Chocolate Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies: Easy & Gluten-Free

If you’ve been following my blog for a while, you know that I have a soft spot for classic, simple recipes that stand the test of time. Chocolate peanut butter no-bake cookie are among the first cookies I remember making. This is a recipe I’ve been making for over 20 years. In fact, I first shared the full recipe on the blog a while ago: No Bake Fudge Cookies. These cookies have been a favorite in my kitchen for so long, and I thought it was time to revisit them with a few tips and updates for those of you making them for the first time, or maybe the hundredth time, like me!

Jump to:

• Getting Started
• Ingredient Recommendations
• Finishing Touches
• Pairings
• Leftovers
• Recipe

Getting Started

One of the best things about these chocolate peanut butter no-bake cookies is how quickly they come together. However, this also means you need to move fast! The key to success is having your ingredients pre-measured and ready to go before you start cooking. Measure everything out ahead of time so that you can stay in the zone without scrambling for ingredients mid-recipe.

Also, get your baking sheet lined with wax paper in advance. I use a giant baking sheet. It’s so big that it actually doesn’t fit in my oven, but it’s perfect for these cookies. If you have a standard sheet, that works too—just be sure it’s lined with wax paper to make the transfer quick and easy.

Chocolate Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies Ingredient Recommendations

Oats

Let’s talk about one of the most important ingredients in this recipe: old-fashioned oats. You need old-fashioned oats for the perfect texture in these cookies. The thick, chewy oats are key to giving these no-bakes that satisfying bite. Do not use quick oats or, heaven forbid, instant oatmeal—they just don’t have the right texture and won’t give you that classic no-bake cookie consistency.

Chocolate Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies Finishing Touches

Once your fudgy mixture is ready, the real fun begins. The trickiest part of making chocolate peanut butter no-bake cookies is getting them out of the pan and onto the wax paper quickly before they set up. This is why you need to work relatively fast! I use a spoon to drop them onto the wax paper. You can also use a cookie scoop if you want a more uniform shape.

As the cookies cool, they will firm up and set. However, if they don’t set properly, don’t worry! It happens sometimes. My best guess is that the sugar may not always reach the right temperature. Since this recipe is similar to making fudge, which can be finicky, these cookies don’t always come together perfectly. Occasionally, the mixture may be too runny (just go with it, they will still set up well enough), or the sugar crystals can cause a slightly gritty texture. But don’t stress—this doesn’t happen often, and in my experience, the recipe is usually pretty forgiving. No need to get too caught up in the details, but I always like to share what I’ve learned along the way!

Chocolate Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies Pairings

These cookies are great on their own, but if you’re looking for the perfect pairing, you can’t go wrong with a glass of milk. It’s the ultimate comfort snack, whether you’re enjoying them with friends, family, or savoring a quiet moment to yourself.

Chocolate Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies Leftovers

Keep your chocolate peanut butter no-bake cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for about 3-4 days. If you prefer, you can store them in the fridge to keep them extra firm and cool. The fridge will help them last a bit longer, too.

Can you freeze them? Absolutely! These cookies freeze really well, so you can stash them away for later. Simply layer the cookies with wax paper in an airtight container or freezer bag, and they’ll stay good for up to a couple of months in the freezer. When you’re ready for a treat, just pull them out, and they’ll thaw in no time.

There’s something so nostalgic and comforting about chocolate peanut butter no-bake cookies. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just as a treat, these cookies never fail to please. They’ve been a part of my kitchen for as long as I can remember, and I’m sure they’ll remain a go-to recipe in the years to come. If you haven’t tried them yet, I highly recommend you give them a go—and if you already have, I hope these tips help make your next batch even better.