This peanut butter no bake cookies recipe really takes me back. No bake cookies were a staple at our house growing up, and we always seemed to prefer the peanut butter version over their chocolate counterpart. But, don’t get me wrong, chocolate no bake cookies are amazing too!
Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies Recipe
While most no-bake cookie recipes are similar, the small differences in each recipe can really affect the outcome of the cookie. You really have to play around a bit to figure out the boil times to suit your preference. This recipe works really well for to create the perfect no bake peanut butter cookies.
Here’s what’ you’ll need:
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 stick of butter
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp. vanilla
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 2 1/2 cups quick oats
Classic No Bakes
So, did you adore no bakes as much as I did as a kid? I can always remember no bake cookies being on the tables at school or church bake sales. It’s why I love these scrumptious peanut butter no bake cookies so much. These tasty cookies are sweet, but not toothache sweet.
They also have just the right amount of peanut butter. Honestly, I could eat these cookies all day. Even though this is an old recipe, it’s one that never gets old for my family.
If you prefer classic, chocolate no-bake cookies, you can click here to grab that recipe.
I also have a really sweet version of these no-bake peanut butter cookies that include chocolate eggs. These nest cookies are perfect for Easter.
Oh, and if you LOVE peanut butter, you might also enjoy my peanut butter Corn Flake cookies!
Tips for Success
- Be sure you’re using QUICK OATS for this recipe.
- You’ll want to bring your ingredients to a RAPID BOIL before starting the timer, and then be sure to boil for the exact time mentioned in the instructions below.
- In conclusion, allow the cookies to cool for a full 30 minutes before picking them up. Honestly, they really need an extended period of time to set up properly and to produce a chewy, well-formed cookie.
Sometimes it’s just good to revisit a tried-and-true dessert recipe. These yummy little peanut butter no bake cookies will bring a smile to your face with every single bite.
You can also check out our wonderful tutorial video below to see exactly how to make your own batch of these delightful peanut butter no bakes.
Are you a huge fan of peanut butter desserts? My easy peanut butter pie is a family favorite that you won’t want to miss! :)
Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies
Our chewy, classic peanut butter no bake cookies are totally addictive!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 stick of butter (this is 1/2 cup)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp. vanilla
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 2 1/2 cups quick oats
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan over medium high heat, combine sugar, butter, and milk.
- Bring to a rapid boil and boil for 2 minutes and 30 seconds (SET A TIMER!) stirring continuously.*
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla and the peanut butter. Stir in the oats until well blended then immediately drop by tablespoons onto waxed paper. Let cool until set. This takes a while, so hands-off for about 30 minutes! :)
Notes
If you boil these cookies for exactly 2 minutes and 30 seconds, they should turn out wonderfully, however, please note that this type of no-bake cookie is not an exact science and there are many atmospheric factors that could vary your results. For instance, the last time I made these cookies it was a humid, rainy day and they took much longer to set. I've made these cookies MANY TIMES, and there are those fluke days when they turn out too dry or too moist, but generally, I have excellent results.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 36 Serving Size: 1 cookieAmount Per Serving: Calories: 149
62 Comments on “Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies”
These cookies are out of this world, followed recipe and they came out amazing, delicious n chewy! Can’t wait to make them for my grandchildren!! Thank you for sharing!
Crissy, have you made the chocolate no bake cookies with cherries? My mom used to make those as well as the peanut butter and the pb/chocolate. She has passed and I don’t know if you still put pb in them if your putting cherries in? Your thoughts please ~
After multiple attempts to make these no bake cookies this is the best recipe I’ve ever came across awesome no matter what the weather is nailed it:)
This is definitely the best recipe I have ever used. Been making these a lot this year and going to make them tomorrow for someone’s birthday. Thanks!
Hi, can you use the old fashion oats? Instead of the quick cook? Thanks!!
I remember these cookies growing up..my mom always had some available ..I miss those days..Love you MOM..rest in peace!
This is second time I’ve made them go by recipe and they won’t get hard what do I do
Can I make these dairy free? Would Crisco or a butter substitute work?
Hi Richard, I haven’t tried these with vegan butter, but it may work. I wouldn’t use Crisco. Maybe Earth Balance spread or a coconut oil based substitute, but I haven’t tried it. Let me know if you do!
I cant wait to try your no bake cookie recipies ! They look easy and look delicious. Thanks
I would only if there wasn’t so much sugar
Then use less sugar?
Used a little less sugar, turned out great.
Really good I love making this with friends and family and it’s easy to make! Good to make when company’s over.
This is the best recipe I have found! I have used it for over a year! I give you credit! Thank you!
These are soooo good!! I tried another recipe and had to throw them out. Tried this one and they came out great!!
Love this version! Quick & easy to make; I substitute almond milk & if it turns out a bit ‘soupy’ I add more oats. It is difficult to wait 30 minutes for the cookies to set, but SO GOOD!
This is far the best recipe for no bake cookies! I won’t use any other recipe!! I have had more compliments on this recipe!! I have made at least 24 batches in the last year!! I use my ppxl cooker! And to scoop out the cookies I use a rice spoon! The dough doesn’t stick! Thank you!!
Dear Crissy,
My mother taught me years ago about the ball test. Take a coffee cup almost filled with cold water. After cook time, drop small amount size of say an english pea, into water. If ball hardens and makes ball, they are ready and will harden as desired. If spreads out, Not ready. Hope this helps.
This is a fabulous tip. I’m going to try it soon! Thanks Sharron!
