Easy No Bake Cookies

4.97 from 182 votes
165 Comments

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No Bake Cookies are a great way to save time and money when you’re looking for an easy dessert. They’re also a great option if you don’t have access to an oven and they’re also perfect for last-minute get-togethers.

Plate of Easy No Bake Cookies next to a glass of milk and cookies on the table.

No Bake Cookies are super easy to make and customize with your favorite add-ins. Whether it’s nuts or raisins, or just plain chocolate chips, these cookies aren’t fussy about what goes into them!

If you want to keep your No Bake Cookies fresher for longer, you’ll need to know how long they’ll last in the fridge, or how long they can be frozen before they start going stale. We’ve put together a list of tips on how to store and how to freeze No Bake Cookies so you can enjoy them for as long as possible!

Easy No Bake Cookies

No Bake Cookies are such a yummy treat to make when you’re pressed for time or just want a little something sweet right now. Our easy no bake cookies recipe is made with simple pantry ingredients, like creamy peanut butter and quick-cooking oats, and they come together in under 15 minutes. My kids love them as an after-school snack with a tall glass of cold milk. My husband whips them up on a lazy weekend afternoon as we’re playing board games or watching movies. And no bake means you don’t need to heat up the house with your oven. Just a little stove top stirring and you’re done!

Ingredients Needed for No Bake Cookies

Chances are, you have every ingredient you need to whip up a batch of our no bake cookies right now! Here’s all you need:

  • Butter I like to use real butter, unsalted, to cut down on sodium, but you can use margarine, coconut oil, or whatever you have on hand.
  • White Sugar regular granulated sugar helps the cookies set up nicely.
  • Milk skim or whole milk work great as dairy options!
  • Cocoa powder unsweetened powder or Dutch-press cocoa.
  • Vanilla extract – just a teaspoon vanilla extract adds a rich depth of flavor to the cookies.
  • Creamy Peanut Butter for extra texture, you can try crunchy peanut butter too.
  • Rolled oats – use quick-cooking oats for best results. You can use old fashioned oats, but they will work best in this recipe if slightly blended into smaller pieces.
  • Salt a dash of regular or kosher salt will enhance the flavor of the chocolate mixture.
Bowl of oatmeal, sugar, peanut butter, vanilla, butter, cocoa and milk to make No Bake Cookies.


How To Store No Bake Cookies

  1. No bake cookies do not NEED to be refrigerated, but they can be if you prefer. Refrigerator space is sparse in my house, so I like to just keep them on the counter in a large, airtight Tupperware.
  2. To keep them from sticking together, place the cookies on a single layer in the container, then add a layer of wax or parchment paper over the top before adding the next layer of cookies.
  3. You can store no bake cookies at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks in an airtight container before they start losing quality.

How to Freeze No Bake Cookies

Yes, you can freeze no bake cookies! Just spoon out the mixture on a large prepared baking sheet with a cookie scoop and place the cookies in the freezer until frozen (one to two hours).

Once frozen, place them in an airtight container or a Ziplock bag and freeze for up to two months. To thaw, just place cookies in a single layer on a pan at room temperature until thawed and ready to eat.

Cookie sheet with five warm Easy No Bake Cookies next to a cookie scoop full of dough.
  • When boiling the butter, sugar, milk, and cocoa you want to make sure to boil it long enough that the no bake cookies will set up properly, but not too long or the cookies will turn out dry, hard, and crumbly. Follow the directions in the recipe card below for the perfect cooking times.
  • Try to avoid switching out ingredients in our no-bake cookies. Many recipes can swap out sugar for sugar substitutes, but these cookies need the real thing to cook up right. Everything in moderation, right? Enjoy a cookie and eat a salad later.
  • If you do want to add a little something extra, you could toss in chopped nuts, coconut, or even mini chocolate candies to give the no bake cookies an extra dimension.
  • Quick oats work best in this no-bake cookie recipe. You can use old fashioned oats, but they don’t cook as quickly so the texture will be a little off. To avoid this, blend old fashioned oats for a few seconds in the blender. The smaller oats will cook and taste better for these cookies.
  • Store these cookies in an airtight container and store at room temperature for up to a week. They freeze beautifully for up to three months.
  • Each no bake cookie should be about a tablespoon or so. You can use a regular spoon or a cookie scoop to make perfectly sized no bake oatmeal cookies.
Large plate of Easy No Bake Cookies with a glass of milk.

