See what I mean!? Are these no-bake oatmeal cookies calling to you or what!?
Unfortunately since grabbing cookies through the computer or phone screen is not a possibility (yet!? I mean, who knows these days…), hopefully you’ll be (almost as) excited to know that the no-baked oatmeal cookie recipe I’m sharing with you today is one you can whip up in no time at all. It’s one of those “emergency” desserts I like to keep in the back of my mind when my sweet tooth starts raging but turning on the oven and pouring a ton of time into a recipe is less than appealing. Wait, is this why some genius cookie lover out there invented no-bake cookies?! Whatever the reason no-bake cookies became a thing years and years ago, I’m certainly glad they’re an option for us cookie lovers out there who may not be fueled with the desire to turn on the oven and make a mess of our kitchen.
This no-bake cookie recipe is a quick and easy way to enjoy a sweet treat without requiring an oven, which is all the more appealing during those hot summer months or when your oven is already occupied by dinner. The cookies come together in minutes using ingredients that are staples in many pantries—we’re talking oats, peanut butter and, of course, sugar.
No Bake Oatmeal Cookie Recipe
If you’ve ever had a no-bake cookie that was either too crumbly or too sticky-gooey, you know not all no bake cookies are created equal. I hate to admit it, but a perfect no bake oatmeal cookie recipe depends on quality ingredients and precise timing of a sweet-but-smooth syrup you’ll make to bind everything together. But have no fear! I’ll walk you through this recipe to ensure you have a perfectly chewy but not-at-all-gooey no bake oatmeal cookie in your hands in no time!
What Are No–Bake Oatmeal Cookies
These no-bake oatmeal cookies are stovetop cookies made with granulated sugar, butter, milk, peanut butter, and oats. Unlike a traditional cookie that relies on flour and eggs, these no bake cookies use a boiled sugar syrup to bind everything together. No oven required!
The texture of these cookies is chewy and soft, yet firm enough to hold its shape. Since the oatmeal cookies I’m sharing with you today are “Monster” style no bake oatmeal cookies, they are loaded with chocolate chips and M&Ms. Note: These mix-ins can easily be swapped for your preferred mix-ins — think white chocolate chips and dried cranberries, sprinkles, etc. (You can also make them chocolate no bake cookies by adding cocoa powder if that’s more your style.) Also, if you like the idea of these no bake Monster oatmeal cookies but are looking for something a bit more bite-sized or nutritious, you might also enjoy these no bake peanut butter oat balls.
What Oatmeal Do You Use For No Bake Cookies
As a texture-loving girl who is all about a soft-yet-chewy cookie, I love using quick oats in this recipe. Quick oats give these no bake cookies a chewy, hearty texture but they are still soft and tender. If you only have old fashioned oats and still want to make these cookies, old fashioned oats can be used but please know the texture of your cookies will be different, as quick oats produce a softer, smoother cookie without them crossing over into “too chewy” territory that may happen if you use old fashioned oats. Instant oats should not be used, as you’ll end up with way-too-mushy cookies. And you absolutely do NOT want to use steel cut oats in this recipe. The cookies will be straight-up awful.
How To Make No–Bake Oatmeal Cookies
Okay now it’s time to head into the kitchen! Here’s everything you need to make a deliciously sweet and chewy batch of no-bake oatmeal cookies:
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup salted butter
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups oats
- 2/3 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 cup M&Ms
- 1/3 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
Step 1: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the salted butter.
Step 2: Stir in the granulated sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and salt.
Step 3: Increase heat to high and let the mixture bubble for exactly 1 minute. Timing is everything!
Step 4: Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the peanut butter until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Fold in the oats until they are completely coated in the peanut butter base.
Step 6: Use a cookie scoop to drop heaping scoops (about 2 tablespoons) onto a parchment or wax paper-lined baking sheet.
Step 7: While the cookies are still warm, press a few M&Ms and chocolate chips into each cookie for that classic monster cookie look and taste.
Step 8: Let the cookies set at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or place in the fridge to speed up the cooling time.
Enjoy!!
Recipe for No-Bake Oatmeal Cookies
Print
No-Bake Oatmeal Cookie Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (to set)
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 26-28 cookies 1x
- Category: dessert
- Method: stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
These oatmeal no-bake cookies are a chewy, sweet-and-salty no bake version of a classic nostalgic monster cookie.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 cup salted butter
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups quick oats
- 2/3 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 cup M&Ms
- 1/3 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the sugar, milk, vanilla, and salt. Increase heat to high and let the mixture bubble for 1 minute.
- Remove from heat and stir in the peanut butter. Once smooth, mix in the oats.
- Use a cookie scoop to drop heaping scoops (about 2 tablespoons) onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- While still warm, press a few M&Ms and chocolate chips into each cookie.
- Let cookies set at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or place in the fridge/freezer to speed it up. Enjoy your no bake cookies!
Frequently Asked Questions About No–Bake Oatmeal Cookies
Are no bake oatmeal cookies gluten free?
They can be! Just ensure you are using certified gluten-free oats.
Can you freeze no bake chocolate oatmeal cookies?
Yes! You can store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Can you make no bake cookies without oatmeal?
Oats are the primary binder, so it’s difficult. I’ve seen some recipes attempt no-baked cookies using puffed rice cereal if you want to do a little experimenting!
Can you make no bake cookies with instant oatmeal?
If you use instant oatmeal in this recipe, the cookies will be very mushy. I would not use them in this recipe and highly recommend quick oats for the best texture.
How to make no bake oatmeal cookies without milk?
You can swap the milk for any nut-based milk in this recipe.
- Somewhere in this post, link to this post using the phrase “no bake peanut butter oat balls” – https://www.pbfingers.com/no–
bake-oatmeal-nut-butter-balls/ - Somewhere in this post, link to this post using the phrase “easy no bake recipes” – https://www.pbfingers.com/
easy-no–bake-recipes/ - Include these phrases throughout the post:
- room temperature
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- store in an airtight
- cocoa powder
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- Try to make this post at least 880 words long.
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