I’ve been wanting a recipe for cookies like this for so long. Can’t wait to try them..
It’s also good when made with unsweetened cocoa! I have made this recipe hundreds of times since I was a young teenager.
These are absolutely delicious!!!! Will the extras (I made a double batch) freeze well? Thanks so much for sharing!!
Yum!!! Just stumbled on this recipe because I wanted to make regular chocolate no bake cookies… And I’m so glad I tried these peanut butter ones!! They haven’t cooled yet, but I can tell they will turn out great. I’ve already licked the pan and spatula and spoon! Thanks for a fun twist on an old classic!!
Easy as can be to make and they taste very good
They came out perfect!! Will be trying more of your recipes!!
Amazing, delicious, outstanding, and calorie free….????!!!! Oh I knew it was to good to be true…. It’s all good I will start exercising after the next batch….!!!! Ok for real after the next batch…. This is one recipe I won’t be going without….!!!!
Haha, if only they were calorie free!!!! :) I am so glad that you liked them, Trish!!!
Great cookies. I used almond flavor instead of vanilla, just because I was out. They still tasted great.
Would steel cut oats work okay for this recipe?
Awesome recipe!! The chewiness of an original no-bake cookie without the chocolate. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE chocolate but sometimes you just have to change it up!
Made 2 batches of these tonight exactly as directed. My first time making no bakes myself! 100% yummy no issues at all! Took another posters advice after adding the peanut butter and vanilla brought back to a quick boil removed immediately and added the oats a lil at a time. Came out great used crunchy peanut butter and a huge plus didn’t take forever to harden!! Got the job done right with this recipe. Ty :)
Has anyone tried subbing brown sugar for the white in these? Think I’ll try it as I love brown sugar and peanut butter. Thanks for the recipe!
No, but let me know how it turns out!
Made these yesterday and they are amazing! Going to link my site to here in my monthly faves post! :)
I have made these for 30 years ? I initially got the recipe from a church cookbook. Very good but certainly not new.
This recipe was awesome. I switched with 1/2 cup nutella and 1/2 cup peanut butter. The cookies were so creamy and just melt in your mouth!
how much is a stick of butter ?
A stick of butter is one stick of butter. Four sticks come in a pound box of butter. Use one stick.
One stick is 8 Tablespoons.
1/2cup
I made these and I have to say that it is one of the most delicious no bake recipes I have ever made! I love them!
Looking forward to no bake cookie
I’ve used a family recipe for chocolate no-bake cookies for a long time but decided to try something new. I made these according to the recipe-until I stirred in the oats. It looked too runny to me so I added another 1/4 cup or so of oats. I shouldn’t have second-guessed your recipe though! My alteration almost made them too crumbly to hold together. Very tasty, and the kids loved them, but next time I’ll use your proportions :)
Thank you, this one is going in the file!
I have some unsalted dry roasted peanuts I need to get rid of. No one wants to eat them plain…lol. I was thinking of chopping some and adding them to this. Do you think it’ll work?
These were the first no bake cookies I have made by myself. Delicious! I will save this recipe!
I like to much your recepies and I wish to receive more
Just the recipe that I have been searching for. I can’t wait to make these and better yet, eat them. Thank you.
I’ve done them with butterscotch chips and peanut butter together. Very awesome ? you’ll have to try them too!
Everyone went to bed early in the house found these AMAZING cookies made them in no time flat. Lol I get to eat all I want and not share lol They taste soo good
Hello! I use to make the chocolate no bake cookies when I was younger With my mom. I decided to try to make these peanut butter ones for my husband. He’s a peanut butter freak when it comes to sweets. After I poured them or to set I let him taste the mixture from the pot. He was AMAZED! he won’t stop asking when he can have a cookie lol. These are delicious. Thanks so much for recipe.
Do you use whole milk or can 2% be used?
These look so amazing and so dangerous. I mean, that PB AND they’re no bake? There’s nothing to stop me!
I just made these and feel compelled to tell you…WOW!! These are amazing truly amazing. To add a little more awesome to this awesomeness I put some caramel on top!!! These will be on my normal rotation from now on!!!
I made the No-bake Peanut butter cookies. First i want to say is wow delicious. Second i haven’t had a no-bake cookie in years since my mom made them when i was a teenager. Just one bite had me laughing with memories of my mom. Will make these with her soon. Thank you for such a delicious cookie.
Hi, I made the Peanutbutter No- Bake Cookies and I thought they were just as delicious as the Chocolate No- Bake Cookies…. :) Big thumbs up from this corner! ?
I’m glad you loved them!! :)
Why do you call these cookies peanut butter cookies. They have 2 and 1/2 cups of oats. I do not like uncooked oats. Can’t you find something more tasty to use. maybe rice krispies?
Barbara, most no-bake cookies like this have oats. It’s the nature of the cookie. :) You’re certainly free to use any ingredients that you prefer in your cookies!
Absoulutely Most unbaked Cookies will have uncooked Oats ,Even your top of the line Trailmix has uncooked Oats.If you look below each Recipe in the comment sections others have commented about items in a Recipe they changed up, But had She did like you suggested, And added Rice Krispie ! Then somebody Else like you would of complained. Thats ok there no way to please everyone. I can say your Recipes Rock , And Thank you so much for all you do. A Wife, Mother , And Owner of Business ! Thats about 3 Full Time Jobs , Crissy again Thank you I’m a Big Fan.
You may like you recipe called Nobake Avalanche cookies. Its here on pintrest❤
I have used rice krispies and also crushed cheerios. Both delicious.