The best thing about No Bake Cookies With Old Fashioned Oats is that you don’t need an oven, and you don’t even need to turn on your stove. Imagine how much time you can save! All your family and friends will love these cookies. I was browsing Pinterest the other day and fell upon these No Bake Cookies with old fashioned oats.
They were super easy to make and had great texture from the oats. The easiest and tastiest cookies ever, these No Bake Cookies With Old Fashioned Oats will put a smile on anyone’s face! With just a few ingredients, this is the recipe you’ll reach for all winter long again and again. I am a sucker for an easy cookie recipe. With winter looming around the corner, it’s time to get my chocolate chip game on.
There are many health benefits of eating oats and I’ll outline a few of them below. Oats are a popular breakfast option for people who are looking for a healthy and nutritious way to start their day. If you are looking to add more oats in your diet, here is a quick rundown of some of the major health benefits of eating oats. Buckwheat, rice, and oats are the most common ingredients of hot cereals .
No Bake Cookies With Old Fashioned Oats
These No Bake Cookies With Old Fashioned Oats are the reason I’m extra excited for Monday. They’re delicious. Chewy, chocolatey, and just a little crunchy on top. They’re similar to Big Batch Soft & Chewy No-Bake Cookies , but I altered the recipe slightly to make them a bit less chewy and significantly more crunchy. They’re like no bake cookies meets crispy granola bars — which makes my mind blow a little every time I eat one.
My mom used to make these cookies all the time for me and my brother. We absolutely loved them and they never lasted long in our house. I continue to make these with the recipe she jotted down for me on a post it note. It sits lovingly in my recipe box on that original note.
Easy No Bake Cookies with Old Fashioned Oats
Supplies Needed to Make No Bake Cookies
- Parchment or Wax Paper
- Non-stick Sauce Pan
- Serving Spoon or a small Cookie Scoop
- Wooden Spoon
Can you put the no bake cookies on aluminum foil?
I would not use aluminum foil as it does not have any of the non-stick properties that parchment or wax paper have.
Cast of Characters
- 1 stick of butter
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 tablespoons cocoa
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 3 cups old fashioned oats
Can you use quick oats?
As you can see, I’m using old fashioned oats. I do this because that’s what my mom always used because that’s what she had on hand. It’s what I tend to have on hand, as well.
If you want your oatmeal a little more tender and less prominent, you can switch on over to the quick oats. Either one will work, so use what you have on hand.
Making the Cookies
Simply mix the first five ingredients listed over medium heat. I tend to let my butter melt before I add the other ingredients. Once you have those nicely mixed, let this mixture come to a boil.
- It needs to be a full boil for 60 seconds.
- Once it has boiled, take it off the heat and mix in the peanut butter and oats.
- Drop them onto a parchment paper to set up. I don’t worry with how they look, I like the rustic jagged edges from just putting them on the paper with a serving spoon. However, if you are a perfectionist you can use a small cookie scoop to get a perfectly round cookie.
- Let them set up, then serve! Enjoy!
Why won’t my no bake cookies set up?
If your cookies won’t firm up, odds are you didn’t let the mixture come to a full boil for the minute needed.
Why are my no bake cookies crumbly and dry?
If you cookies are dry and crumbly, you likely let the mixture boil for too long.
NO BAKE COOKIES
This is the classic No Bake Cookies recipe that my family used to make growing up. They’re easy to make in about 15 minutes, and always taste so delicious.
Raise your hand if you grew up making these no bake cookies as a kid!
And…raise your hand if you still make them now?
Good, me too.
Because when you’re in the need for a quick cookie fix, this retro no bake cookie recipe will never letta girl down. First of all, it’s super-duper easy to make in just about 15 minutes. It calls for 7 basic ingredients that I bet you already have stocked in your kitchen. It requires zero use of your oven. And with chocolate, peanut butter and oatmeal involved, there’s no doubt that these are always going to be delicious.
Let’s make some no bake cookies!
NO BAKE COOKIES RECIPE | 1-MINUTE VIDEO
NO BAKE COOKIE INGREDIENTS:
To make this chocolate no bake cookies recipe, you will need:
- Butter: One stick (1/2 cup) of salted butter. Or if you have unsalted, just add in a pinch of sea salt.
- Sugar: We’re going old school with lots of granulated sugar here.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: To make these nice and chocolatey.
