These no-bake chocolate oat cookies are a quick and simple treat that comes together with pantry staples. Made with rich cocoa, creamy peanut butter, and hearty oats, they’re the perfect combination of chewy and chocolatey. No oven is needed, just a pot and a little patience while they set!
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No-bake chocolate oat cookies are a classic for a reason - they’re quick to make, use simple ingredients, and require no baking.
I grew up eating these cookies every Christmas season (along with giant bowls of Chex mix) and somehow I tend to save them for baking during December. They're so easy to make though and don't have a particularly festive flavor, so I may have to bump these up the list to be a year-round cookie!
The rich chocolate flavor comes from cocoa powder, balanced with the creamy saltiness of peanut butter, while the oats add a chewy texture that makes these cookies satisfying and wholesome.
These cookies freeze well and if you don't feel like making drop cookies, I've also frozen this mixture in a 9x9 pan like granola bars. Just cut into squares to serve.
The most important step is boiling the mixture just right to achieve that perfect consistency - chewy and set without crumbling or staying sticky.
Ingredients
See the recipe card for exact amounts.
- sugar: this provides the sweetness and helps the cookies set properly when boiled with the other ingredients.
- butter: use unsalted butter for better control over the saltiness.
- cocoa powder: for deep, chocolatey flavor.
- milk: I use 2% milk.
- rolled oats: the base ingredient that gives these cookies their structure and chewiness. Old-fashioned rolled oats are perfect; avoid quick oats, which can make the cookies too soft.
- peanut butter: adds a creamy texture and pairs perfectly with chocolate.
- salt: enhances the chocolate and peanut butter flavors while balancing the sweetness of the sugar.
Substitutions
- peanut butter: I haven't tested this with almond butter or cashew butter but I think they'd be good alternatives to peanut butter.
Cooking Tip
Make sure to allow the mixture to boil for exactly one minute for the best texture.
Instructions
Prep Tips
- Combine the milk, sugar, cocoa powder, and butter in a large pot.
- Bring to a boil while whisking.
- Allow the mixture to boil for exactly 1 minute.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the peanut butter and salt.
- Add the oats and mix well.
- Drop cookies by the tablespoon onto parchment paper and allow to set for about an hour.
I let the cookies set at room temperature but you can also put them in the fridge.
Tips for making no bake oat cookies
- Boil for exactly one minute. Timing is crucial. Underboiling will result in cookies that don’t set, while overboiling can make them dry and crumbly. Use a timer to ensure accuracy.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats provide the best texture. Quick oats can make the cookies mushy, and steel-cut oats won’t soften enough for this no-bake method.
- Drop the cookies onto parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking. This makes cleanup easy too.
More Cookie Recipes
Storage
Store the cookie at room temperature or in the fridge for 5-6 days. These cookies also freeze well! Freeze for up to three months and thaw overnight in the fridge.
FAQs
If your cookies are too soft and haven't set after cooling, it's likely the mixture didn't boil long enough. Alternatively, overboiling can lead to dry, crumbly cookies. It's very important to boil the mixture for exactly one minute once it comes to a boil.
Recipe
No Bake Chocolate Oat Cookies
Ingredients
- 3 cups white granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- ¾ cups milk
- 5 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup peanut butter
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Combine the sugar, butter, cocoa, and milk in a large pot over medium heat.
- Bring to a boil and keep at a boil for 1 minute.
- Remove from heat and add the peanut butter and salt. Mix well and then add the oats.
- Stir to combine.
- Drop by the tablespoon onto parchment paper, using two spoons.
- Let sit until cooled and set, about an hour.
Equipment
Video
Notes
Nutritional information is an estimate. Values vary based on products used. Read our full Nutrition Disclaimer.
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