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    Chocolate No-Bake Cookies

    Home » Recipes » Dessert » Chocolate No-Bake Cookies

    Published: Jul 1, 2020 · Modified: Feb 21, 2024 by Jessica · This post may contain affiliate links · 27 Comments

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    Need the perfect no bake cookie recipe? Look no further, these chocolate no bake cookies are the best there is! 

    five no bake cookies stacked on a white plate with oats sprinkled around

    The BEST recipe for Chocolate No Bake Cookies

    Hey guys, today we are gonna bring it all the way back to 8th grade foods! Because, who doesn't love chocolate no bake cookies? If you never learned how to make no bake cookies, now's your big chance! I have tried a million variations and feel totally confident declaring this the best no bake cookie recipe out there. 

    You will love Chocolate No Bake Oatmeal Cookies

    I'm not even lying when I say that Jude (my two and a half year old) can almost make these by himself. With close adult supervision, I promise! I basically just have to get the high stuff down and then stand right there to make sure he doesn't accidentally touch the pan while he's stirring. Man, I love easy no bake desserts!

    If you love no bake recipes as much as I do you have to try our delicious homemade rice pudding or our incredible blackberry ice cream recipe! Or you can find all our yummy dessert recipes here. 

    Chocolate No-Bake Cookies Ingredients

    • Sugar
    • Cocoa Powder
    • Quick Cook Oats
    • Butter
    • Milk
    • Peanut Butter
    • Vanilla

    How do you make No Bake Cookies

    Are you ready for the recipe that will make you the coolest mom ever with only ingredients you have on hand and 10 minutes start to finish?? Let's do it.

    step by step collage image of how to make no bake cookies


    Top Left - Pull out all your ingredients and line two cookie sheets with foil or parchment paper.

    Top Right - In a medium sized sauce pan combine sugar, butter, cocoa and milk. Heat until boiling and then stir while boiling for one minute.

    Bottom Left - Add peanut butter, vanilla, and oats and stir until combined.

    Bottom Right - Drop by spoonfuls onto your prepared cookie sheets and flatten with your spoon if desired. Refrigerate until hardened. Serve and enjoy!

    No bake cookies on a plate.

    How to store No Bake Oatmeal Cookies

    Store cookies in an airtight container, they can be stored at room temperature, in the refrigerator, or in the freezer.

    Room Temperature:

    Cookies will stay good for up to 7 days if stored at room temperature in an airtight container. It’s best to keep them in a cool, dry place away from sun and humidity.

    In the Refrigerator:

    You can store no-bake cookies in the refrigerator. Some people prefer to eat them cold! Always use an airtight container, as the cookies can absorb odors from the fridge.

    How to Freeze No Bake Cookies:

    Place no-bake cookies on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until they're firm. Then transfer them to an airtight container or a resealable freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When you're ready to enjoy them, allow them to thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature.

    Chocolate No-Bake Cookies FAQs

    Can you use old fashioned oats in no bake cookies?

    Yes! Absolutely. I typically use the quick cooking oats because that is what I have on hand and they are cheaper. That being said, I've made this recipe using both and they both work and taste great to me!

    Do no bake cookies have to be refrigerated?

    Nope, they don't! As long as they are stored in an air tight container they will last about a week. Some people like them cold, so whether or not your store them in the fridge comes down to personal preference!

    How long does it take for no bake cookies to harden?

    About 20-30 minutes depending on the temperature of your fridge!

    Why did my no-bake cookies not harden?

    Overcooking the Mixture: If you boil the cookie mixture for too long, it can result in the cookies not hardening properly. Follow the recipe instructions carefully and be sure not to overcook.

    Incorrect Ingredient Ratios: The ratio of ingredients, especially the oats and the liquids (usually butter and milk), is important. If the mixture has too much liquid or not enough oats, the cookies may not set right.

    Humidity: Moisture in the air can affect cookie texture. It might help to refrigerate the cookies to firm them up.

    Quick Oats vs. Old-Fashioned Oats: Using quick oats or old-fashioned oats can yield different results. Quick oats tend to absorb less liquid and can result in a softer, gooier texture.

    Why are my no bake oatmeal cookies gooey?

    Not Boiling Long Enough: No-bake cookies rely on a brief but vigorous boil to set properly. If the mixture is not boiled for a sufficient amount of time, the cookies may turn out gooey. Ensure you bring the mixture to a full rolling boil and then cook for one minute before removing the mixture from heat.

    Undermixing: Properly combining the ingredients is important. Make sure you've thoroughly mixed the oats and other ingredients into the hot, boiled mixture. Incomplete mixing can result in gooey pockets.

    Cooling Time: No-bake cookies need time to cool and set. If you don't let them cool for long enough, they may still be gooey. Let them sit at room temperature, or pop them in the refrigerator until they are completely cooled and set.

    Humidity: As mentioned earlier, high humidity can lead to gooier cookies. If it's a humid day, consider popping the cookies in the fridge for a while to help them firm up.

    no bake cookies stacked on a white plate next to a scoop of peanut butter

    You ready for this easy recipe? You are gonna love it! 

