Hungry Foodie

  • About / Work With Me
  • Recipes
  • Book Reviews
  • DIY
  • Travel
  • Skincare
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • About / Work With Me
  • Recipes
  • Book Reviews
  • DIY
  • Travel
  • Skincare
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Dessert Recipes

    Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies

    Published: Oct 4, 2021 · Last Updated: Oct 4, 2021 by Kyndra Holley

    Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe
    a pile of no bake cookies on a cooling rack, surrounded by a pink towel and ingredients
    a cooling rack with peanut butter no bake cookies on it. One has a bite taken out of it
    a cooling rack with peanut butter no bake cookies on it. One has a bite taken out of it
    a pile of no bake cookies on a cooling rack, surrounded by a pink towel and ingredients
    a pile of no bake cookies on a cooling rack, surrounded by a pink towel and ingredients

    These chewy and delicious Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies are made with creamy peanut butter, vanilla, brown sugar, butter and rolled oats. Ready in less than 20 minutes, they couldn't be any easier to make - just mix, set, and enjoy!

    a pile of no bake cookies on a cooling rack, surrounded by a pink towel and ingredients
    Table of Contents show
    Ingredients in peanut butter no bake cookies
    How to make no bake cookies
    Recipe Tips and Variations
    Frequently Asked Questions
    Sign up for our Newsletter
    Other Recipes You Might Enjoy
    Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies

    Ingredients in peanut butter no bake cookies

    ingredients in bowls, peanut butter, sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, butter, salt

    Ingredient notes and substitutions

    • Butter - to make these peanut butter no bake cookies, I used unsalted butter. If you only have salted butter on hand, you can use that and omit the added salt in the recipe. (more delicious dessert recipes)
    • Light Brown Sugar and Granular White Sugar- Using a combination of the 2 adds a depth of flavor to the cookies. The brown sugar imparts a delicious molasses flavor.
    • Vanilla Extract - The vanilla extract helps pull all the flavors together and adds a hint of vanilla flavor. These are also great with caramel extract.
    • Peanut Butter - You want to make sure you are using a thick peanut butter. The consistency will not be the same with an oilier natural variety.
    • Old-Fashioned Oats - For this recipe, I used old-fashioned rolled oats. You can also use quick oats.

    How to make no bake cookies

    a saucepan with melted butter, white sugar and brown sugar in it

    Step by Step Instructions

    STEP 1: Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and granulated sugar. 

    a sauce pan with melted butter, white sugar, brown sugar and peanut butter in it

    STEP 2: Continue stirring for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the sugar starts to bubble. Stir in the peanut butter, vanilla extract and salt.

    a sauce pan with melted butter, white sugar, brown sugar and peanut butter in it

    STEP 3: Continue mixing until smooth and all ingredients are well incorporated.

    a sauce pan with melted butter, white sugar, brown sugar, peanut butter and oats in it

    STEP 4: Using a rubber spatula, fold in the oats. Mix until all of the oats are evenly coated.

    a baking sheet lined with parchment paper full of peanut butter no bake cookies

    STEP 5: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Use a 2 inch cookie scoop to scoop 16 cookies onto the baking sheet. Transfer the baking sheet to the fridge for 30 minutes to allow the cookies to set. 

    a pile of no bake cookies on a cooling rack, surrounded by a pink towel and ingredients

    Recipe Tips and Variations

    • Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. (These are my favorite storage and meal prep containers)
    • Make them low carb: You can make these peanut butter no bake cookies low carb by using a reduced sugar peanut butter, swapping the sugars out for a low carb sweetener like brown sugar erythritol or monk fruit, and by swapping the oats out for unsweetened coconut flakes, or even chopped mixed nuts. (Check out these Low Carb Chocolate Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies)
    • Make them sugar free: To make a sugar free version of these no bake cookies, simply use a no-sugar added peanut butter and replace the brown sugar and white sugar with your favorite natural sweetener substitute. (More sugar free cookie recipes)
    • Add cocoa powder: for a more traditional chocolate no bake cookie, add ¼ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder.
    • Add chocolate chips: For some added crunch and some chocolatey goodness, add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the mix. (Try these Marshmallow Chocolate Chip Cookies)
    • Add Butterscotch chips: Take things up a notch and add some butterscotch chips into the mix. You can melt them in with the peanut butter, or you can mix them in when you add the oats. (I use this brand of butterscotch chips)
    • Add crunchy chow mein noodles: For a no-bake haystack cookie, swap the oats out for crunch chow mein noodles. (I use this brand)
    a pile of no bake cookies on a cooling rack, surrounded by a pink towel and ingredients

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is the difference between no bake cookies and haystacks?

