The marvel of these no-bake chocolate and peanut butter cookies lies in their simplicity. It's a classic combination of two favorite flavors, with the added benefit of no oven time. The result is a quick, effortless treat that's sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Most of the ingredients for this recipe such as sugar, butter, milk, cocoa powder, and rolled oats are pantry staples. The ones you might need to pick up from the supermarket are peanut butter and coconut oil, if you don't regularly use them. Choose creamy peanut butter for a smooth texture in your cookies, and ensure your coconut oil is unrefined for the best flavor.
Ingredients for No Bake Chocolate and Peanut Butter Cookies
Sugar: The sweetener in the recipe, it combines with the butter and milk to create a syrupy base.
Butter: Adds richness and helps to set the cookies.
Milk: Used to moisten the mixture and bring the cookie dough together.
Cocoa powder: Gives the cookies their chocolate flavor.
Peanut butter: Adds a nutty, creamy texture and flavor to the cookies.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
Rolled oats: Provides texture and substance to the cookies.
Coconut oil: Used for the optional peanut butter drizzle, it helps to thin the peanut butter for drizzling.
One reader, Andonis Muhammad says:
These no-bake chocolate and peanut butter cookies are a game-changer! They are incredibly easy to make and taste absolutely divine. The combination of chocolate and peanut butter is a match made in heaven. Plus, the peanut butter drizzle adds an extra layer of deliciousness. I highly recommend trying this recipe!
Techniques Required for No Bake Chocolate and Peanut Butter Cookies
Prepare the cookie dough: Combine the sugar, butter, milk, and cocoa powder in a saucepan and cook until melted. Then, stir in the peanut butter, vanilla, salt, and rolled oats.
Scoop the cookie dough: Use a medium cookie scoop to portion the dough onto a lined baking sheet.
Make the peanut butter drizzle (optional): Melt the peanut butter and coconut oil together, then drizzle over the cookies using a spoon.
Refrigerate the cookies: Chill the cookies for 20 minutes to firm up the texture and set the drizzle.
Store the cookies: Transfer the cookies to an airtight container and keep them at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for up to a month if they have the peanut butter drizzle.
How To Make No Bake Chocolate and Peanut Butter Cookies
You don’t need an oven to make these chocolate and peanut butter cookies. They’re made with oats, perfect for those looking for something gluten-free.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1½cupssugar
- ½cupunsalted butter
- ½cupmilk
- ¼cupcocoa powder
- ½cupcreamy peanut butter
- 1tspvanilla extract
- ¼tspkosher salt
- 3cupsrolled oats,gluten-free, if needed
For Peanut Butter Drizzle (Optional):
- 3tbspcreamy peanut butter
- 2tspcoconut oil
Instructions
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Line a baking sheet with parchment and set to the side.
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In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, butter, milk, and cocoa powder. Cook until the sugar and butter are melted, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, and then continue to boil for 1 minute.
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Pour the mixture into a large mixing bowl and stir in the peanut butter, vanilla, and salt. Stir in the rolled oats.
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Using a medium cookie scoop, scoop and place the cookie dough on the lined parchment baking sheet.
Peanut Butter Drizzle (optional):
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Melt the peanut butter and coconut oil together in the microwave for 30 seconds. Stir to combine, then drizzle over the cookies using a spoon. Skip this drizzle if planning to pack up the cookies for eating on the go; the drizzle softens a little when the cookies are at room temperature, which can make them a little messy when eating on the go.
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Refrigerate for 20 minutes to firm up the cookies and set the drizzle. Transfer to an airtight container.
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Cookies will keep for about a week at room temperature, or a month if refrigerated. If there is peanut butter drizzle, keep refrigerated so the drizzle stays firm.
Nutrition
- Calories: 206.84kcal
- Fat: 10.77g
- Saturated Fat: 4.55g
- Trans Fat: 0.19g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 3.85g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.58g
- Carbohydrates: 26.10g
- Fiber: 1.97g
- Sugar: 16.43g
- Protein: 4.06g
- Cholesterol: 12.81mg
- Sodium: 29.02mg
- Calcium: 19.80mg
- Potassium: 118.76mg
- Iron: 0.87mg
- Vitamin A: 41.62µg
Technique Tip for Perfect No Bake Chocolate and Peanut Butter Cookies
When making these no bake chocolate and peanut butter cookies, it's crucial to ensure that the sugar and butter mixture is fully melted and combined before adding the other ingredients. This will ensure a smooth and even texture in your cookies. Also, when adding the rolled oats, make sure to stir them in thoroughly so that they're fully coated with the chocolate and peanut butter mixture. This will help the cookies hold together better and give them a more uniform flavor. If you're adding the optional peanut butter drizzle, remember to let it cool slightly before drizzling it over the cookies. This will prevent it from melting the cookies and will give them a nice, glossy finish.
