Description
Craving a sweet, nutty treat that requires no oven and comes together in minutes? These Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies are your perfect solution! With creamy peanut butter, sweet maple syrup, and a touch of chocolate chips, these cookies are chewy, satisfying, and packed with flavor
Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make these Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies. Each ingredient adds to the nutty, chewy, and chocolatey magic.
- **Unsalted Natural Creamy Peanut Butter (â…” cup)*: The star ingredient, delivering rich, nutty flavor (*use natural peanut butter with only peanuts and salt for best results).
- Maple Syrup (½ cup): Naturally sweetens with a warm, caramel-like flavor.
- Melted Coconut Oil (2 tablespoons): Helps bind the cookies and adds a subtle tropical note.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the flavor with a sweet, warm note.
- **Sea Salt (heaping ½ teaspoon)*: Balances sweetness and boosts flavor (*reduce to ¼ teaspoon if using salted peanut butter).
- Whole Rolled Oats (2½ cups): Provide a chewy texture and hearty base (use certified gluten-free oats for gluten-free diets).
- Mini Chocolate Chips (¼ cup): Add sweet, chocolatey bursts (use vegan chocolate chips for a vegan version).
Substitutions and Variations
- Peanut Butter: Swap with almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option.
- Maple Syrup: Use agave nectar or honey (if not strictly vegan) for similar sweetness.
- Coconut Oil: Replace with melted vegan butter or omit for a lower-fat option (cookies may be less firm).
- Oats: Use quick oats for a softer texture, but avoid instant oats, which can become mushy.
- Chocolate Chips: Substitute with chopped dried fruit (like raisins or cranberries), chopped nuts, or omit for a simpler cookie.
- Add-Ins: Mix in 2 tablespoons shredded coconut, chia seeds, or crushed pretzels for extra texture
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Baking Sheet
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
Tip: Parchment prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, stir together ⅔ cup unsalted natural creamy peanut butter, ½ cup maple syrup, 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and a heaping ½ teaspoon sea salt until smooth and well combined.
Tip: Warm the peanut butter slightly if it’s too thick for easier mixing.
Step 3: Combine with Dry Ingredients
- Add 2½ cups whole rolled oats and ¼ cup mini chocolate chips to the wet mixture.
- Stir until everything is evenly combined and the oats are fully coated.
Tip: Use a sturdy spoon or spatula, as the mixture will be thick.
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
- Use a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop to portion the dough.
- Roll each portion into a ball with your hands, then place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Flatten each ball into a disk with your fingers (the disks will firm up as they chill).
Tip: Wet your hands slightly if the dough is sticky to make shaping easier.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
- Chill the cookies on the baking sheet in the refrigerator overnight to allow them to firm up.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Tip: If you’re in a hurry, chill in the freezer for 1–2 hours for faster setting.