Description
These no-bake peanut butter oatmeal cookies are the perfect quick and easy treat! Made with creamy peanut butter, quick oats, and a rich buttery-sugar mixture, these chewy cookies come together in minutes—no oven required. They’re soft, sweet, and packed with nutty flavor, making them an excellent choice for a last-minute dessert or snack.
Whether you’re looking for a classic recipe, a healthier version, or a nut-free alternative, these cookies are highly customizable. Plus, they’re a great option for kids, busy schedules, and warm-weather days when you don’t want to turn on the oven.
Ingredients
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 3 cups quick-cooking oats
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine the unsalted butter, sugar, and milk. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium heat, stirring frequently. Allow it to boil for about 1 minute.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and immediately stir in the peanut butter, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
- Add the quick-cooking oats to the mixture and stir until well combined.
- Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto wax paper or parchment paper, shaping them into cookie-sized portions.
- Let the cookies cool and set at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or until firm.
Notes
✅ Use Quick Oats for the Best Texture – Quick-cooking oats absorb moisture better than old-fashioned oats, ensuring a chewy, well-formed cookie.
✅ Boil the Sugar Mixture for Exactly 1 Minute – This step is crucial for the cookies to set properly. Under-boiling will make them too soft, while over-boiling can make them crumbly.
✅ Customize to Your Taste – Try adding chocolate chips, shredded coconut, chopped nuts, or a drizzle of melted chocolate for extra flavor.
✅ Make Them Healthier – Swap granulated sugar for honey or maple syrup, and use natural peanut butter for a refined sugar-free version.
✅ Store for Later – Keep them at room temperature for up to 7 days, refrigerate for up to 2 weeks, or freeze for up to 3 months.
These cookies are deliciously simple and endlessly versatile! Enjoy them with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee. ☕🍪