If you're craving a sweet treat that doesn't require turning on the oven, these Traditional No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies are just the ticket. Combining a rich, chocolatey base with creamy peanut butter, these cookies are a timeless favorite that come together in a snap. Perfect for those who love a quick, no-fuss dessert.
Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps the cookies set up properly. Milk: Creates a smooth, creamy texture in the cookie mixture. Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps bind the ingredients. Unsweetened cocoa powder: Delivers that deep chocolate flavor we love. Creamy peanut butter: Adds a smooth, nutty taste and texture. Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies. Quick-cooking oats: Gives the cookies their iconic chewy texture. Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
These cookies are delightful on their own, but you can elevate them by pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a fun twist, crumble them over a bowl of Greek yogurt and top with fresh fruit for a satisfying snack.
First, grab a medium saucepan and add in your sugar, milk, butter, and cocoa powder. Stir these ingredients together over medium heat. You’ll want to keep an eye on it and stir frequently to prevent sticking. Once it starts boiling, let it go for just one minute. This timing is crucial for the cookies to set properly later.
After your minute of boiling is up, take the saucepan off the heat. Quickly stir in your peanut butter and vanilla extract until everything is nice and smooth. This is where the magic happens — the mixture becomes rich and luscious.
Now, it's time to add the oats and salt. Stir these in until they're fully combined with the chocolatey goodness. The mixture should be thick enough to hold its shape when you drop it onto the paper.
Prepare a sheet of wax paper on the counter. Using a spoon, drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the wax paper. You'll want to work somewhat quickly here as the mixture will start to firm up as it cools. Let the cookies cool on the wax paper until they are firm to the touch.