Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies

Introduction

These Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies are a timeless treat that’s not only easy to make but also irresistibly delicious. I first tried making these when I was craving something sweet and didn’t feel like turning on the oven. To my surprise, the combination of peanut butter, butter, and oats created the perfect no-bake cookie, with a smooth texture and a rich peanut flavor. My family loved them, and they quickly became a staple in our kitchen. The best part? They require minimal ingredients, and the recipe is so simple that even kids can help make them. These cookies are perfect for those busy days when you want something sweet but don’t have time to bake. They’re also an excellent option for picnics, parties, or just a quick snack after a long day. If you love peanut butter, these no-bake cookies will quickly become a favorite in your household!

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1/2 cup butter
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup cold milk
• 3 1/2 cups quick-cooking oats
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Prepare the Mixture:
   In a heavy-bottomed pot, combine the butter, granulated sugar, and cold milk. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it comes to a rolling boil. Once it starts boiling, continue to boil for 1 minute while stirring to ensure the sugar dissolves properly and the mixture thickens slightly.
2. Add the Peanut Butter and Vanilla:
   After boiling for 1 minute, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the peanut butter and vanilla extract. Mix well until the peanut butter is fully melted and incorporated into the sugar mixture.
3. Add the Oats:
   Once the peanut butter has completely melted into the mixture, add the quick-cooking oats. Stir the mixture until all the oats are fully coated and evenly distributed in the peanut butter mixture.
4. Form the Cookies:
   Using a spoon, scoop out portions of the mixture and drop them onto a piece of parchment paper or wax paper. Space the cookies a few inches apart to allow for easy removal once they cool. You can shape them into round or irregular shapes, depending on your preference.
5. Cool and Firm:
   Let the cookies cool completely at room temperature until they firm up. This usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the temperature of your kitchen. Once the cookies are firm, they’re ready to enjoy!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Servings: 12 cookies
• Calories per serving: Approximately 200 kcal
• Sugar: 20g
• Sodium: 75mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 23g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 15mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes (plus cooling time)

How to Serve

• Straight from the parchment paper: These no-bake cookies are best enjoyed fresh and still slightly warm from the parchment paper.
• With a glass of milk: Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk for the ultimate snack or dessert combo.
• For a treat on the go: These cookies are portable and make a great snack for lunchboxes or road trips.
• With a cup of coffee or tea: The richness of peanut butter combined with the sweetness of these cookies makes them the perfect accompaniment to your morning or afternoon coffee or tea.
• Topped with chocolate: Drizzle melted chocolate on top of each cookie for a more indulgent treat.

Additional Tips

1. Use creamy peanut butter: While chunky peanut butter works, creamy peanut butter creates a smoother texture in the cookies and helps the mixture come together more easily.
2. Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer your cookies a bit less sweet, you can reduce the sugar slightly. Keep in mind that the sweetness balances out the rich peanut butter flavor.
3. Make them thicker: If you like thicker cookies, use fewer oats and let the mixture cool slightly before scooping it out onto the parchment paper.
4. Use quick oats only: Quick-cooking oats absorb the liquid better than old-fashioned oats, giving you the right consistency. Avoid using instant oats.
5. Shape your cookies: For uniform cookies, use a cookie scoop or two spoons to create equal portions of dough.

Recipe Variations

• Add chocolate chips: For a more decadent treat, stir in some chocolate chips (milk or dark) into the mixture before scooping the cookies out onto the parchment paper.
• Add shredded coconut: If you love coconut, try adding 1/2 cup of shredded coconut into the mixture for a tropical twist.
• Peanut butter and jelly: Add a spoonful of your favorite jam or jelly into the center of each cookie to create a peanut butter and jelly cookie treat.
• Vegan version: Use a plant-based butter and non-dairy milk, like almond or oat milk, to make these cookies vegan-friendly.
• Crunchy peanut butter version: If you prefer a bit of crunch in your cookies, use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth.

Serving Suggestions

• As a snack for kids: These peanut butter no-bake cookies are a great option for an after-school snack or for kids’ parties. They’re sweet, delicious, and easy to eat.
• At family gatherings: Serve these cookies as part of a dessert spread at a holiday or family gathering. They’re easy to make in large batches and can be enjoyed by everyone.
• For potlucks or bake sales: These cookies are perfect for potlucks, bake sales, or school events, as they’re quick to make and everyone loves them.
• As a snack with fruit: Pair the cookies with some fresh fruit like apple slices or banana for a satisfying snack that combines protein and fiber.
• For movie night: Serve these cookies alongside your favorite movie snacks for the perfect cozy movie night treat.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: These cookies freeze well! After they’ve cooled and firmed up, place them in an airtight container or zip-lock bag and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply leave them at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.
• Storage: If you plan to store them in the refrigerator, keep the cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week. They’ll stay fresh and delicious, but you may need to let them sit for a few minutes at room temperature before eating, as they can become a little firm in the fridge.
• At room temperature: If you prefer to keep them at room temperature, they can last for about 4-5 days stored in an airtight container.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use old-fashioned oats instead of quick oats?
Old-fashioned oats won’t give the same texture and consistency in no-bake cookies. Quick oats are necessary for the right texture, so it’s best to use them.

2. How long does it take for the cookies to set?
These cookies typically take about 30 minutes to 1 hour to firm up at room temperature, depending on the temperature of your kitchen.

3. Can I use honey instead of sugar?
Using honey will change the texture and consistency of the cookies, and the sweetness may be too intense. It’s best to stick with granulated sugar for this recipe.

4. How can I make these cookies dairy-free?
To make them dairy-free, use non-dairy butter (such as vegan butter) and substitute the milk with any non-dairy milk (such as almond milk or oat milk).

5. Can I add chocolate to the cookie mixture?
Yes, you can stir in chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate on top of the cookies after they set for a richer, more indulgent treat.

6. Can I make these cookies without peanut butter?
You can substitute peanut butter with almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter for a different flavor.

7. Can I use instant oats for this recipe?
No, instant oats do not provide the proper texture for no-bake cookies, so it’s best to stick with quick-cooking oats.

8. Can I make these cookies with less sugar?
Yes, you can reduce the sugar by up to 1/4 cup, but this will affect the sweetness of the cookies. Taste as you go to ensure you’re happy with the sweetness level.

9. What’s the best way to store these cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also refrigerate them for a firmer texture.

10. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! These cookies are perfect for making ahead. Simply store them in an airtight container once they have cooled and firmed up, and they will stay fresh for up to a week.

Conclusion

Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies are a simple yet satisfying treat that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. With just a few basic ingredients and minimal effort, you can make these cookies in no time. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a treat to share at a gathering, or a dessert that’s easy to pack for lunchboxes, these no-bake cookies are perfect. They’re rich, chewy, and packed with the classic flavor combination of peanut butter and oats . Try them today and enjoy the sweet, satisfying taste of homemade cookies in minutes!

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