Time-Saving Tips for Making No Bake Cookies
Preparation: Gather all the ingredients and equipment before starting to make the cookies. This will help streamline the process and prevent any last-minute scrambling.
Organization: Measure out all the ingredients in advance and arrange them in order of use. This will make the cooking process more efficient and enjoyable.
Clean as you go: Wash and put away utensils and bowls as you finish using them. This will help maintain a tidy workspace and minimize post-cooking cleanup time.
Use a cookie scoop: Utilize a cookie scoop to portion out the dough quickly and uniformly, ensuring consistent cookie sizes and even baking.
Chill the dough: If time permits, chill the cookie dough in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before scooping and shaping. This will make the dough easier to handle and prevent it from sticking to your hands.
Substitute Ingredients For No Bake Chocolate and Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
- sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can add sweetness and moisture to the cookies, while also providing a unique flavor profile.
- unsalted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can provide a similar richness and texture to the cookies, while also adding a hint of coconut flavor.
- milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk can be used as a dairy-free alternative, providing a subtle nutty flavor to the cookies.
- cocoa powder - Substitute with carob powder: Carob powder has a similar chocolatey flavor and can be used as a caffeine-free alternative to cocoa powder.
- creamy peanut butter - Substitute with almond butter: Almond butter can provide a creamy texture and nutty flavor, serving as a delicious alternative to peanut butter.
- rolled oats - Substitute with quinoa flakes: Quinoa flakes can offer a similar texture and nutty flavor, while also providing additional protein and nutrients to the cookies.
Presenting No Bake Chocolate and Peanut Butter Cookies
Elevate with garnish: Add a touch of sophistication by garnishing the cookies with a sprinkle of edible gold leaf or finely chopped roasted peanuts for a luxurious finish.
Artful plating: Arrange the cookies on a sleek, modern serving platter, ensuring each cookie is evenly spaced and presented with precision to showcase the indulgent texture and rich flavors.
Incorporate a dessert sauce: Drizzle a luscious chocolate or caramel sauce in an artistic pattern on the serving platter before placing the cookies, adding a touch of elegance and enhancing the overall visual appeal.
Use elegant serving ware: Present the cookies on a beautiful, handcrafted ceramic or glass dessert plate, elevating the overall dining experience and creating a sense of luxury for the esteemed guests.
Create a symmetrical arrangement: Arrange the cookies in a circular or linear pattern on the serving platter, ensuring a visually appealing and balanced presentation that reflects precision and attention to detail.
Add a touch of color: Introduce a pop of color to the presentation by placing a few fresh, vibrant berries alongside the cookies, creating a visually stunning contrast and adding a touch of freshness to the overall composition.
Incorporate edible flowers: Enhance the visual appeal by delicately placing edible flowers, such as pansies or violas, around the cookies, adding a touch of natural beauty and a hint of floral fragrance to the presentation.
Utilize elegant plating techniques: Employ modern plating techniques, such as quenelles or carefully piped swirls of whipped cream, to add a refined and artistic touch to the presentation of the cookies.
Essential Tools for Making No Bake Cookies
Medium saucepan: A medium-sized cooking pot with a handle and a lid, used for heating and cooking ingredients such as sauces, soups, and stews.
Mixing bowl: A bowl used for mixing ingredients, typically made of glass, ceramic, or stainless steel.
Cookie scoop: A utensil used to portion out cookie dough, creating evenly sized cookies.
Parchment paper: A heat-resistant, non-stick paper used in baking and cooking to line pans and trays.
Microwave: An appliance used for quickly heating or cooking food by exposing it to electromagnetic radiation in the microwave frequency range.
Baking sheet: A flat, rectangular metal sheet used to bake cookies, pastries, and other baked goods in the oven.
