These Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies are a nostalgic, chewy treat that come together in minutes—no oven required. Perfect for busy days or hot summer afternoons, these cookies are rich, creamy, and packed with oats for the perfect texture. With just a handful of ingredients and a short prep time, they’re a go-to dessert that satisfies every peanut butter lover’s craving.

Whether you’re whipping these up for a bake sale, after-school snack, or midnight craving, you’ll appreciate how foolproof and fast they are. Plus, they store beautifully and make an ideal make-ahead treat to keep on hand.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you start mixing, make sure you have the right tools ready to make the process smooth and stress-free. Here’s what you’ll need:

Heavy-bottomed saucepan: This is crucial to evenly heat your sugar and peanut butter mixture without burning. It distributes heat better than a thin pan.
Wooden spoon or silicone spatula: Ideal for stirring the mixture thoroughly without scratching your pan.
Measuring cups and spoons: Precision matters with no-bake recipes to get the consistency just right.

Baking sheet with parchment paper: This is where your cookies will cool and set. The parchment keeps them from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Spoon or cookie scoop: Helps portion your cookies evenly, so they all set at the same time.

Having these tools at the ready ensures your cookies come together quickly and cleanly, and the end result is as delicious as it looks.

Ingredients for the Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies

Each ingredient in this recipe brings something essential to the table—from texture to flavor to the perfect no-bake hold.

Old-fashioned rolled oats: These provide the hearty, chewy base and ensure the cookies hold together once set.
Creamy peanut butter: The star ingredient that binds everything together and adds that signature nutty richness.

Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the mixture thicken and set as it cools.
Milk: Helps dissolve the sugar and creates the smooth sauce that blends all the ingredients.
Butter: Adds richness and a silky finish to the cookie base.

Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors and rounds out the sweetness.
Salt (optional): A tiny pinch can balance the sweetness and highlight the peanut flavor.

How To Make the Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies

Step 1: Melt and Mix

In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the butter, sugar, and milk. Stir continuously over medium heat until the mixture reaches a rolling boil. Allow it to boil for 1 minute—this step is key to helping the cookies set properly.

Step 2: Stir in the Flavor

Remove the pan from heat and stir in the peanut butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt if using. Mix until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Add the Oats

Pour in the rolled oats and stir well until the mixture is fully combined and oats are coated.

Step 4: Scoop and Set

Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Flatten slightly with the back of the spoon if you like a more traditional cookie shape.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Let the cookies cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, or until firm. If you’re in a rush, pop the tray in the fridge to speed things up.

How to Serve and Store These Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies

These cookies are as flexible as they are flavorful. Serve them as-is with a cold glass of milk, tuck them into a lunchbox, or crumble them over vanilla ice cream for a dreamy topping. They also make great holiday cookie platter additions or quick after-dinner bites.

To store, place them in an airtight container with parchment between layers to prevent sticking. They last up to 1 week at room temperature or up to 2 weeks when refrigerated. Want to make them last even longer? Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Just thaw for a few minutes at room temp before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do no bake cookies take to set?

Usually about 30 minutes at room temperature. If you want to speed it up, chill them in the fridge for 15-20 minutes.

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

You can, but the texture will be a bit softer. Rolled oats provide that ideal chewy bite.

What if my cookies don’t set properly?

It could be that the mixture didn’t boil long enough. Make sure it reaches a rolling boil for at least 1 minute to help them firm up.

Can I use chunky peanut butter?

Yes, for added crunch! Just make sure it melts in smoothly with the other ingredients.

Are these gluten-free?

If you use certified gluten-free oats, then yes—this recipe can be totally gluten-free.

Can I add chocolate?

Absolutely! A handful of mini chocolate chips stirred in at the end or drizzled on top can be delicious.

If you love these Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies, here are more irresistible cookie recipes from Life With Olivia you’ll want to try next:

• Brownie Mix Cookies for a rich, chocolatey delight in minutes.
• Whipped Shortbread Cookies for a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth treat.
• Lemon Churro Cookies if you’re craving a citrusy, spiced twist.
• Tiramisu Cupcakes for a layered cookie-cake hybrid with bold coffee flavor.
• Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes when you want cookies with a creamy swirl.

And if you want even more easy, creative cookie inspiration, follow my Pinterest board where I share daily recipes: Life With Olivia on Pinterest.

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add chocolate? Try crunchy peanut butter? Or make them extra thick?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.

Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies

Author: Olivia McKenney
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies

Print Recipe

Description

These Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies are a simple, quick, and nostalgic treat that come together without turning on the oven. They’re chewy, sweet, nutty, and perfect for any time you need a satisfying cookie without the hassle.

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter

2 cups granulated sugar

1/2 cup milk

1 cup creamy peanut butter

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon salt (optional)

3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats

Instructions

1. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine butter, sugar, and milk. Stir over medium heat until the mixture reaches a rolling boil. Boil for exactly 1 minute.

2. Remove from heat and stir in peanut butter, vanilla, and salt (if using) until smooth.

3. Add the rolled oats and mix until completely coated.

4. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Flatten slightly if desired.

5. Let cool at room temperature for 30 minutes or chill in the fridge for faster setting.