Whip Up Easy No-Bake Peanut Butter Cookies

Ingredients

1 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

1/2 cup milk

3 cups quick-cooking oats

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Optional: pinch of salt

This recipe calls for simple pantry staples. You can use salted or unsalted butter. Adjust the amount of salt accordingly. Creamy peanut butter is preferred for a smoother texture. If you only have crunchy peanut butter, you can use it, but the cookies will have a slightly different texture. Quick-cooking oats are best for this recipe. Old-fashioned rolled oats may result in a chewier texture. A splash of vanilla extract enhances the flavor. Feel free to add a pinch of salt to balance out the sweetness, especially if you are using unsalted butter.

Step-by-step instructions

These no-bake peanut butter cookies are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. However, they are so delicious that they rarely last that long!

Tips for best results

For foolproof no-bake peanut butter cookies every time, keep these tips in mind:

Use creamy peanut butter, not the natural kind with oil separation. It blends more smoothly and creates a better texture.

Don't overcook the sugar mixture. It should reach a boil, but avoid excessive boiling as it can make the cookies dry.

Use a cookie scoop for uniform cookies that bake evenly.

Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet before moving them. They'll firm up as they cool.

Store your no-bake peanut butter cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the freezer for longer storage.

For chewier cookies, add a tablespoon of milk or cream to the peanut butter mixture.

For a festive touch, add a tablespoon of sprinkles to the peanut butter mixture before dropping them onto the baking sheet.

If you don't have wax paper, parchment paper is a great alternative for lining your baking sheets.

For a fun twist, try dipping the cooled cookies in melted chocolate and sprinkling with chopped nuts or sea salt.

Remember, these cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature, so let them sit out for a few minutes if you've stored them in the refrigerator.

For foolproof no-bake peanut butter cookies every time, keep these tips in mind:

Use creamy peanut butter, not the natural kind with oil separation. It blends more smoothly and creates a better texture.

Don't overcook the sugar mixture. It should reach a boil, but avoid excessive boiling as it can make the cookies dry.

Use a cookie scoop for uniform cookies that bake evenly.

Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet before moving them. They'll firm up as they cool.

Store your no-bake peanut butter cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the freezer for longer storage.

For chewier cookies, add a tablespoon of milk or cream to the peanut butter mixture.

For a festive touch, add a tablespoon of sprinkles to the peanut butter mixture before dropping them onto the baking sheet.

If you don't have wax paper, parchment paper is a great alternative for lining your baking sheets.

For a fun twist, try dipping the cooled cookies in melted chocolate and sprinkling with chopped nuts or sea salt.

Remember, these cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature, so let them sit out for a few minutes if you've stored them in the refrigerator.

No oven? No problem! These no-bake peanut butter cookies are the perfect sweet treat, ready in minutes with just a handful of pantry staples.

Elara Nightshade

Variations and additions