Frequently Asked Questions for No Bake Cookies

Are no bake cookies gluten-free?

They are gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free oats. Not ALL oats are GF so be SURE to check the packaging before preparing for someone who can’t have gluten. Otherwise, all the other ingredients are gluten-free and you are good to go!

Why do my no-bake cookies never harden?

This happens when the sugar/butter mixture isn’t boiled long enough. It should be at a full boil for one minute. Make sure you allow the cookies to cool for a full 30 minutes. You can chill the cookies after this to help them harden if needed.

What happens if you boil no-bake cookies too long?

You will have the opposite result, the cookies will be hard and crumbly. The boiling time needs to be exact for the best result.

More No Bake Recipes

When you’re looking to whip up something quick without the oven, yet still wow guests with gorgeous treats, we have more no bake recipes to choose from! Here are a few of our favorites:

How to Make No Bake Cookies

Cooled Easy No Bake Cookies on a cookie sheet.

No Bake Cookies

4.97 from 182 votes
Easy No Bake Cookies are melt-in-your-mouth delicious! Be sure to follow the recipe exactly to get the best result.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 2 minutes
Cooling time 15 minutes
Total Time 12 minutes
Course cookies
Cuisine American
Servings 30 cookies

Video

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Measure out oats, peanut butter, and vanilla into a mixing bowl. Don't mix.
    Bowl of oatmeal, peanut butter and vanilla to make No Bake Cookies.
  • Mix butter, sugar, milk, and cocoa together in a heavy saucepan and bring to a full boil. Allow to boil for one full minute (set a timer). Remove from heat.
    Pan of chocolate mixture with a wooden spoon to make No Bake Cookies.
  • Quickly stir in the rolled oats, peanut butter, and vanilla.
    Pan with mixture of chocolate and oatmeal to make No Bake Cookies. Wooden spoon is on the side.
  • Drop by spoonfuls or cookie scoop onto cookie sheets lined with parchment paper or wax paper as quickly as possible. Cool 20-30 minutes.
    Cookie sheet with five warm Easy No Bake Cookies next to a cookie scoop full of dough.

Notes

Recipe tips:

  • Measure ingredients exactly to get best results.
  • Watch boiling time carefully to get best results.
  • Use a quality unsweetened cocoa powder for a rich chocolate flavor.
  • Any nut butter can be substituted for peanut butter.
  • Optional additions: ¼ cup coconut, chocolate chips, chopped nuts.
  • Store no bake cookies at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks in an airtight container.
  • Place cookies in an airtight container or a Ziplock bag and freeze for up to two months.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 142kcalCarbohydrates: 21gProtein: 3gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 45mgPotassium: 76mgFiber: 1gSugar: 14gVitamin A: 102IUCalcium: 13mgIron: 1mg

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About the author

Erica Walker

Erica lives in Boise, Idaho with her husband, Jared, an attorney, and her three beautiful girls. Beyond the world of recipes, she loves adventuring with everything from kayaking, to cruising, to snowboarding and taking the family along for the thrill ride.

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Comments

  1. Brings back memories. A stable back in the day in Mom’s kitchen. We would line up to see who got the spoon.

  2. I really enjoy your recipes, and have came back to this one over and over again. So much fun to make with my granddaughters we usually double or sometimes triple the batch. After a few days there’s not a cookie inside LOL thank you so much sincerely JC in Kansas

  3. 5 stars
    I made these a few months ago and they were fantastic! Made them today and not so much 😥
    Definitely an error on my part (they are a bit dry and crumbly) because the recipe is spot on!

  4. This recipe is perfect.
    It’s a great snack and easy and fun to make ..
    No oven required
    It’s a beautiful 🤩 thing.
    Thanks for the recipe keep them coming!!!

