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No-Bake Peanut Butter Cookies

These quick and easy cookies come together without an oven, using just peanut butter, sugar, oats, and a few simple ingredients. They have a chewy, sticky texture with a rich peanut flavor, finished with a glossy surface and optional chocolate chips or toppings. Perfect for satisfying a sweet craving in minutes, they’re both nostalgic and comforting.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter natural preferred for richer flavor
  • 1 cup granulated sugar can substitute with coconut or maple sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract adds warmth and depth
  • 1 ½ cups old-fashioned oats for chewy texture
  • ½ cup chocolate chips (optional) melty pockets of chocolate

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan
  • Sturdy spoon
  • parchment paper
  • baking sheet

Method
 

  1. Gather a medium saucepan, sturdy spoon, parchment paper, and a baking sheet to prepare for mixing and setting the cookies.
  2. Add the peanut butter, sugar, and vanilla extract to the saucepan. Place over medium-low heat and stir constantly with the spoon until the mixture is smooth, shiny, and begins to bubble around the edges, about 2-3 minutes. You’ll hear a gentle crackling sound and see the mixture turn glossy.
  3. Remove the saucepan from heat and quickly stir in the oats and chocolate chips, if using. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated and the mixture is thick and sticky.
  4. Using a spoon, drop about 1 to 2 tablespoons of the mixture onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. Slightly flatten each scoop with the back of the spoon for a more uniform shape. The cookies will be soft and sticky but will firm up as they cool.
  5. Let the cookies cool at room temperature for 20-30 minutes, or refrigerate for 10-15 minutes to speed up the setting process. They should become firm yet chewy with a glossy, slightly crackled surface.
  6. Once cooled and set, enjoy these rich, chewy, no-bake peanut butter cookies as a comforting treat. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Notes

For a dairy-free version, substitute peanut butter with almond or coconut butter. Add a pinch of sea salt on top for extra flavor. These cookies can be customized with chopped nuts or dried fruits for added texture.