Spoon: A utensil consisting of a small, shallow bowl on a handle, used for stirring, serving, and tasting food.
Refrigerator: An appliance used for storing food at low temperatures to preserve its freshness.
Storing and Freezing No Bake Chocolate and Peanut Butter Cookies
Allow the no bake chocolate and peanut butter cookies to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. This will prevent any condensation from forming and making the cookies soggy.
If you've added the optional peanut butter drizzle, it's best to store the cookies in the refrigerator to keep the drizzle firm. They will keep well for up to a month when refrigerated.
For storing at room temperature, place the cookies in a single layer in an airtight container, separating each layer with a piece of parchment paper or wax paper to prevent sticking. They will stay fresh for about a week when stored this way.
To freeze the cookies, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer until they are firm (about 1-2 hours). Once frozen, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, separating each layer with parchment paper or wax paper to prevent sticking.
When you're ready to enjoy the frozen cookies, simply remove them from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. The no bake cookies will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.
If you plan to pack the cookies for on-the-go snacking, it's best to skip the peanut butter drizzle, as it can soften at room temperature and make the cookies a bit messy to eat.
Random Fact About No Bake Chocolate and Peanut Butter Cookies
The no bake chocolate and peanut butter cookies are a delicious treat that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. These cookies are a great option for those who want a quick and easy dessert without having to use an oven. They are also a good source of energy due to the oats and peanut butter. Peanut butter is a rich source of protein and healthy fats, making these cookies a satisfying and indulgent snack. Additionally, the cocoa powder used in the recipe is a good source of antioxidants, which can have various health benefits.
Is Making No Bake Cookies Economical for Home Cooking?
The no bake chocolate and peanut butter cookies recipe is a cost-effective option for households. The ingredients are commonly found in most kitchens, and the recipe yields a large batch, making it economical. The use of pantry staples like sugar, butter, and rolled oats keeps the cost low. The addition of peanut butter and cocoa powder adds a touch of indulgence without breaking the bank. Overall, this recipe is a budget-friendly treat for families. Verdict: 9/10. Approximate cost: $8-10 USD for a household of 4 people.
Are No Bake Chocolate and Peanut Butter Cookies Healthy or Unhealthy?
This no-bake chocolate and peanut butter cookie recipe, while delicious, is not particularly healthy. The main concerns are the high sugar content and the use of butter, which is high in saturated fat. Additionally, the recipe lacks any significant sources of fiber, vitamins, or minerals.
However, there are some redeeming qualities:
- Peanut butter provides a source of protein and healthy fats
- Oats offer some fiber and complex carbohydrates
- Cocoa powder contains antioxidants
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Reduce the sugar content by using a sugar substitute or cutting the amount in half
- Replace the butter with a healthier fat source, such as coconut oil or mashed avocado
- Incorporate more nutrient-dense ingredients, like ground flaxseed, chia seeds, or chopped nuts
- Use dark chocolate with a high cocoa content (70% or more) for the drizzle, as it contains more antioxidants and less sugar than milk chocolate
- Experiment with using almond butter or cashew butter instead of peanut butter for variety and different nutrient profiles
- Add dried fruits, such as raisins or cranberries, for natural sweetness and added fiber
- Consider using a portion of whole wheat oats to increase the fiber content further
By making these adjustments, you can create a more balanced and nutritious treat that still satisfies your sweet tooth.
Editor's Thoughts on This No Bake Cookie Recipe
This no-bake chocolate and peanut butter cookie recipe is a delightful combination of sweet and nutty flavors. The simplicity of the ingredients and the ease of preparation make it a convenient and satisfying treat for any occasion. The addition of the peanut butter drizzle adds a touch of indulgence, elevating the overall experience. The cookies can be enjoyed as a quick snack or as a delightful dessert. The recipe's versatility and delicious outcome make it a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Enhance Your No Bake Chocolate and Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this No Bake Chocolate and Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe:
This recipe is a tried and true favorite, using peanut butter and chocolate to create a delicious and satisfying treat. With a perfect balance of sweetness and richness, these cookies are a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. The combination of sugar, butter, and oats ensures a delightful texture and flavor. The optional peanut butter drizzle adds an extra layer of indulgence. Trust in the simplicity and reliability of this no-bake recipe, and you'll be rewarded with irresistible cookies that are perfect for sharing with friends and family.
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