  5. 5 stars
    This is my favorite recipe, you have to measure and follow recipe exactly how it is written. ❤️😊

  6. Haven’t made these yet , I was wondering if I don’t add coco will it make a difference
    to the recipe? my husband doesn’t like chocolate.

    1. This recipe won’t turn out without the cocoa powder, but I have a recipe for no bake cookies without chocolate!
      1 1/2 C quick-cooking oats
      3/4 C coconut flakes
      1/2 C chopped peanuts
      1/4 C butter
      1/2 C evaporated milk
      1 C sugar
      3/4 C chunky peanut butter
      1 tsp vanilla
      Mix oats, coconut, and peanuts. Set aside. In a medium saucepan, combine butter, milk, and sugar. Bring to a boil and stir for 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in peanut butter and vanilla. Pour over oat mixture and mix thoroughly. Drop by rounded tablespoons onto waxed paper. Let stand for about an hour until set.

  7. I doubled the recipe, was low on butter so I did half butter and half shortening. I also added tsp of peppermint extract as I made after Christmas.

  8. 5 stars
    As long as you cook/boil as directed, these are Amazing and easy to make cookies. They don’t last in our home, so haven’t had the chance to store in fridge or freezer. Thank you for sharing.

  9. 5 stars
    Finding this recipe has been a lifesaver for those times in which people had arrived without notice and I have nothing ready to offer. Just a couple of minutes later… deliciousness all around XD

  10. 5 stars
    These are quick easy go to cookies , kids can help, everyone loves them, we like to roll into balls and when firm and cool dip in chocolate and roll in crushed peppermint candy canes for Christmas!!! Or sprinkles!

  11. 5 stars
    These are our favorite! My recipe has 1/2 cup of cocoa and it’s perfect. I am going to try adding raisins or coconut next time for a different version. I’ve tried chopped pecans and couldn’t even tell the pecans were in them

  12. 5 stars
    Since I was a child, this has always been my favorite cookie. This quick and easy recipe taste just like my mother’s cookie recipe, but easier to make! Thank you for sharing with us!
    Merci beaucoup!
    Mark

  13. 5 stars
    I absolutely love these cookies! Makes up quick, a few ingredients and no baking. Clean up is easy because I don’t need to use a bunch of pans, utensils, etc. These are my go to when I want something quick and tasty.

  14. 5 stars
    I have seen these cookies in a local bakery/grocery, and thank you for sharing this recipe. I simply love them ! And the tips you give are so helpful. These tips help with making a perfect cookie, baked or no-bake. I do like no-bake cookies and cheesecakes. I refer/use your recipes for main entrees/and desserts as well as some old time favorites which I find has been made better by referring to the tips. Delicious recipes. Thanks/ tried and proved by you-and that makes all the difference’ made with love !! Martha

  15. 5 stars
    We used to call these Washday cookies! My mother added coconut to them too. Many memories of taking these on car trips to visit my uncle near Cleveland! My Mom always took them wrapped in wax paper in a shoe box so they’d be protected for the trip! I loved these cookies. A family favorite for sure!

  16. 5 stars
    I never thought about adding pecans or even raisins to my no bake cookie recipe. I will certainly do that on this recipe! Sounds good, can’t wait to try one !

  17. 5 stars
    Love these cookies! They remind me so much of cookies my grandma would make during the holidays. Such a wonderful memory

  18. 5 stars
    Is it busy Teacher, I appreciate being able to make things that are no bake. My students love treats so I can make these while I’m doing some of my lessons. These are perennials favorite for my students. If there’s any left I might even get one or two! I love these

  19. 5 stars
    Absolutely love these cookies! They’re so quick to whip up and so delicious will be the hot if the party. I’ve shared this same exact recipe with many people over the years and they all still make them for their parties or little get togethers. And I love how you explain the importance of cooking them the exact amount of time stated, so many people have called me over the years asking why theirs didn’t turn out and that’s the number one reason. Guess I should’ve explained as well as you guys have lol. Great choice!!

