No-Bake Cookies
Satisfy your chocolate cravings with these no-bake cookies. Made with oats and chocolate, they’re the perfect treat!
When you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to turn on the oven, no-bake cookies are the answer. Made with quick oats, cocoa powder, and a simple boiled sugar mixture, these chewy, chocolatey cookies are incredibly easy to throw together. They set up quickly on wax paper and are ready to eat in no time.
These cookies are great for last-minute bake sales, potlucks, or just to satisfy your own chocolate craving. You can stick to the classic combination or dress them up with coconut for a little texture and tropical flavor. Either way, they’re a nostalgic favorite and always disappear fast.
What You’ll Like About These Cookies
Quick and easy. No baking required—just boil, mix, and drop onto waxed paper.
Rich chocolate flavor. The cocoa and sugar mixture makes these intensely chocolatey and sweet.
Great texture. The oats give them a chewy bite, while the optional coconut adds even more interest.
Perfect for sharing. Great for bake sales, lunchboxes, or a simple homemade gift.
Ingredient Notes
- Butter: Adds richness and helps bind the cookie mixture.
- Milk or evaporated milk: Either works—evaporated milk adds a bit more depth and creaminess.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar is essential for the structure and sweetness.
- Quick-cooking oats: These give the cookies their chewy texture and set up more easily than old-fashioned oats.
- Unsweetened cocoa: Provides deep chocolate flavor—use a good-quality cocoa powder for best results.
- Coconut: Optional, but adds texture and a hint of sweetness if you enjoy it.
Steps to Make No-Bake Cookies
- In a large saucepan, combine the butter, milk, and sugar.
- Bring the mixture to a full boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Boil for exactly 1 minute, then remove from heat.
- Stir in the oats, cocoa, and coconut if using.
- Drop by tablespoonfuls onto waxed paper.
- Let the cookies cool and set before storing.
Tips
- Boil the mixture for exactly one minute—too short and the cookies won’t set; too long and they may become dry or crumbly.
- Use quick oats for best results—old-fashioned oats may result in a loose texture.
- Line your counter or baking sheets with waxed paper before starting, so it’s ready when you need to drop the cookies.
- If you want to add peanut butter, stir in about 1/4 cup after removing from heat and before adding the oats.
Recipe Variations
- Peanut butter version. Stir in a few spoonfuls of peanut butter after boiling for a nutty twist.
- Add vanilla. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract after boiling to round out the flavor.
- Extra chocolatey. Add a handful of mini chocolate chips just after mixing for melty pockets of chocolate.
- No coconut. Omit the coconut entirely if you prefer a more traditional texture.
- Nutty cookies. Add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a glass of cold milk for the ultimate nostalgic treat.
- Add to lunchboxes or cookie tins for a fun no-bake option.
- Pair with fruit or salty snacks on a dessert platter.
- Stack and wrap with twine for a charming edible gift.
How to Store
Refrigerate: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For firmer cookies, refrigerate them.
Freeze: Freeze cookies in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to bags or containers. Freeze for up to 2 months.
No-Bake Cookies
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter, (1 stick)
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk, or milk or cream
- 2 cups sugar
- 3 cups quick-cooking oats
- 5 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
- 1/2 cup coconut, optional
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, combine butter, milk and sugar.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring to a full boil, stirring occasionally.
- Continue boiling for 1 minute.
- Remove from heat; stir in oats, cocoa, and coconut, if using.
- Drop by tablespoonfuls onto waxed paper.
- Let them cool until set. Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container.
Nutrition
Disclaimer:
Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.
