No‑Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies are the ultimate quick sweet treat for chocolate lovers. With just a few simple ingredients, these cookies come together in minutes without using an oven. They are chewy, chocolatey, and naturally satisfying. Perfect for busy afternoons, last-minute dessert, or lunchbox snacks, this recipe will quickly become a favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No baking required, ready in under 30 minutes
- Chewy, chocolatey, and satisfying texture
- Uses simple pantry ingredients
- Great for kids, parties, or snacks
- Easy to customize with nuts or coconut
Ingredients

- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 3 cups quick-cooking oats
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Instructions

- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add sugar, milk, and cocoa powder; stir continuously until mixture comes to a rolling boil.
- Boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly, then remove from heat.
- Stir in peanut butter and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add oats and a pinch of salt; mix thoroughly to combine.
- Drop spoonfuls of cookie mixture onto parchment-lined baking sheets.
- Let the cookies cool at room temperature for at least 20–30 minutes to set.
- Store in an airtight container once fully cooled.
Tips & Variations
- Use natural peanut butter for a healthier twist.
- Add ¼ cup chopped walnuts or almonds for crunch.
- Sprinkle shredded coconut on top before cookies set.
- Swap peanut butter with almond butter for a nutty variation.
- Adjust cocoa for richer chocolate flavor.
- Make mini cookies for bite-sized snacks.
Storage & Freezer Instructions
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Keep them in the refrigerator if you prefer a firmer texture.
- Freeze cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
- Thaw frozen cookies at room temperature before serving.
Serving & Pairing Ideas

- Serve with a cold glass of milk for a classic treat.
- Pair with coffee or hot chocolate for a cozy snack.
- Enjoy alongside fresh fruit for a balanced sweet bite.
- Use mini cookies as a topping for ice cream or yogurt.
- Pack in lunchboxes or snack bags for on-the-go treats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, almond butter or sunflower seed butter works well as a substitute for a similar texture.
They remain chewy and soft but set as they cool. For firmer cookies, refrigerate before serving.
Can I use old-fashioned oats instead of quick-cooking oats?
Yes, but the texture will be chewier, and the cookies may take slightly longer to set.
At room temperature, cookies set in 20–30 minutes. Refrigeration can speed up the process.
Ready to Make It?
These No‑Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies are fast, easy, and perfect for satisfying chocolate cravings. Make them whenever you want a quick homemade sweet treat that everyone will love. Save this recipe for quick snacks or party-ready cookies!
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No-Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
No‑Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies are quick, chewy, and chocolatey cookies made without baking.
Ingredients
Unsalted butter
Granulated sugar
Milk
Cocoa powder
Peanut butter
Quick-cooking oats
Vanilla extract
Salt
Instructions
1. Melt butter in a saucepan
2. Add sugar milk and cocoa and bring to boil
3. Boil 1 minute then remove from heat
4. Stir in peanut butter and vanilla
5. Add oats and salt and mix
6. Drop spoonfuls on parchment
7. Let cool to set
8. Store in airtight container
Notes
Use natural peanut butter for healthier version
Add nuts or coconut for variation
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg