Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies Recipe

If you’re craving a sweet treat that’s quick, easy, and downright scrumptious, you’re going to love this Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies Recipe. Trust me, these cookies come together with minimal effort but pack all the rich, peanutty goodness and a hint of chocolate that’ll have you reaching for seconds (and maybe thirds). No oven needed, just a little patience while they chill, and you’ll have a batch that’s perfect for snacks, dessert, or sharing with friends.

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Why This Recipe Works

  • No baking required: These cookies are super simple, perfect for when you don’t want to heat up the kitchen.
  • Balanced sweetness and salt: The sea salt perfectly complements the natural sweetness of maple syrup and peanut butter.
  • Whole rolled oats add texture: Providing chewiness and a wholesome feel, making these cookies more satisfying.
  • Chilling time seals the deal: Letting the cookies firm up overnight creates a perfect no-bake texture.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The classic combo in this Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies Recipe is just that—classic. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in flavor, texture, and binding without needing any eggs or flour. You’ll want to pick your peanut butter and maple syrup carefully for the best results because they really shine here.

Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies, no bake cookie recipe, easy peanut butter cookies, quick no bake desserts, simple cookie recipes - Flat lay of a medium bowl filled with creamy natural peanut butter, a small jar of golden maple syrup partially poured out, a small cup holding melted coconut oil, a tiny glass bottle of vanilla extract, a small heap of flaky sea salt, a generous pile of whole rolled oats spilling slightly, and a small bowl of mini chocolate chips scattered around, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7
  • Natural creamy peanut butter: I always use smooth, natural peanut butter (no added sugar or salt) to get that pure, peanutty flavor and smooth texture that binds everything.
  • Maple syrup: This natural sweetener keeps things moist and adds a lovely depth of flavor unlike your typical refined sugar.
  • Melted coconut oil: Acts as a healthy fat to help everything come together and firm up when chilled—plus it adds a subtle tropical hint.
  • Vanilla extract: A little vanilla lifts the flavors, turning these cookies from simple to sensational.
  • Sea salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances the richness of peanut butter with a salty kick.
  • Whole rolled oats: Provide texture and body, giving you that satisfying bite and a touch of hearty goodness.
  • Mini chocolate chips: Little bursts of melty, sweet chocolate make every bite a joy.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

This recipe is a total crowd-pleaser, but one of the things I love most is how easy it is to customize. I often play around with add-ins and sweetness to make it my own or suit whoever I’m sharing with.

  • Add a twist of cinnamon or chili powder: I once added a pinch of cinnamon and cayenne to make something a little spicy and unexpected—it was a hit at movie night.
  • Swap maple syrup with honey: If you prefer a slightly different sweetness or want a thicker cookie, honey works beautifully here.
  • Make it vegan: This recipe is already vegan, but double-check your chocolate chips to keep everything aligned with your preferences.
  • Use almond or cashew butter: Switching out peanut butter creates a whole new flavor profile that’s delicious but just as creamy and binding.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Gather and line up your tools

I like to start by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper—this keeps the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Then, grab a medium bowl for mixing. Trust me, having everything ready before you mix saves stress later.

Step 2: Mix the wet ingredients until smooth

Stir together the peanut butter, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and sea salt. I find it easiest to whisk or stir vigorously so your mixture becomes perfectly smooth and glossy. This helps the oats stick nicely when you add them in.

Step 3: Fold in oats and mini chocolate chips

Once the wet ingredients are ready, add your whole rolled oats and chocolate chips. Don’t rush—gently fold them in with a spatula or wooden spoon until every oat is coated. This is where the magic starts to take shape! The dough will be thick but sticky.

Step 4: Scoop, shape, and chill

I recommend using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop to get evenly sized cookies. Scoop the dough, then use your hands to roll into balls and squeeze slightly to flatten into disks. They’ll look a bit soft at this point but don’t worry—chilling overnight in the fridge is key for firming them up and locking in that perfect chewy texture.

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Pro Tips for Making Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies Recipe

  • Use smooth, natural peanut butter: Chunky or overly processed peanut butter can affect texture and binding, so stick with smooth and natural for best results.
  • Don’t skip the chilling step: I know waiting can be tough, but play the long game—overnight chilling firms these cookies up perfectly without drying them out.
  • Adjust salt to taste: If your peanut butter is salted, start with less sea salt and add more only after tasting the dough—balance is everything.
  • Use parchment paper to avoid stickiness: Skipping this step means the cookies might stick to your tray and become hard to remove, trust me on this one.

