded, unsweetened coconut along with the oats. Toast the coconut beforehand for an even more intense flavor.

5. Sea Salt Sprinkle

Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of each cookie right after shaping for a perfect sweet-salty balance.

6. Zesty Citrus Twist

Mix 1 teaspoon of orange or lemon zest into the peanut butter and vanilla step. The bright citrus notes will elevate the flavor.

7. Maple Infusion

Replace half of the sugar with pure maple syrup for a rich, caramel-like taste. You might need to reduce the milk slightly to maintain the right consistency.

8. Crispy Base

Stir in 1/2 cup of crushed rice cereal or cornflakes to give the cookies an unexpected crunch.

9. Spiced Up

Add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the base mixture for a warm or slightly spicy twist.

10. Jam Surprise

Before the cookies are set, make a small indentation in the center of each cookie and add a dollop of jam (like raspberry or strawberry) for a peanut butter and jelly vibe.