- Milk: I typically use cow’s milk, but any kind of milk will do.
- Peanut butter: Creamy or crunchy, you can choose.
- Vanilla extract: Homemade or store-bought.
- Old fashioned oats: Or quick oats can work in this recipe too.
HOW TO MAKE NO BAKE COOKIES:
To make these no bake oatmeal cookies, simply:
- Combine your ingredients in a saucepan. Melt the butter, then stir in the sugar and cocoa, followed by the milk. Continue cooking until the mixture comes to a boil.
- Boil. Boil for 2 full minutes. (This step will help the mixture to cook and thicken.)
- Stir in remaining ingredients. Remove pan from heat. Then stir in the vanilla and peanut butter, followed by the oats.
- Scoop the cookies. Drop the cookies spoonfuls onto parchment paper, either using a spoon or (my preference) a large cookie scoop. If the cookies spread too much or have a wonky shape, feel free to just use a knife to scooch the edges in so that the cookies are nice and round. (Although they will be delicious however they look.) 😉
- Let cool. Then let the cookies cool until they have reached room temperature and hardened. And…enjoy!
To store the cookies, place them in an airtight container and either store at room temperature for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 3 months.
POSSIBLE VARIATIONS:
If you’d like to mix things up with this recipe, feel free to:
- Use a different nut/seed butter. Any nut or seed butters can be substituted for peanut butter in this recipe.
- Add coconut. Use 1/3 cup less of oats, and in their place, add in 1/3 cup unsweetened shredded coconut.
- Add nuts. Feel free to add an extra 1/2 cup of your choice of nuts to the cookie batter.
- Add Oreos. For an ultra-decadent retro twist, feel free to add in 6 chopped up Oreos into the mix after stirring in the oats.
NO-BAKE PEANUT BUTTER OATMEAL COOKIES
No-Bake Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies are old-fashioned favorites made with a short list of ingredients. These gooey, chewy cookies are a long-time favorite!
NO-BAKE PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES
These classic No-Bake Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies commonly make appearances on lists of all-time favorite cookies. We’ve all likely made some variation of this recipe that I’m sure many of you are being hit with a wave of nostalgia right now. They are so simple and just so good that they’ve been around in some form for many years.
You may have also enjoyed these with the addition of chocolate to the batter. While I love that version, too, my inner peanut butter lover is always beyond thrilled to enjoy a couple of these little guys.
In many ways, these sweet, gooey cookies are more candy than cookie. These cookies aren’t baked, but are rather made on the stovetop. If you can melt things and stir, you’ve got this. Seriously, these are amazingly easy to make!
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
There are only 7 ingredients for this recipe and you probably already have everything! Here’s what you’ll need. Be sure to scroll down to the recipe card for specific amounts.
- Brown sugar – You can use light or dark brown.
- Unsalted butter
- Milk – Any kind of milk will work.
- Creamy peanut butter – I prefer regular peanut butter (like Jif, Skippy, etc.) vs natural peanut butters.
- Vanilla extract
- Salt – I use enough to make these cookies fall into the “salty and sweet” category, so you may want to reduce the amount of salt if you want more sweetness and less saltiness.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats – Not instant oats.
HOW TO MAKE NO BAKE PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES
No bake cookies are about as easy as it gets when it comes to dessert. Here’s how to make them:
- Prep your tools. Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.
- Place the brown sugar, milk, and butter in a large saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter has melted. Increase the heat to medium-high, and bring to a boil. Boil for 1 minute.
- Add peanut butter, vanilla, and salt. Remove the pan from the heat, and stir in the peanut butter, vanilla, and salt. Stir until smooth.
- Stir in the oats.
- Shape the cookies. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto the prepared pans, leaving about an inch between cookies.
- Refrigerate 1 hour, or until set.
TIPS FOR SUCCESS
- Measure all ingredients before starting. You’ll need to move fairly quickly making these cookies, so it’s a great help to have everything measured and ready to go. That includes having the lined pans ready, too.
- Use a large saucepan. You’ll need plenty of room for the bubbly mixture and for stirring the ingredients. I use a 3.5 quart heavy saucepan like the one linked below the recipe.
- Use a cookie scoop to portion the batter. It will speed up the process and also make the size of the cookies consistent.
- Don’t skip the chilling time. These gooey cookies need that stint in the refrigerator to set. You may want to store them in the refrigerator as well, especially during the warmer months.
