Instructions
- Prepare Your Workspace: Lay out a large piece of parchment paper or wax paper on a flat surface where your cookies will have space to cool.
- Combine Sugar, Milk, Butter, and Cocoa (if using): In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, milk, butter, and unsweetened cocoa powder. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the butter melts and the mixture starts to boil.
- Boil the Mixture: Once the mixture reaches a rolling boil, allow it to boil for 1 minute while stirring continuously. This step is crucial for the cookies to set properly later.
- Add Peanut Butter: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the peanut butter until it’s completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Add Oats, Vanilla, and Salt: Stir in the quick-cooking oats, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix well until all the oats are coated and the ingredients are well combined.
- Shape the Cookies: Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared parchment or wax paper. You can shape the cookies a bit with the back of the spoon if you like, but they’re traditionally left in rustic, spoon-dropped shapes.
- Cool Until Set: Allow the cookies to cool at room temperature until they are set and firm to the touch. This usually takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the temperature and humidity of your kitchen.
- Enjoy: Once the cookies have set, they’re ready to eat! Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the refrigerator if you prefer them a bit firmer.
Tips
- For Thicker Cookies: If you prefer thicker, chewier cookies, you can add an extra 1/2 cup of oats.
- Nut-Free Version: For a nut-free version, substitute the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or another nut-free alternative.
- Chocolate Version: For chocolate peanut butter no-bake cookies, include the cocoa powder as listed in the ingredients. You can adjust the amount of cocoa for a lighter or stronger chocolate flavor.
Enjoy your delicious, no-fuss peanut butter no-bake cookies!
