Easy No Bake Cookies Kids Love to Make
These easy no bake cookies are a quick, kid-friendly treat that combines chocolatey richness with a satisfying crunch, perfect for busy days and fun family moments.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 20 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (180g) rolled oats
- 1/2 cup (120ml) milk (whole milk or dairy-free alternatives like almond or oat milk)
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (22g) unsweetened cocoa powder (preferably Dutch-processed)
- 1/2 cup (125g) peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
- 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Optional add-ins: shredded coconut, chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans), mini chocolate chips, puffed rice cereal
Instructions
- Gather your ingredients: Measure out all ingredients to ensure a smooth process.
- Prepare your workspace: Line a baking sheet with wax paper or parchment paper for the cookies to set on.
- Heat the wet ingredients: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the milk, sugar, cocoa powder, and butter. Stir gently to combine. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil and let it boil for exactly 1 minute.
- Remove from heat: Take the saucepan off the stove and immediately stir in the peanut butter, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
- Add oats: Quickly fold in the oats, stirring until every flake is coated with the chocolate mixture. Add optional shredded coconut or nuts if desired.
- Shape the cookies: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Work swiftly before the mixture cools and hardens.
- Let them set: Allow the cookies to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes or place in the fridge for about 15 minutes to set faster.
- Enjoy: Once set, the cookies are ready to be enjoyed. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge for up to a week.
Notes
Timing the boil precisely to 1 minute is crucial for the right texture. Use rolled oats for better chewiness. Work quickly when shaping cookies as the mixture sets fast. Wax paper prevents sticking. For softer cookies, reduce sugar slightly or add more peanut butter. Dairy-free options can be made by substituting milk and butter with plant-based alternatives.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 13
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 3
Keywords: no bake cookies, easy cookies, kid-friendly dessert, chocolate cookies, peanut butter cookies, quick cookies, no oven cookies