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No Bake Peanut Butter Cookies

These no bake peanut butter cookies are quick, chewy treats made with simple ingredients like peanut butter, oats, and honey. They come together with melting and mixing, resulting in sticky, sweet, and satisfying cookies with a glossy finish. Perfect for a comforting snack that requires no oven and a minimal cleanup.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup peanut butter natural, creamy preferred
  • 1 cup honey or maple syrup for sweetness and binding
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract optional but enhances flavor
  • 2 cups old-fashioned oats for chewy texture
  • 0.5 cup chocolate chips (optional) for melty pockets
  • pinch sea salt to enhance flavor

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper

Method
 

  1. Combine the peanut butter, honey, and vanilla extract in your medium saucepan. Warm over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth, glossy, and fragrant—about 2-3 minutes. You’ll notice it bubbling gently and turning golden.
  2. Remove the saucepan from heat and add the oats to the warm mixture. Stir thoroughly until every oat is coated and the mixture becomes thick and sticky—this should take about 2 minutes. If you’re adding chocolate chips, fold them in now.
  3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the parchment, spacing them about 1-2 inches apart. Flatten each mound slightly with the back of your spoon or fingers—this helps them set evenly.
  4. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of sea salt on top of each cookie for that perfect salty-sweet balance. Once all cookies are shaped, place the tray in the fridge and chill for about 30 minutes until they firm up and develop a shiny, chewy exterior.
  5. After chilling, remove the cookies from the fridge. They should be firm but still chewy, with a glossy peanut butter sheen. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week for optimal freshness and chewiness.

Notes

For added texture, fold in chopped nuts or shredded coconut. Make sure to store the cookies in the fridge to maintain their chewy consistency, especially in warm weather.