- Use natural peanut butters with caution. There’s quite a bit of variation among natural peanut butters, so it’s tough to say how well they would work in these cookies. Use regular peanut butter for the best and most consistent results.
- Add more oats if you like. If you want these to be a bit more chewy and a little less gooey, then add up to another cup of oats.
- Want to add some chocolate? Try melting some dark chocolate and drizzling on top of the cookies.
HOW TO STORE
As you might expect, these no bake cookies are a little sticky. Be sure to let them set well before serving, but you still may want to store them in the refrigerator to help them stay sturdy. They will keep in the fridge for up to 1 week in an airtight container.
I have to admit that these No-Bake Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies are one of my weaknesses. I just love everything about them, from their ease of preparation to their sweet and salty goodness. They’re such a quick and fun kitchen project, too. These cookies definitely deserve a spot on my favorite cookies list!
NO BAKE COOKIES
These no bake cookies are so good and easy, the entire family will love making and eating them. You can add any candy of your choice to add a little something special to the sweet dough. The nice thing about this recipe is you don’t need an oven, just a bowl and a spoon for mixing. I used to make a lot of different kinds of cookies. I’d get recipe ideas from magazines, and from other people who gave me cookie recipes to try out. But one day I decided that I didn’t want to spend as much time making cookies, so I created a recipe for no bake cookies to make life easier in the kitchen.
These chocolate peanut butter no bake cookies only take a few minutes to make, and are chewy and dreamy! They are made of oats, cocoa powder, and peanut butter for the ultimate flavor and texture.
Feel like you need a cookie, like, right now? I feel the same 99% of the time. While many of my recipes are easy and quick to make, it doesn’t get any easier than this recipe. So whenever you feel lazy and craving something sweet, make these chocolate no bake cookies. They have a cookie shape, but they’re more like a snack with a chewy gooey texture and flavors of peanut butter and chocolate – all the good stuff. It’s dangerous to have them around, especially if you work from home.
Rolled Oats or Quick Oats?
I’ve tries these no bake oatmeal cookies both with old-fashioned/rolled oats and quick oats, and I highly recommend using quick oats. They are smaller and finer and give the cookies the best texture. Rolled oats are ok to use but the cookies will be crunchy and harder to chew. If rolled oats is all you have on hand, you can easily make quick oats by processing them in the food processor a few pulses, until coarsely (not finely) ground. Make sure not use instant oats for this recipe.
How to Make No Bake Cookies
No Bake Cookies are very simple, quick, an easy to make. All you need to do is mix a few ingredients together in a saucepan, and let it boil for a minute or two, then remove from heat and add peanut butter and vanilla extract. In another bowl place the oats, and then pour the chocolate peanut butter mixture over the oats, and mix to combine. If the mixture is soft at this point, the cookies will be flat. If you prefer them thick, leave the mixture at room temperature for several minutes until it thickens slightly, and shape them as you like. The mixture will be super shiny at first but it will start to lose that shine once the cookies firm up.
Keep the Cookies in the Fridge
The cookies will be too soft at room temperature so keep them in the fridge for up to a week. Eat them straight out of the fridge, or, if you prefer them softer, leave at room temperature for several minutes.
Health Benefit Of Oats
Oats are rich in dietary fiber, low in fat and cholesterol free! This gives us a lot to choose from when it comes to health benefits of oats. Oats have been a superfood to humans for several years. Contrary to pure oats, muesli (uncooked rolled oats) have been cut into several small pieces and have then been cooked and toasted. Oat flakes are more often used in baby food and are extremely gentle on the stomach.
1. Oats are incredibly nutritious
The nutrient composition of oats is well-balanced. They are a good source of carbs and fiber, including the powerful fiber beta-glucan
They are also a good source of high quality protein, with a good balance of essential amino acids
Oats are loaded with important vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant plant compounds. Half a cup (78 grams) of dry oats contains
- Manganese: 63.91% of the daily value (DV)
- Phosphorus: 13.3% of the DV
- Magnesium: 13.3% of the DV
- Copper: 17.6% of the DV
- Iron: 9.4% of the DV
- Zinc: 13.4% of the DV
- Folate: 3.24% of the DV
- Vitamin B1 (thiamin): 15.5% of the DV
- Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid): 9.07% of the DV
- smaller amounts of calcium, potassium, vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), and vitamin B3 (niacin)
Oats have 51 grams of carbs, 13 grams of protein, 5 grams of fat, and 8 grams of fiber in 1 cup. This same serving has only 303 calories.
