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No-Bake Peanut Butter Cookies

These classic no-bake peanut butter cookies come together quickly with simple pantry ingredients. Made by melting peanut butter, sugar, butter, and vanilla, then mixing in oats and optional chocolate chips, they form glossy, chewy mounds that set in the fridge. The final cookies are tender, sticky, and loaded with peanutty richness, perfect for a nostalgic treat without any oven time.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup peanut butter creamy preferred
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup butter or coconut oil for richness and binding
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups rolled oats old-fashioned preferred
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional) for melty pockets

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan
  • Spoon or cookie scoop
  • Parchment paper
  • Baking sheet or flat surface

Method
 

  1. Combine peanut butter, sugar, butter, and vanilla in a medium saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth, glossy, and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
  2. Remove the saucepan from heat and immediately stir in the oats and chocolate chips, mixing thoroughly until all the oats are evenly coated and the mixture is thick and sticky.
  3. Using a spoon or cookie scoop, portion out the mixture onto a sheet of parchment paper, about 1.5-inch mounds. Flatten each slightly with the back of the spoon for even shape.
  4. Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator and chill for at least 30 minutes, or until the cookies firm up and hold their shape, feeling slightly tacky but not sticky when you touch them.
  5. Once set, remove the cookies from the fridge. They should be glossy with a chewy texture and fragrant peanut aroma, ready to enjoy.

Notes

For a softer cookie, let them sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before serving. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.