    No bake cookies (also sometimes referred to as preacher cookies) are typically made with oats, whereas haystack cookies are typically made with crunchy chow mein noodles.

    How do you make low carb no bake cookies?

    You can make these peanut butter no bake cookies low carb by using a reduced sugar peanut butter, swapping the sugars out for a low carb sweetener like brown sugar erythritol or monk fruit, and by swapping the oats out for unsweetened coconut flakes, or even chopped mixed nuts.

    Are oats gluten free?

    Oats are naturally gluten free, but they may be processed in a plant or transported with other non-gluten free grains like wheat, barley, rye etc.

    Why are my cookies dry and crumbly?

    If your no bake cookies come out dry and crumbly and do not hold their shape after setting, it is likely that you did not cook the butter and sugar long enough.

    a cooling rack with peanut butter no bake cookies on it. One has a bite taken out of it

    Sign up for our Newsletter

    Other Recipes You Might Enjoy

    • A white casserole dish with roasted tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
      How to Make Tomato Confit
    • A jar of homemade caesar dressing with fresh garlic bulbs next to it and a salt and pepper cellar behind it.
      Homemade Caesar Dressing
    • A mini enameled cast iron dutch oven filled with garlic cloves, rosemary, thyme and dried pepper pods in avocado oil.
      How To Make Garlic Confit
    • A white bowl full of soup with chicken, broth, carrots, celery, and egg noodles.
      Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
    Print
    clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
    a pile of no bake cookies on a cooling rack, surrounded by a pink towel and ingredients

    Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies


    5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

    5 from 6 reviews

    • Author: Kyndra Holley
    • Total Time: 15 minutes
    • Yield: 16 cookies 1x
    • Diet: Vegetarian
    Pin Recipe
    Print Recipe

    Description

    These chewy and delicious Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies are made with creamy peanut butter, vanilla, brown sugar, butter and rolled oats. Ready in less than 20 minutes, they couldn't be any easier to make - just mix, set, and enjoy! 


    Ingredients

    Scale
    • 1 stick unsalted butter (4 ounces, or ½ cup)
    • ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed (I use this brand)
    • ¾ cup granulated sugar (I use this brand)
    • 1 ½ cups creamy peanut butter
    • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract (I use this brand)
    • ¼ teaspoon sea salt 
    • 3 cups old-fashioned oats (I use this brand)

    Instructions

    1. Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and granulated sugar. 
    2. Continue stirring for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the sugar starts to bubble. 
    3. Stir in the peanut butter, vanilla extract and salt. Mix until smooth. 
    4. Using a rubber spatula, fold in the oats. 
    5. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Use a 2 inch cookie scoop to scoop 16 cookies onto the baking sheet. 
    6. Transfer the baking sheet to the fridge for 30 minutes to allow the cookies to set. 

    Notes

    • Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. 
    • Make them low carb: You can make these peanut butter no bake cookies low carb by using a reduced sugar peanut butter, swapping the sugars out for a low carb sweetener like brown sugar erythritol or monk fruit, and by swapping the oats out for unsweetened coconut flakes, or even chopped mixed nuts. 
    • Make them sugar free: To make a sugar free version of these no bake cookies, simply use a no-sugar added peanut butter and replace the brown sugar and white sugar with your favorite natural sweetener substitute. 
    • Add cocoa powder: for a more traditional chocolate no bake cookie, add ¼ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder. 
    • Add chocolate chips: For some added crunch and some chocolatey goodness, add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the mix. 
    • Add Butterscotch chips: Take things up a notch and add some butterscotch chips into the mix. You can melt them in with the peanut butter, or you can mix them in when you add the oats. 
    • Add crunchy chow mein noodles: For a no-bake haystack cookie, swap the oats out for crunch chow mien noodles.
    • Prep Time: 5 minutes
    • Cook Time: 10 minutes
    • Category: Dessert Recipes
    • Method: Mixing
    • Cuisine: American

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: 1 cookie
    • Calories: 165
    • Fat: 9g
    • Carbohydrates: 19g
    • Fiber: 3g
    • Protein: 4g

