Chocolate No Bake Cookies (Easy 10-Minute Dessert Recipe)

Craving a quick chocolate fix? These chocolate no bake cookies are rich, chewy, and ready in just 10 minutes. Made with oats, cocoa, and creamy peanut butter, they’re a foolproof favorite for kids and adults alike. Perfect when you want a homemade treat without turning on the oven!

Why You’ll Love These Chocolate No Bake Cookies

You’ll love these chocolate no bake cookies because they’re fast, simple, and unbelievably delicious. They come together in one pot with no baking required, making cleanup super easy. Plus, they use pantry staples you probably already have on hand. These cookies are budget-friendly, kid-approved, and perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dessert cravings. You can make a whole batch in under 10 minutes, and they cool right on your countertop. They’re also great for summer when you don’t want to heat up your kitchen. Whether you’re new to baking or just short on time, these cookies never disappoint. They’re soft, fudgy, and slightly chewy with a lovely mix of chocolate and peanut butter flavor that’s impossible to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Butter

Butter adds richness and helps create a smooth, fudgy texture. If you’re dairy-free, use vegan butter or coconut oil as a substitute.

Sugar

Sugar gives sweetness and structure. You can use granulated white sugar, though brown sugar adds a hint of caramel flavor.

Unsweetened cocoa powder

Cocoa powder is what gives these cookies their chocolatey punch. Any brand works, but unsweetened is best since sugar is already in the recipe.

Milk

Milk helps dissolve the sugar and cocoa into a smooth syrup. Whole milk gives the richest flavor, but almond or oat milk also work nicely.

Quick oats

Quick oats are best because they mix easily and set well. Old-fashioned oats will make the cookies chewier, while instant oats can make them softer.

Creamy peanut butter

Peanut butter adds protein, richness, and that classic no-bake cookie taste. Crunchy peanut butter works too if you like extra texture.

Vanilla extract

Vanilla brings warmth and balance to the chocolate flavor. It’s the finishing touch that ties all the ingredients together beautifully.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Chocolate No Bake Cookies

Prep your space

Before you start, line your counter with wax paper or parchment paper. It keeps cleanup easy and helps the cookies set without sticking.

Mix the dry ingredients

Add oats, peanut butter, and vanilla to a medium bowl. Stir gently and set aside. This mix will be ready to go once your chocolate base is done.

Make the chocolate mixture

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine butter, sugar, cocoa, and milk. Stir constantly until it reaches a gentle boil. Then reduce to a low boil and cook for exactly 3 minutes. This step is key for texture.

Combine and scoop

Remove the saucepan from heat. Quickly stir in the oat mixture until everything is evenly coated in glossy chocolate. Use a spoon or cookie scoop to drop small portions onto your lined paper.

Let them set

Allow the cookies to cool completely at room temperature. In about 20–30 minutes, they’ll firm up into perfectly chewy chocolate clusters.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Preventing dry cookies

Avoid overboiling. Cooking the chocolate mixture too long makes the cookies crumbly. Stick to the 3-minute boil time for the best texture.

Preventing gooey cookies

If your cookies don’t firm up, it usually means the mixture didn’t boil long enough. Make sure to maintain a gentle boil for the full 3 minutes.

Best oats to use

Quick oats give the ideal chewy yet soft texture. Old-fashioned oats make them heartier, while instant oats can turn out too soft. Choose based on your preference.

Storage tips

Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week. You can refrigerate them if you prefer a firmer texture, but it’s not required.

If you love easy, no-fuss desserts like this, you might also enjoy the Simple Churro Cheesecake Recipe or these Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Recipe Notes

This recipe makes about 30 cookies. Prep time is only 5 minutes, with another 5 minutes of cooking. The total time? Just 10 minutes from start to finish! You can let them cool on the counter or pop them in the fridge for faster setting. Either way, they come out deliciously soft and chocolatey. For the best results, always use quick oats and avoid overboiling.

Conclusion

These chocolate no bake cookies are a lifesaver when you need something sweet, fast, and reliable. They’re the perfect mix of creamy chocolate and chewy oats with just the right hint of peanut butter. You’ll love how simple they are to make — and even easier to eat! They’re a hit at parties, potlucks, or just for a cozy night at home. Try them today and share your own twist in the comments. Don’t forget to check out more Recent Recipes or pin this recipe to your Pinterest board for later!