These classic no bake chocolate oatmeal cookies are a simple and delicious way to enjoy a delicious sweet treat without turning on the oven. It is made with simple pantry ingredients and yields a delicious cookie that everyone will love. Plus because we are using quick cooking oats, these little sweet treats also have a good amount of fiber!
Since you are here check out these chewy chocolate chunk oatmeal cookies, these old-fashioned oats cookies with chocolate chips, rice krispy cookies, and these white chocolate blondies!
This is the best no bake chocolate oatmeal cookies ever.
If you have never tried no-bake cookies, then you are missing out. These have a perfect texture, they are soft and chewy thanks to the oats plus they require such a short amount of prep time making them the perfect cookie to make for the holidays, to take to summer BBQs, or just as a late night sweet treat.
This easy cookie recipe is perfect to enjoy with a tall glass of milk, coffee, or even a nice hot tea in the wintertime.
Why do you need to make this recipe!
- No oven required – perfect for hot days!
- Only 10 minutes of prep
- Budget-friendly ingredients
- Great for all ages
- Customizable – add nuts, dried fruit, or chocolate chips!
- Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or late-night treats
- Freezer-friendly and make-ahead approved
Ingredients for this classic chocolate no bake cookie recipe!
Here are the ingredients you will need to make this oatmeal cookie. Make sure to scroll down to the recipe card for the full detailed ingredient measurements.
- Butter- It uses unsalted butter for this recipe but salted would work just as well.
- Peanut butter- you will need to use smooth and creamy peanut butter for the best results.
- Granulated Sugar & Brown Sugar- Used to sweeten
- Whole Milk- Dairy or plant-based if making vegan.
- Cocoa powder – Make sure to use high quality unsweetened cocoa powder because this will affect the flavor a lot!
- Peanut butter- We are using smooth peanut butter for this recipe because it mixes well with the rest of the ingredients.
- Vanilla extract- Enhances flavor.
- Salt – Balances the sweetness.
- Quick oats – For chew and structure.
Recipe variation
- Swap peanut butter with almond or cashew butter
- Use crunchy peanut butter for added texture
- Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top for a sweet-salty bite
- Stir in shredded coconut or chopped dried fruit
- Add mini chocolate chips or white chocolate drizzle
How to make these no-bake chocolate oatmeal cookies recipe
This is how you can make Make sure to scroll down to the recipe card for the full detailed instructions!
- Start by lining a large baking pan with wax paper or parchment paper and set aside.
- Place the butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, milk, and ½ cup cocoa powder in a medium saucepan over medium high heat.
- Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Once the mixture is at a full rolling boil, boil for one whole minute.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the peanut butter,1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and salt.
- Once the mixture is well combined add in the cups of oats and stir to coat.
- Using a medium cookie scoop (about 2 tablespoons), scoop out the cookie mixture and plop it onto the prepared baking sheets making sure to leave some space between each one to spread out a little.
- Allow the cookies to sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes or until they are fully set and enjoy!
Expert Tips for Perfect No Bake Cookies
- Stick with quick oats, they give the cookies the best texture. Old-fashioned oats can make them fall apart.
- Be careful not to overboil the mixture! If it cooks too long, the cookies can turn out dry and crumbly.
- Let them cool completely before moving or stacking, or they might lose their shape.
- Want bite-sized treats? Use a spoon or small cookie scoop to drop teaspoonfuls of the cookie dough. It makes portioning super easy and perfect for snacking!
- In a hurry? Pop them in the fridge for 10–15 minutes to help them set faster.
Frequently asked questions – FAQ
Storage Tips For Your No-Bake Cookies
- Room temp: Keep them in an airtight container and they’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days at room temperature.
- Fridge: They’ll last about a week in the fridge when stored in an airtight container, just let them sit out for a bit before serving so they’re not too firm.
- Freezer: Want to stash some for later? Layer them with parchment paper in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.
Can I use old-fashioned oats instead of quick oats?
They can work in a pinch, but the texture will be rougher and they may not hold together as well.
Why didn’t my cookies set?
You may not have boiled the mixture long enough. Make sure to let it reach a full rolling boil and time 1 full minute.
Can I make these classic no bake chocolate oatmeal cookies vegan?
Yes! Swap dairy milk for almond, soy, or oat milk, and ensure your sugar is vegan-friendly.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
All you have to do is use gluten-free oats. The rest of the ingredients are fine.
No bake chocolate oatmeal cookies
No Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 & ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3 cups quick-cooking oats
Instructions
- Start by lining a large baking pan with wax paper or parchment paper and set aside.
- Place the butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, milk, and unsweetened cocoa powder in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Once the mixture is at a full rolling boil, boil for one minute.1 & ½ cups granulated sugar, ½ cup brown sugar, ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, ½ cup unsalted butter, ½ cup milk
- Remove from the heat and stir in the peanut butter, vanilla, and salt. Once the mixture is well combined add in the cups of oats and stir to coat.½ cup creamy peanut butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, ¼ teaspoon salt, 3 cups quick-cooking oats
- Using a medium cookie scoop(2 tbsp), scoop out the cookie mixture and plop it onto the prepared baking sheets making sure to leave some space between each one to spread out a little.
- Allow the cookies to sit at room temperature or in the fridge for 20-30 minutes or until they are fully set and enjoy!
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