    If you make this recipe and like it we would love for you to leave us a positive comment and review! They mean so much to us. 

    chocolate no bake cookies stacked on a plate

    Recipe for Chocolate No Bake Cookies

    The perfect chocolate no bake cookies! These chocolate peanut butter cookies are to die for good. Plus, easy enough for your kids to make! 
    5 from 8 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 1 minute minute
    Cook Time: 4 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Servings: 30
    Calories: 138kcal
    Author: Pretty Providence

    Video

    thumbnailurl="//cdn.brid.tv/live/partners/14236/thumb/436722_t_1562828510.png"]

    Ingredients

    • 2 cups sugar
    • 4 tablespoons cocoa
    • 1 stick butter
    • ½ cup milk
    • 1 cup peanut butter
    • 1 tablespoon vanilla
    • 3 ¼ cups quick cook oats

    Instructions

    • Pull out all your ingredients and line two cookie sheets with foil or parchment paper. 
      In a medium sized sauce pan combine sugar, butter, cocoa and milk. 
      Heat until boiling and then stir while boiling for one minute. 
      Add peanut butter, vanilla, and oats and stir until combined. 
      Drop by spoonfuls onto your prepared cookie sheets and refrigerate until hardened. Serve and enjoy!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 138kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 41mg | Potassium: 102mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 10IU | Calcium: 14mg | Iron: 0.7mg
    Did you make this recipe?Mention @prettyprovidenceblog or tag #prettyprovidence!

    Do any of you feel less guilty eating these because of all the oats... or is that just me?

    xo,

    jessica-about-1

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    Chocolate No-Bake Cookies
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    Reader Interactions

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Lynne

      April 10, 2021 at 1:57 pm

      5 stars
      This is a great one to make when the grandkids come over and want to “make” something. Love them!!

      Reply
    2. Be Har

      December 18, 2018 at 8:57 am

      5 stars
      Love these! No bake is the best.

      Reply
      • Jessica

        December 18, 2018 at 12:50 pm

        You can't beat it for sure! Especially when you're in a time crunch! So glad you liked them :).

        Reply
        • Karen

          January 15, 2020 at 3:42 pm

          Hi Jessica, Love these! Could you share with me the
          no mess best way to measure Peanut Butter?

    3. Toni

      December 18, 2018 at 8:52 am

      5 stars
      These are really perfect! My kids loved them!

      Reply
      • Jessica

        December 18, 2018 at 12:49 pm

        Yay! That is so great to hear! Thank you Toni!

        Reply
    4. Rachael Yerkes

      December 18, 2018 at 8:46 am

      5 stars
      No bake cookies are life! These are the best ever!

      Reply
      • Jessica

        December 18, 2018 at 12:49 pm

        They really are such a staple! Thank you so much Rachael!

        Reply
    5. Ashley f

      December 18, 2018 at 8:42 am

      5 stars
      This is one of our favorite cookies to make this time of year! They're so easy and everyone loves them!

      Reply
      • Jessica

        December 18, 2018 at 12:49 pm

        It's so funny because I usually always make them more in the hot summer months but the recipe has been going crazy! Apparently everyone else is with you ;)!

        Reply
    6. Jacquetta

      November 26, 2018 at 10:17 am

      So im super lazy! Can i just use chocolate that's already prepared or MELT some chocolate bars and skip the first step? Lol

      Reply
    7. CM Collins

      August 02, 2018 at 4:47 pm

      5 stars
      Fam favorite!

      Reply
    8. Debra skaggs

      April 16, 2018 at 1:28 pm

      5 stars
      can't ever get enough of these. vital to my chocolate addiction!

      Reply
    9. Pamela

      April 14, 2018 at 12:30 pm

      5 stars
      I love these no bake cookies! in my family we call them "mud puddles." I even eat them for breakfast sometimes...hey it has got protein and oats, right?

      Reply
      • Jessica

        April 14, 2018 at 10:14 pm

        Totally! I love it :)

        Reply
    10. Elaine Lund

      March 08, 2016 at 6:27 pm

      I love these but prefer without the peanut butter. Is it the peanut butter that makes them harden? I'm asking because I've made them several times without peanut butter but only once did they harden.

      Reply
      • Jessica @ Pretty Providence

        March 08, 2016 at 7:15 pm

        It might be, I'm not entirely sure. You could try Nutella or bananas instead?!

        Reply
    11. Liz Haslem

      August 14, 2015 at 8:17 pm

      We made these tonight and they were delicious! Perfect chewy consistency! Thanks for the recipe! (And yes, they are totally healthy because of the oats).

      Reply
    12. Victoria

      January 04, 2015 at 4:53 pm

      These were AMAZING! Thank you for sharing! This will be my go-to recipe from now on! YUM!!!

      Reply
      • Jessica @ Pretty Providence

        January 04, 2015 at 6:02 pm

        Hooray!!! I'm SO glad you loved them! Thanks for coming back to comment, made my night!

        Reply
    13. Pam from Over the Big Moon

      April 09, 2014 at 9:43 am

      No bakes are seriously the best!!

      Reply
      • Jessica @ Pretty Providence

        April 09, 2014 at 9:55 am

        Right?!!

        Reply
    14. Jessica @ Pretty Providence

      April 09, 2014 at 9:15 am

      Haha I think you should do it!!! I always make them and think "we can munch on these the whole week!" Ya... Never happens! Haha they are gone too quick! At least a day is realistic :)

      Reply
    15. jamie@kreyv

      April 09, 2014 at 9:05 am

      These look SO good--like I want to make them at 9:00 in the morning and eat them all day, good!

      Reply
    16. Aimee @ LikeMotherLikeDaughter

      April 09, 2014 at 8:57 am

      Mmm I love no bake cookies. Yours really do look perfect!

      Reply
      • Jessica @ Pretty Providence

        April 09, 2014 at 9:11 am

        aww thanks Aimee! Coming from you that means alot!

        Reply
      • Elaine Lund

        March 08, 2016 at 6:27 pm

        They do! Nice and shiny too!

        Reply

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