Follow these easy steps to make your Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies:
- Prepare the cooking surface: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper. This will help prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup easy.
- Cook the sugar and butter: In a medium saucepan, melt 1 cup of butter over medium heat. Add 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1/2 cup of milk. Stir to combine, and bring the mixture to a boil. Let it boil for 1 minute, stirring occasionally, then remove it from the heat.
- Add peanut butter and vanilla: Stir in 1 cup of peanut butter and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix well until the peanut butter is completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Add oats: Add 3 1/2 cups of quick oats to the peanut butter mixture and stir until everything is well coated and evenly combined.
- Form the cookies: Use a spoon or cookie scoop to drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each cookie slightly with the back of the spoon if you like. Be quick, as the mixture will start to set as it cools.
- Add chocolate chips (optional): If you’re using chocolate chips, sprinkle them on top of each cookie while the mixture is still warm. They’ll melt slightly into the cookies, creating a delicious chocolate topping.
- Let the cookies set: Allow the cookies to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until they have fully set. You can place them in the fridge to speed up the process.
- Enjoy! Once the cookies have set, they’re ready to enjoy! Serve them immediately, or store them for later.
Serving and Storage
These Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies are perfect for serving at parties, school events, or as a quick snack. Here’s how to store and serve them:
- Serving: Serve the cookies at room temperature or chilled, depending on your preference. They are best enjoyed with a glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee.
- Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks, or freeze them for up to 3 months.
Tips
Here are a few tips to make your Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies even better:
- Use smooth peanut butter: While chunky peanut butter can add texture, smooth peanut butter will give you a more uniform cookie mixture that sets nicely.
- Try adding mix-ins: Feel free to add in other mix-ins like mini M&Ms, coconut flakes, or even raisins to give your cookies a personal twist.
- Don’t skip the boiling step: The sugar and butter mixture must reach a rolling boil for 1 minute to ensure the cookies set properly. Don’t rush this step!
- Adjust the consistency: If the mixture seems too runny, add a little more oats until you get the right texture. If it seems too thick, you can add a small splash of milk to loosen it up.
Variations
Want to switch up the flavors? Here are some fun variations of these Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies:
- Chocolate Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies: Add 1/2 cup of cocoa powder to the mixture for a chocolatey twist. You can also mix in mini chocolate chips to make the cookies extra indulgent.
- Nutty No-Bake Cookies: Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts (like almonds, walnuts, or cashews) to the oat mixture for added crunch and flavor.
- Vegan No-Bake Cookies: Swap the butter for coconut oil or another vegan butter substitute, and use dairy-free chocolate chips for a completely plant-based treat.
- Maple Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies: Add a couple of tablespoons of pure maple syrup to the peanut butter mixture for a slightly sweeter, more complex flavor.
Conclusion
Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies are the perfect treat for when you’re short on time but craving something sweet and satisfying. With just a few ingredients, you can make a batch of these chewy, peanut buttery cookies that everyone will love. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because, they’re always a hit! So gather your ingredients, skip the oven, and enjoy these delicious, no-bake cookies today!
FAQ
1. Can I use old-fashioned oats instead of quick oats?
Yes, but the texture may be a bit chewier. Quick oats are finer and blend into the mixture better, but old-fashioned oats will work just fine if you don’t mind a heartier texture.
2. Can I make these cookies without peanut butter?
If you’re allergic to peanut butter, you can substitute it with almond butter, sunbutter (sunflower seed butter), or another nut butter of your choice. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change slightly.
3. Can I use honey instead of sugar?
Honey can be used as a substitute for granulated sugar, but keep in mind that it may change the texture and make the cookies a bit softer. You may also need to adjust the amount of liquid in the recipe to compensate for the added moisture from the honey.
4. How long do these cookies need to set?
The cookies usually take 30 minutes to 1 hour to set at room temperature. If you’re in a hurry, you can place them in the fridge to speed up the process.