  20. 5 stars
    When I was in grade school the lunch ladies served this cookie and they were SOOOO good! I searched high and low for a recipe that would compare. I’m 64 years old and found this to be the closest to theirs! Thank you for sharing this recipe.

  21. This DOES sound pretty easy! I ALWAYS have trouble making these. They end up crumbly. I can’t wait to try your recipe.

  22. I use to love these as a kid! I hadn’t found a recipe for them so glad you shared this one! Can’t wait to taste them again!!

  23. 5 stars
    Oh so good! I never get tired of these. I usually boil mine too long and they turn into a pile of crumbs before they all get eaten. You’d think I would stop boiling a bit sooner. Maybe I will next time. But the taste is what counts. Now seems like a perfect time to try again!

  24. 5 stars
    Just take a bite of theses cookies and you will understand they are the BEST and the recipe is pretty easy to follow!

  25. 5 stars
    this is an easy cookie to make, and provides just enough of a post meal desert, this has been a family favorite for over 70 years. you can adjust the chocolate from normal to extra dark very easily, which changes the taste

  26. 5 stars
    These cookies have been around forever. I made these when I was a teen and I’m in my mid 60’s. We always called them Cow Patties. They are easy to make, a good way to sneak in some oatmeal to kids, and are delicious!

  27. 5 stars
    These cookies are awesome and couldn’t be easier. Who doesn’t love peanut butter and chocolate! Any cookie that is no bake is the cookie for me!

  28. 5 stars
    These cookies take me right back to my middle school cafeteria. I would buy one every single day but had no idea how they were made so could never recreate them. The cookie is taste perfection while also being totally easy to make. This is one of those desserts that my family enjoys too, but I mostly make them just for me. SO GOOD. 🤤

  29. 5 stars
    I tried these cookies a few weeks back. They are so easy and quick to make and they taste fantastic. I make little gift boxes every Christmas and we go out and give them to the homeless and people living in the tent cities. They need a little treat at Christmas. We don’t know their stories and why they are homeless or living in tents. It feels great to help. We don’t just help at Christmas we deliver some special weekly.

    1. Wow, thank you for sharing this Patti. What a wonderful thing to do to! This is heartwarming and inspiring. Thank you for sharing!

  30. 5 stars
    These have been a favorite for many years to me but this recipe is far better than the one I have. My husband is like the person who would like to just live without sweets, yet he lived these I have caught him sneaking a few off and on.

  31. 5 stars
    I love the simplicity of this recipe, and how fast they come together! The ingredients, too, are ones I typically have on hand. Thanks for a great no bake cookie recipe!!!!

  32. 5 stars
    These are my favorites. They are easy to make and the taste is unbeatable. There is a little bit of everything and you can’t go wrong with chocolate and peanut butter.

  33. 5 stars
    Love these no-bake cookies! I’ve been enjoying these since I was a child. No need to mess with a classic, they are perfect!

  34. The cookies are delicious. A bit crumbly I thought so I am wondering: Do you start the one minute time for boiling the cocoa and sugar etc. when it reaches a full boil? Also what setting should the burner be on for this first step( ie. High, medium or lo-electric glass top)
    Thank you

    1. If cookies are crumbly, it means the mixture boiled for too long. So, we start the minute timer maybe a little before it reaches a ~full boil. It should be medium/high heat!

  35. 5 stars
    I have used this recipe many times and they are always delicious! I usually double the recipe and use half dark chocolate Cocoa.

  36. 5 stars
    Just like grandmas my 61 yr old long time security officer says! Except mine are better! I use dark cocoa powder, turbinado sugar and organic oats and quality crunchy peanut butter..only real butter and quality vanilla. It is also easier if you chill it b4 you roll some into a ball shape to finish cooling. YUM!!!

  37. 5 stars
    I cannot count how many times we made these cookies throughout my childhood. It seems as if we always had them at our house. This recipe is perfect and is exactly as I remember them. Thank you for sharing!

