Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how easy these cookies are to make—just a few pantry staples, one saucepan, and no baking required. They’re soft, chewy, and full of that classic peanut butter flavor I grew up with. Best of all, they’re ready in under 20 minutes and keep well for days.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
3 cups quick-cook oats
½ cup butter
1 cup peanut butter
(Most traditional versions also include sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. If I want them sweeter, I add 1 to 1 ½ cups of sugar and a splash of vanilla.)
Directions
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In a medium saucepan, I melt the butter over medium heat.
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I stir in the peanut butter until smooth and well combined.
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I remove the pan from the heat and quickly stir in the oats until evenly coated.
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Using a spoon, I drop portions of the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
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I let the cookies cool at room temperature until firm (about 15–20 minutes).
Servings and timing
Yield: About 18–20 cookies
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooling time: 15 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Variations
Sometimes I drizzle melted chocolate over the tops for a peanut butter cup vibe. I’ve also added chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or a handful of mini chocolate chips to the mixture. If I want them extra chewy, I swap in old-fashioned oats for part of the quick oats.
Storage/Reheating
I store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, I refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 2 months. To enjoy, I simply let them come to room temperature—no reheating required.
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, but I find it helps to stir it well first since natural peanut butter can be oily. If the mixture feels too dry, I add a little honey or maple syrup.
Can I make these cookies sweeter?
Definitely. Adding granulated sugar (about 1 to 1 ½ cups) or honey gives them more of that classic no-bake cookie sweetness.
What oats work best?
Quick-cook oats give the cookies a softer texture, but I sometimes mix in rolled oats for a bit more chew.
Can I make these cookies dairy-free?
Yes, I substitute coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative for the regular butter.
Do they need to be refrigerated?
No, but chilling them makes them firmer and helps them last longer.
Conclusion
These Vintage Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies are proof that sometimes the simplest recipes are the best. They’re quick, easy, and endlessly customizable, making them a staple in my dessert rotation. Every bite takes me back to cozy kitchens and family gatherings, which is exactly why I keep making them again and again.
Vintage Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies
A nostalgic favorite made with oats, butter, and peanut butter—these classic no-bake cookies are quick, simple, and irresistibly good.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes + cooling
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert, No-Bake
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
3 cups quick-cook oats
½ cup unsalted butter
1 cup creamy peanut butter
¾ cup granulated sugar (optional, if you prefer sweeter)
½ cup milk (optional, for a softer texture)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt (optional)
Instructions
Melt Butter & Peanut Butter:
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and peanut butter together. Stir until smooth.
Add Sugar & Milk (Optional):
If using, add granulated sugar and milk. Bring to a gentle boil, then remove from heat.
Add Vanilla & Oats:
Stir in vanilla extract, then mix in quick oats until fully coated and combined.
Scoop & Set:
Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto parchment-lined baking sheets. Flatten slightly with the back of the spoon if desired.
Cool:
Let cookies set at room temperature for 30–60 minutes, or refrigerate for faster setting.
Notes
Use natural peanut butter for a less sweet, more wholesome version.
You can add chocolate chips, shredded coconut, or chopped nuts for variation.
Store in an airtight container at room temp or in the fridge for up to a week.
Great for holiday cookie platters or quick snacks with minimal cleanup.
