Description
These no-bake cookies are a quick and delicious treat made by combining oats, peanut butter, and a chocolate base without using an oven. They set in the refrigerator, making them an easy and perfect dessert or snack option that requires minimal hands-on cooking time.
Ingredients
Chocolate Base
- 1¾ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup whole milk
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
Cookie Mixture
- 3 cups quick-cooking oats
- ½ cup peanut butter
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
Toppings (Optional)
- 2 tablespoons raw sugar, for sprinkling
- Flaky salt, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Prepare the pans: Line two rimmed sheet pans with parchment or wax paper and set aside to prevent cookies from sticking and to help with easy cleanup.
- Make the chocolate base: In a medium pot over medium heat, combine granulated sugar, milk, butter, and cocoa powder. Stir frequently until the sugar and cocoa fully dissolve, about 4 minutes. Remove the pot from heat once smooth and uniform.
- Add the remaining ingredients: Stir in the quick-cooking oats, peanut butter, vanilla extract, and sea salt until the mixture is evenly combined and uniform in texture.
- Cool the mixture: Let the cookie dough cool in the pot at room temperature for 15 minutes to help it thicken slightly before shaping.
- Shape the cookies: Drop heaping 2-tablespoon portions of dough onto prepared sheet pans. Optionally flatten gently with your fingers to your desired thickness. You should have about 20 cookies in total.
- Add toppings and chill: Sprinkle cookies with raw sugar and flaky salt, if desired. Transfer the sheet pans to the refrigerator and chill until cookies are firm and can be easily lifted from the parchment paper, about 2 hours.
- Store the cookies: Once set, store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Use creamy peanut butter for the best texture and spreadability.
- Quick-cooking oats help the cookies set better and provide a softer texture compared to old-fashioned oats.
- Optional toppings like raw sugar and flaky sea salt add texture and a slight flavor contrast.
- Do not skip chilling as it is crucial for the cookies to firm up properly.
- These cookies are best enjoyed within a week for optimal freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