This means that oats are among the most nutrient-dense foods you can eat.
SUMMARY
Oats are rich in carbs and fiber, but also higher in protein and fat than most other grains. They are very high in many vitamins and minerals.
2. Whole oats are rich in antioxidants, including avenanthramides
Whole oats are high in antioxidants and beneficial plant compounds called polyphenols. Most notable is a unique group of antioxidants called avenanthramides, which are almost solely found in oats
Both old and newer research has found that avenanthramides may help lower blood pressure levels by increasing the production of nitric oxide. This gas molecule helps dilate (widen) blood vessels and leads to better blood flow
In addition, avenanthramides have anti-inflammatory and anti-itching effects
SUMMARY
Oats contain many powerful antioxidants, including avenanthramides. These compounds may help reduce blood pressure and provide other benefits.
3. Oats contain a powerful soluble fiber called beta-glucan
Oats contain large amounts of beta-glucan, a type of soluble fiber. Beta-glucan partially dissolves in water and forms a thick, gel-like solution in your gut.
The health benefits of beta-glucan fiber include:
- reduced LDL and total cholesterol levels
- reduced blood sugar and insulin response
- increased feeling of fullness
- increased growth of good bacteria in the digestive tract
SUMMARY
Oats are high in the soluble fiber beta-glucan, which has numerous benefits. It helps reduce cholesterol and blood sugar levels, promotes healthy gut bacteria, and increases feelings of fullness.
4. They can lower cholesterol levels and protect LDL cholesterol from damage
Heart disease is the leading cause of death globally. One major risk factor is high blood cholesterol.
Many studies have shown that the beta-glucan fiber in oats is effective at reducing both total and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels
Beta-glucan may increase the release of cholesterol-rich bile, which reduces the circulating levels of cholesterol in your blood.
Oats may also protect LDL (bad) cholesterol from oxidation.
Oxidation of LDL (bad) cholesterol occurs when it reacts with free radicals. This is another crucial step in the progression of heart disease. It produces inflammation in arteries, damages tissues, and can raise the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
SUMMARY
Oats may lower the risk of heart disease by reducing both total and LDL (bad) cholesterol, as well as by protecting LDL from oxidation.
5. Oats can improve blood sugar control
Type 2 diabetes is a common health condition, characterized by significantly elevated blood sugars. It usually results from decreased sensitivity to the hormone insulin.
Oats may help lower blood sugar levels, especially in people with overweight or who have type 2 diabetes. The beta-glucan in both oats and barley may also improve insulin sensitivity
However, a randomized clinical trial in 2016 saw no improvement in insulin sensitivity, so further research is needed
These effects are mainly attributed to beta-glucan’s ability to form a thick gel that delays the emptying of the stomach and absorption of glucose into the blood
SUMMARY
Due to the soluble fiber beta-glucan, oats may improve insulin sensitivity and help lower blood sugar levels.
6. Oatmeal is very filling and may help you lose weight
Not only is oatmeal (porridge) a delicious breakfast food, it’s also very filling
Eating filling foods may help you eat fewer calories and lose weight.
By delaying the time it takes your stomach to empty of food, the beta-glucan in oatmeal may increase your feeling of fullness
Beta-glucan may also promote the release of peptide YY (PYY), a hormone produced in the gut in response to eating. This satiety hormone has been shown to lead to reduced calorie intake and may decrease your risk of obesity
SUMMARY
Oatmeal may help you lose weight by making you feel more full. It does this by slowing down the emptying of the stomach and increasing the production of the satiety hormone PYY.
7. Finely ground oats may help with skin care
It’s no coincidence that oats can be found in numerous skin care products. Makers of these products often label finely ground oats as “colloidal oatmeal.”
The FDA approved colloidal oatmeal as a skin-protective substance back in 2003. But in fact, oats have a long history of use in the treatment of itch and irritation in various skin conditions
For example, oat-based skin products may improve uncomfortable symptoms of eczema
Note that skin care benefits pertain only to oats applied to the skin, not those that are eaten.
SUMMARY
Colloidal oatmeal (finely ground oats) has long been used to help treat dry and itchy skin. It may help relieve symptoms of various skin conditions, including eczema.