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Formed cookies rest on waxed paper placed on the white marble countertop. The cookies appear glossy and are slightly firming, ready to set completely at room temperature.

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!
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
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.
    A medium saucepan on a white marble cooktop bubbles with a mixture of sugar, butter, and milk. A wooden spoon is stirring the ingredients as they begin to boil.

Boil:

  • Bring the mixture to a rapid boil and let it boil for 1 full minute. Stir constantly to prevent scorching.
    The saucepan on the white marble cooktop is at a rapid boil, with the sugar mixture frothing slightly. Steam rises from the pan, and a wooden spoon is nearby for constant stirring.

Add Peanut Butter and Vanilla:

  • Remove the saucepan from heat. Quickly stir in peanut butter and vanilla extract until fully combined and smooth.
    The saucepan has been removed from the heat and rests on the white marble cooktop, as peanut butter and vanilla extract are stirred in. The mixture becomes smooth and glossy, with a spatula blending it to perfection.

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.
    Quick-cooking oats are being stirred into the warm peanut butter mixture in the saucepan on the white marble cooktop. A spatula mixes the ingredients, and the mixture begins to thicken.

Form Cookies:

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

Cool and Set:

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

Serve:

  • Once set, serve and enjoy!