    Follow Me on Instagram @kyndraholley

    More Dessert Recipes

    • A jar of apple butter with a wooden spoon and apples and fresh herbs in the background.
      Instant Pot Apple Butter
    • A freshly baked and frosted gluten free carrot cake, with a slice being cut from it.
      The Best Gluten Free Carrot Cake
    • 2 layered milkshakes - red, white, and blue, topped with whipped cream and sprinkles.
      Red White and Blueberry Milkshake
    • a batch of freshly baked gingersnap cookies cooling on a cooling rack.
      Thin and Crispy Gingersnap Cookies

    Comments

    1. Claudia Lamascolo says

      October 06, 2021 at 10:49 am

      I honestly just made these they looked so good but they taste even better my husband and grand kids loved them and so easy!

      Reply
    2. Beth Sachs says

      October 06, 2021 at 10:59 am

      These no bake cookies sound amazing. My kids love anything with peanut butter!

      Reply
    3. Anjali says

      October 06, 2021 at 11:14 am

      I made these with my kids as an after school treat and they were a total hit!! Sweet, soft, and peanut buttery - so good!

      Reply
    4. Alisa Infanti says

      October 06, 2021 at 11:25 am

      These are amazing! I like to have two with my afternoon tea. The peanut butter gives me a little fat and protein to continue on!

      Reply
    5. Tara says

      October 06, 2021 at 11:35 am

      Such a fantastic no bake cookie! Those flavors sound amazing and I love how they come together in less than 20 minutes. Yum!

      Reply
    6. Dena says

      October 21, 2021 at 9:21 am

      Has anyone made these using vegan butter, such as Earth Balance?

      Reply
    7. Larry P. says

      August 15, 2022 at 5:13 pm

      Just made these...took longer to get the ingredients lined up for cooking (I moved slowly)but well worth the effort. They turned out great . Ate one before I put the cookie sheets in fridge. Delicious! Going to try more no bake cookies when these are gone...which won't be long.
      Thanks for a great recipe

      Reply
    8. Larry P. says

      August 15, 2022 at 5:20 pm

      Just made these. Easy.
      Taste great. Going to try more no bake cookies when these are gone...which won't be long! Thanks for a great recipe.

      Reply

    Did you try this recipe? Tell us your thoughts! Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

    Order My New Cookbook

    Kyndra Holley - International Best Selling Cookbook Author, and the face behind this blog and Peace Love and Low Carb. When I am not hard at work creating recipes and healthy living content, I can be found exploring the world, playing with our 5 crazy pups, hiking, or just kicking back and relaxing with a cup of coffee and a good book.

    More about me →

    Salad Recipes

    • a quinoa salad with tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, mandarins, bell peppers and parsley.
      Easy Quinoa Salad
    • a ceramic bowl with peaches, burrata cheese, fresh basil, balsamic vinegar and jalapenos.
      Peach Burrata Salad
    • white plate with a salad made of thinly sliced prosciutto, cantaloupe balls, mozzarella cheese, mint and basil.
      Cantaloupe and Prosciutto Salad with Mozzarella
    • a white bowl full of corn salad with corn, red onion, bacon, cheddar, jalapeños, cilantro and bacon
      Grilled Corn Salad
    • a chicken burrito bowl, filled with chicken, onion, corn, beans, rice, avocado, and sour cream
      Chicken Burrito Bowls
    • clear mixing bowl filled with grilled corn salsa, served with chips, guacamole and limes
      Grilled Corn Salsa

    Popular Recipes

    • A large pan with a pasta dish made with ground beef, mushrooms, onions, and a sour cream sauce.
      Homemade Hamburger Helper Beef Stroganoff
    • a bowl of beef birria Mexican stew, garnishes with red onion, cilantro and lime
      Beef Birria
    • An enameled cast iron skillet filled with a pasta dish made with chicken, penne, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, red onion and a rich creamy sauce
      Marry Me Chicken Pasta (Tuscan Chicken Pasta)
    • A freshly baked and frosted gluten free carrot cake, with a slice being cut from it.
      The Best Gluten Free Carrot Cake
    • red bell peppers stuffed with cheese and spinach, served on a white plate
      Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Peppers
    • An enameled cast iron skillet with cooked chicken breasts, topped with a caramelized onion pan sauce and melty cheese.
      French Onion Chicken
    as featured on banner

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Accessibility Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign up to receive our new recipes in your inbox

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Follow us on Instagram
    • Work With Me

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2013 - 2023 Hungry Foodie