Baking & Pastry > Cookies > No-Bake Cookies > Chocolate Oatmeal No-Bake Cookies Recipe

Classic Chocolate Oatmeal No-Bake Cookies

A simple and delicious recipe for chocolate oatmeal no-bake cookies. Perfect for a quick treat without turning on the oven! These cookies are rich, chewy, and packed with chocolatey goodness and hearty oats.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
8 minutes
Servings
About 24 cookies
Ingredients
  • 2 cups Granulated Sugar
  • 1/2 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
  • 1/2 cup Milk
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) Salted Butter
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • 1/2 cup Creamy Peanut Butter
  • 3 cups Quick-Cooking Oats

Prepare the Chocolate Base

In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, cocoa powder, milk, and butter. Stir well to ensure the cocoa powder is dissolved. Place the saucepan over medium heat.

Boil and Thicken

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring constantly. Once boiling, continue to cook for exactly 1 minute, stirring continuously. This is crucial for the cookies to set properly. Remove from heat immediately after the minute is up.

Add Flavors

Quickly stir in the vanilla extract and peanut butter until fully incorporated. Make sure there are no lumps of peanut butter remaining. Work quickly, as the mixture will start to thicken.

Incorporate the Oats

Add the quick-cooking oats to the chocolate mixture. Stir well to ensure all the oats are coated evenly. The mixture will become quite thick at this point.

Drop and Set

Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto parchment paper or wax paper-lined baking sheets. You can use a cookie scoop or two spoons to form the cookies. Let the cookies sit at room temperature until they are completely set, about 30-45 minutes. If you're in a hurry, you can refrigerate them to speed up the setting process.

Storage

Store the chocolate oatmeal no-bake cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be stored in the refrigerator for a longer shelf life.

FAQ

  • Can I use regular rolled oats instead of quick-cooking oats?

    Quick-cooking oats are recommended for this recipe as they absorb the liquid better and create a chewier texture. Rolled oats may result in a drier cookie.
  • Can I substitute the peanut butter?

    Yes, you can substitute the peanut butter with other nut butters like almond butter or cashew butter. You can also use sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option.
  • Why are my cookies not setting?

    The most common reason for cookies not setting is not boiling the mixture long enough. Make sure to boil for a full minute, stirring constantly. Another reason could be too much humidity in the air.
  • Can I add any extra ingredients?

    Yes, you can add chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or chocolate chips to the mixture for added flavor and texture.