No-Bake Cookies Recipe

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If you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to even look at your oven, this No-Bake Cookies Recipe is your new best friend. These cookies are rich, chocolatey, and come together in no time with pantry staples. Perfect for last-minute parties, after-school snacks, or just when that sweet tooth hits hard you’ll be whipping up these easy no-bake dessert cookies faster than you can say “Where did all the cookies go?”

Why You’ll Love This No-Bake Cookies Recipe

This quick no-bake cookies recipe is made for real life fast, easy, budget-friendly, and ridiculously delicious. Plus, with wholesome ingredients like oats and coconut, you can almost convince yourself they’re healthy (and hey, that’s a win in my book). You’ll also find these party-friendly no-bake cookie bites are a serious crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients You’ll Need

(Pssst! Full quantities and steps are listed below in the recipe card!)

3 cups quick-cooking oats: The chewy, hearty base.
1 cup sweetened flaked coconut: Adds texture and a hint of tropical sweetness.
2 cups white sugar: Sweetness overload (and worth it).
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Deep, chocolatey flavor.
1/2 cup milk: Helps create that fudgy magic.
1/2 cup butter: Because butter makes everything better.

How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies

Step 1: Combine and Cook

In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, cocoa powder, milk, and butter. Bring it to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring often. Let it boil for about 1–2 minutes not too long, or the cookies will turn out crumbly instead of soft.

Step 2: Stir in the Good Stuff

Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the oats and coconut quickly while everything is still warm and gooey. If you’re feeling adventurous, this is a great spot to mix in a spoonful of peanut butter for delicious chocolate peanut butter no-bake cookies vibes.

Step 3: Drop and Set

Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto wax paper or a silicone mat. Let them cool at room temperature for about 30–40 minutes, until they’re set. Try not to eat them all straight off the spoon (no judgment if you do).

Nutrition Facts

Calories: ~190 per cookie
Carbs: 27g
Fat: 8g
Protein: 2g
Fiber: 2g

(Nutrition may vary slightly depending on portion size.)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes (including cooling)

Cooking Tips for Perfect No-Bake Cookies

Boil carefully! A minute or two of boiling is perfect any longer, and your cookies might dry out.
Customize the flavor! Add a splash of vanilla, a sprinkle of sea salt, or a spoonful of almond butter.
Use parchment or silicone mats to make cleanup super easy.

How to Serve and Enjoy No-Bake Oatmeal Cookies

Pile them high on a pretty plate, wrap them up as gifts, or pop them into your kids’ lunchboxes for a sweet surprise. These healthy no-bake cookies with oats and coconut also make great grab-and-go treats for road trips, game days, or “just because” moments.

Make-Ahead, Storing, and Freezing

Make a batch ahead and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want them a little firmer, stash them in the fridge. For longer storage, these no-bake cookies freeze beautifully just freeze in a single layer before transferring to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months (if they last that long!).

A Little Story From My Kitchen…

The first time I made these no-bake oatmeal cookies, I was a frazzled college student craving something homemade. No oven? No problem! With a few pantry basics and a lot of chocolate, I had a plate of these beauties ready faster than my ramen noodles cooked. It’s been love ever since.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these no-bake cookies without coconut?

Absolutely! You can leave out the coconut or swap it with extra oats, chopped nuts, or even dried cranberries.

How do I make these into chocolate peanut butter no-bake cookies?

Easy just stir in 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter when you add the oats and coconut!

Why didn’t my no-bake cookies set?

Most likely the mixture didn’t boil long enough. Make sure you get a good rolling boil for about 1–2 minutes.

Can I use old-fashioned oats instead of quick oats?

You can, but quick oats work better because they create a softer, less chewy texture.

Are these budget-friendly no-bake dessert cookies?

Yes! All the ingredients are simple and affordable perfect for stretching your dollar.

Are these good for parties?

Totally! These party-friendly no-bake cookie bites disappear fast at gatherings.

Can I make these cookies healthier?

Sure thing! Try cutting back slightly on the sugar, using unsweetened coconut, or adding chia seeds for a nutrient boost.

Can I add other mix-ins to the basic no-bake cookie recipe?

Of course! Chocolate chips, raisins, chopped almonds, or a drizzle of white chocolate are all amazing upgrades.

Conclusion

When it comes to quick, easy, and downright delicious desserts, this No-Bake Cookies Recipe is hard to beat. Whether you’re making a batch for a party, prepping a week of lunches, or just treating yourself, these easy no-bake dessert cookies are about to become your new favorite fix. Plus, with so many no-bake cookie variations step-by-step to explore, you’ll never get bored!

Don’t forget! Full ingredient amounts and step-by-step instructions are just below in the recipe card!