    1. 5 stars
      My mom used to make these cookies all the time for Christmas they were the best chocolatey peanut buttery cookies I ever ate it would be raisins and Walnut in those cookies was so delicious like you said childhood goodness when I found this recipe I had to make it tastes just like my childhood thanks for the recipe Thanks for the Memories

      1. Awww! I love that these cookies bring back such sweet memories for you. I’ve never had them with raisins and walnuts. Sounds like a great idea!

        1. Do you have the same recipe without peanut butter for someone with a peanut allergy? I know we used to make them years ago and they were flatter.

  38. 5 stars
    My Mom used to make these all of the time! Such a childhood favorite. We even added a smear of peanut butter on the top before eating. Never enough peanut butter, lol.

  39. 5 stars
    I am confused where you say “How To Store No Bake Cookies”….what do you mean STORE! I can eat a whole batch in one sitting! There is never any storing!

  40. 5 stars
    My family has made no-bakes for years! My dad was in charge when I was younger. I taught my hubby to make them now! Try the special dark cocoa from Hershey’s! We had to one night because we had run out of the regular unsweetened. Now we swap or even use half and half of the two!

  41. My mom has made these cookies since before I can remember. They are always favorites at bake sales and/or dessert auctions. This recipe is almost exactly like hers, but it asks for too many oats. 3 cups is just the right amount. And I’m not sure why is says to boil the oat mixture after it is all mixed. Not necessary at all! Creamy or crunchy peanut butter works and I use premium bakers cocoa. We flatten them out just a bit like regular cookies.

  42. 5 stars
    I don’t make enough no bake cookies. This one looks so simple and delicious! Bookmarked for the summer, for when it is WAYYY too hot to turn on the over 😉

  43. 5 stars
    No bake cookies always remind me of my grandma, she always makes them and sends them home with us when we come visit. They are always a favorite cookie of mine!

  44. I went bye the book on this recipe an my cookies did not come out like your picture! These cookies are peanut butter no bakes! Not chocolate no baked! They are peanut butter color not the color like I make, so redue your posting to the right accurate picture of what they will look like, not what you say they will look like, they don’t taste like classic no bakes..

    1. I am sorry yours didn’t turn out! It sounds like you may have left out the cocoa powder. The cocoa powder is what gives the cookies that dark brown color and the chocolatey taste. Your cocoa powder may also be expired! That happened to me once. I made a chocolate cake with expired cocoa and it didn’t taste chocolatey at all!

  45. 5 stars
    Has anyone tried Stevia in place of sugar?.
    My mom was keeping 3 of her grands, one being about a year old, while their mother was out shopping. The mom brought two caramelized suckers for the two older girls….nothing for the baby. Evidently the mom was not thinking or thinking the baby was asleep. To stop the baby from crying, the grandmother said I’ll make you something better than the sucker. After tasting these the baby stopped crying and the older girls laid the suckers down in preference of these. The girls still remember the time and continued making these.

    1. haha I like these cookies better than suckers too! These kids have good taste 😉 I haven’t used Stevia in place of sugar for this recipe. If you have had success using Stevia in other cookie recipes, I don’t see why you couldn’t use it! Sorry this wasn’t much help! If you try it let us know how they turn out!

    2. 5 stars
      I’m 71 and my Grandmother and mother made these a lot, My sister and myself and our six daughters continue to make these (same recipe) in the summer for camping, for birthday treats, for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Everyone needs a little healthy chocolate treat for any occasion. Don’t you agree 💗💗💗
      Grama Debbie

  46. 5 stars
    I make these occasionally and always for Christmas. Your recipe is exactly the one my mom gave me years ago, even down to the 1 minute boil.

    I see a lot of posts about substituting for this ingredient or that. One thing I’ve learned about cooking is when a recipe works (and this one works) there is a certain science to it that determines the outcome. This recipe is actually a candy to me, and when you understand the chemical reaction that occurs based on the butter sugar milk and boil, (you’re actually boiling it to softball stage) you then understand how fickle the recipe can be. So don’t mess with the ingredients or instructions with this one!