How to Serve Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies Recipe

Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies, no bake cookie recipe, easy peanut butter cookies, quick no bake desserts, simple cookie recipes - A white oval plate filled with a single layer of round oatmeal cookies dotted with small dark chocolate chips. The cookies are golden brown with visible oat flakes and chocolate chips scattered evenly on the surface. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, beside a blue cloth napkin with white stitching on the corner. In the background, partially visible, are white bowls and scalloped white plates, also with oatmeal cookies. The light is soft and natural, highlighting the texture of the cookies and the smooth surface around them. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I often dust a pinch of flaky sea salt on top right before chilling for that lovely salty crunch contrast. Sometimes, I sprinkle a few extra mini chocolate chips on top for a cute and decadent look—purely for fun and flavor!

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a cold glass of almond milk or a warm cup of coffee or tea. I’ve also served them alongside fresh fruit, like banana slices or apple wedges, for a little refreshing balance.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like arranging these cookies on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of peanut butter and chocolate chips for guests to customize. Wrapping individual cookies in parchment with a ribbon makes an adorable gift for neighbors or coworkers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep my no bake cookies in an airtight container in the fridge, where they last beautifully for up to a week. This keeps them from getting too soft, but I recommend letting them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before eating so they’re not too firm.

Freezing

Freezing works like a charm! I pop the cookies on a tray to freeze solid individually, then transfer them into a freezer-safe bag or container. When you want a quick treat, just thaw a few at room temp for about 15-20 minutes.

Reheating

If you want a soft, just-made feel, warming the cookie slightly in the microwave (about 10 seconds) does the trick without melting the chocolate chips too much. It brings out the peanut butter aroma and makes them feel fresh again.

FAQs

  1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter for this recipe?

    You can, but I recommend smooth, natural peanut butter because it helps the cookies bind better and results in a creamier texture throughout. Crunchy peanut butter might add extra chunks but can affect the cookie’s overall cohesion.

  2. How long do these no bake cookies last?

    Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, these cookies last about a week. You can also freeze them for up to three months to keep them fresh longer.

  3. Do I have to use maple syrup, or can I substitute honey or another sweetener?

    Maple syrup adds a distinct flavor and natural sweetness, but honey is a great substitute if you’re okay with a slightly different taste and consistency. Liquid sweeteners like agave or brown rice syrup could also work, but the texture may vary slightly.

  4. Why do I need to chill the cookies overnight?

    Chilling allows the coconut oil to solidify and the oats to absorb moisture, which firms up the cookies and enhances their chewy texture. Skipping or shortening chilling time can make the cookies crumbly and too soft to hold shape.

  5. Can I add nuts or seeds to the cookie mixture?

    Absolutely! Adding chopped nuts or seeds can give your cookies a wonderful crunch and added nutrition. Just be mindful of how much you add so the dough still binds well.

Final Thoughts

This Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies Recipe is one I keep coming back to, especially on busy days when I want something homemade without the fuss. The balance of creamy peanut butter, sweet maple syrup, and chewy oats feels wholesome yet indulgent all at once. I love how it’s forgiving enough for any skill level but still impressive enough to share with guests. So go ahead, give it a try—you’ll be amazed how such simple ingredients come together for a treat that’s absolutely full of heart. And remember, the best cookies are the ones made with a little love and shared around your kitchen table.

Print
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Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.4 from 4 reviews
  • Author: Amanda
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 12 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 24 cookies
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Delicious and easy-to-make Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies that combine creamy peanut butter, sweet maple syrup, and wholesome oats with a touch of chocolate. These cookies require no baking and are perfect for a quick healthy snack or dessert that you can prepare in minutes and enjoy after chilling overnight.


Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • ⅔ cup unsalted natural creamy peanut butter
  • ½ cup maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Heaping ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • 2½ cups whole rolled oats
  • ¼ cup mini chocolate chips


Instructions

  1. Prepare baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix wet ingredients: In a medium bowl, stir together the peanut butter, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and sea salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
  3. Add dry ingredients: Pour the rolled oats and mini chocolate chips into the wet ingredients. Stir until everything is evenly incorporated into a cookie dough.
  4. Form cookies: Use a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop to portion the dough. With your hands, roll the dough portions into balls and place them onto the prepared baking sheet.
  5. Shape cookies: Flatten each ball into a disk using your fingers. The disks will firm up more after chilling.
  6. Chill: Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator and chill the cookies overnight—about 12 hours—to allow them to firm up completely.
  7. Serve: Once chilled and set, the no bake cookies are ready to enjoy as a delicious snack or dessert.

Notes

  • If using salted peanut butter, reduce the added sea salt to half and adjust to taste to avoid over-salting.
  • Use natural, smooth peanut butter for best texture; avoid chunky peanut butter with separated oils.
  • Chilling time is essential to help the cookies firm up and hold their shape.
  • Mini chocolate chips can be replaced with dark chocolate chips or chopped nuts according to preference.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 120 kcal
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Sodium: 70 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

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