Name: Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup creamy peanut butter (not natural-style); 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups old-fashioned oats; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup milk or semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1 teaspoon coconut oil (optional, for smoother melting); Gold sugar stars or edible glitter (optional, for topping)

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These no-bake peanut butter cookies are a quick and indulgent treat that’s packed with flavor and texture. The peanut butter base is rich and creamy, while the oats provide heartiness, making them a perfect snack or dessert. The chocolate drizzle adds a sweet finishing touch, and the optional gold sugar stars or edible glitter make these cookies extra special for celebrations or holidays. Plus, with only 15 minutes of prep time, they’re easy to whip up whenever you need a delicious, no-fuss treat!

Ingredients

For the Cookie Base:

1 cup creamy peanut butter (not natural-style)
½ cup unsalted butter
¼ cup honey or maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups old-fashioned oats
½ tsp salt

For the Drizzle and Set:

¾ cup milk or semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 tsp coconut oil (optional, for smoother melting)
Gold sugar stars or edible glitter (optional, for topping)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Baking Sheet:

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat and set it aside.

2. Melt the Base:

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the peanut butter, unsalted butter, and honey. Stir frequently until the mixture is smooth and fully melted. Remove from heat.

3. Add Vanilla and Oats:

Stir in the vanilla extract and salt, then gradually mix in the oats until everything is well combined. Let the mixture cool for 5 minutes to make it easier to handle.

4. Shape the Cookies:

Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls using a small cookie scoop or your hands. Place each ball on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.

5. Chill to Firm Up:

Transfer the baking sheet to the refrigerator and chill the cookies for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are firm to the touch.

6. Make the Drizzle:

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and fully melted.

7. Decorate:

Using a spoon or a piping bag, drizzle the melted chocolate over the chilled cookies. While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle with gold sugar stars or edible glitter if using.

8. Final Chill:

Return the decorated cookies to the refrigerator for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the chocolate drizzle is set.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes (includes chilling time)
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Calories: Approximately 150 kcal per cookie

Variations

Peanut Butter and Chocolate Chips: Add mini chocolate chips into the cookie base before chilling for an extra chocolatey treat.
Nutty Cookies: Stir in chopped peanuts, almonds, or cashews into the base for a bit of crunch.
Vegan Version: Use maple syrup, coconut oil, and dairy-free chocolate chips to make these cookies fully vegan.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store these cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. They also freeze well for up to 3 months.
Reheating: These cookies don’t need reheating since they’re best served chilled, but you can soften them slightly by leaving them at room temperature for a few minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, crunchy peanut butter will work, but it will add more texture to the cookies. The creamy peanut butter creates a smoother consistency in the base.

2. Can I substitute honey with something else?

Yes, you can substitute honey with maple syrup or agave syrup if you prefer a vegan option.

3. Can I make these cookies without the chocolate drizzle?

Yes, you can skip the chocolate drizzle if you prefer a simpler cookie. The base itself is delicious enough!

4. Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?

Old-fashioned oats work best in this recipe because they hold their shape and provide better texture. Quick oats may work but will result in a softer, more compact cookie.

5. Can I freeze these cookies?

Yes, these cookies freeze wonderfully. Place them in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper, and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.

6. How do I make these cookies more festive?

You can add colorful sprinkles, drizzle with white or dark chocolate, or top with festive candies or edible glitter for a more seasonal touch.

7. Can I make these cookies without a microwave for the chocolate drizzle?

Yes, you can melt the chocolate and coconut oil in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water (double boiler method) if you prefer not to use a microwave.

8. Can I add a filling to these cookies?

Yes, you can fill these no-bake cookies with chocolate ganache, peanut butter filling, or fruit jam for a unique twist.

9. Can I make these cookies larger?

Yes, you can make these cookies larger by using more of the mixture per ball, but you may need to adjust the chilling time to ensure they set properly.

10. Can I skip the coconut oil in the drizzle?

Yes, the coconut oil is optional and helps with a smoother chocolate drizzle. You can omit it if you prefer a thicker, more solid drizzle.

Conclusion

These Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies are a perfect treat for any occasion, combining the rich flavor of peanut butter with hearty oats and a chocolate drizzle. They’re quick to make, easy to store, and completely customizable with different add-ins and toppings. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or a simple snack, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone. Enjoy the perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and crunchy in every bite!

Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies Recipe

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Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies combine creamy peanut butter, hearty oats, and a touch of honey, all topped with a chocolate drizzle and optional gold sugar stars or edible glitter. These easy-to-make cookies are perfect for any occasion and require no baking!

Author: Amy
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes (includes chilling time)
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Category: Dessert
Method: No-bake
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat and set it aside.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the peanut butter, unsalted butter, and honey. Stir frequently until the mixture is smooth and fully melted. Remove from heat.
Stir in the vanilla extract and salt, then gradually mix in the oats until everything is well combined. Let the mixture cool for 5 minutes to make it easier to handle.
Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball. Place each ball on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
Transfer the baking sheet to the refrigerator and chill the cookies for 15 to 20 minutes, or until firm to the touch.
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and fully melted.
Using a spoon or a piping bag, drizzle the melted chocolate over the chilled cookies. While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle with gold sugar stars or edible glitter if using.
Return the decorated cookies to the refrigerator for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the chocolate drizzle is set.