  47. 5 stars
    I’ve had this recipe for years and haven’t made this in long time. My recipe is called Scotties. I bet it would be good with white chocolate, but would change the color. You could also add nuts

  48. Regular (sweetened) cocoa or unsweetened? Most recipes for these cookies say Unsweetened but I only have regular and your’s didn’t specify. I’m going to give it a shot. Wonder if I should lessen the sugar by a half cup just in case. Any ideas anyone? 🙂

    1. 5 stars
      I used a little less sugar not a lot 1/2 cup because of all the sugar in peanut butter followed directions to the T unsalted buterr a must

    1. We haven’t substituted with honey before, I am not sure if it would work.. but you can definitely try it and let us know how it turns out!

  49. Would love to make these, Is this an American measurement for all ingredients, not sure what a stick of butter is equivalent to ,I’m in Australia,would I have to convert the whole recepie?

  50. 5 stars
    Love these. I no long drop mine wax paper ,I just pour them in a 9 x 13 and cut them with a pizza cutter. Les time~~~ 😉

  51. 5 stars
    We have always made them with 1/4 cup shortening (Crisco) instead of butter. Tried them with butter a few times but we didn’t think that they were as good.

    1. I’ve never tried these cookies with shortening. Thank you for your comment – I’ll try it next time.

    1. Thank you so much! You can subscribe to our mailing list if you go to out home-page and scroll about half-way down– it is on the right sidebar. 🙂 Thanks again!

    1. That is probably right— we have lived only in pretty dry climates and they seem to set up quite well. Let me know if you have difficulty with it setting in a more humid climate

  52. Just made these and they are very chocolately and good! However mine didn’t set completely. How long do they normally take to set? I just stuck them in the freezer for a bit hoping that helps.

    1. It usually doesn’t take that long – about 15 minutes. If they aren’t setting up, they may not have cooked long enough. I hope the freezer trick worked!

    2. 5 stars
      I used to have that issue too. Now I mix together peanut butter and oats in a separate bowl first before I heat the chocolate mix. Then, after the choc mix is done (boiling for 1 min), I pour it into oats and PB. This way I control the chocolate (and normally have a small bit left over). They will start to set as you mix them so drop quick!

  53. Tried it without peanut butter and it is toooo sweet! Will try again with a bit less sugar and a bit more oats.

    1. You’ll have to let us know how it turns out… it’s hard to find a good substitute for peanut butter!

    1. You could probably use cookie butter or nutella instead. Haven’t tried it but that would be my best guess!

      1. posted this on wrong comment 🙂 just an fyi, sunflower butter and soy nut butter are excellent substitutes for peanut butter, I have a peanut allergic son as well.

    2. 5 stars
      There is a recipe for just chocolate/oatmeal no bake cookies, basically same without the p.b. ( my son is also allergic to nuts) check pinterest

  54. Hi, instead of oats are there any other alternative I can use? Cause I was thinking of trying it, but kids aint too fond of oats.

    1. Hmmm I don’t know what to recommend with this one… you can use quick oats and they absorb the chocolate a little more.

  55. 5 stars
    Thanks for yet another great recipe! In the past, I’ve had problems with the sugar in my cookies crystallizing or becoming too dry. Someone recently told me you have to boil them for exactly 1 minute so when I found your recipe last week, I was happy to see you included that in the instructions. True to form, you’ve provided another great recipe. I used dark cocoa powder as it was all I had on hand and they turned out soft and delicious and perfect; the best batch I’ve ever made!

  56. 5 stars
    These cookies are a happy memory of my husband`s childhood. I had lost the recipe, so thank you for the post. I will make them this afternoon. Awesome website.

  57. Quick question – when you say a cube of butter, do you mean the whole stick or what measurement exactly?? Thanks!

  58. 5 stars
    i made these last night for my roomates, they were amaazing!! I also have started a food blog, id love for you to check it out.. 🙂

  59. 5 stars
    Man, these were so good, my husbands favorite. I had lost the recipe, so he is really glad to have this one back.

  60. 5 stars
    I like to press the hot mixture (using a spoon of course) into cookie cutters. That way you can make it into different shapes.