No-Bake Cookies (Without Milk)

By
Kristina Vanni
Kristina Vanni
Kristina Vanni
An internationally recognized culinary authority, Kristina Vanni is well-known for her recipe development, food photography, and experience as a TV show host.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 10/20/21
Tested by
Tracy Wilk
Photo of Tracy Wilk
Tested by Tracy Wilk
Tracy Wilk is a professional pastry chef, recipe developer and chef instructor, and, most importantly, a firm believer in sprinkles.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
No-Bake Cookies (Without Milk)

Kristina Vanni
Prep: 1 mins
Cook: 4 mins
Chill: 60 mins
Total: 65 mins
Servings: 24 cookies
Yield: 24 cookies
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
134 Calories
6g Fat
18g Carbs
4g Protein
Show Full Nutrition Label Hide Full Nutrition Label
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 24
Amount per serving
Calories 134
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 6g 8%
Saturated Fat 1g 6%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 52mg 2%
Total Carbohydrate 18g 7%
Dietary Fiber 2g 6%
Total Sugars 9g
Protein 4g
Vitamin C 0mg 0%
Calcium 11mg 1%
Iron 1mg 5%
Potassium 103mg 2%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

These easy, 4 ingredient no-bake cookies are made without milk and without any refined sugar. There's no need to heat up the kitchen and they are a snap to whip up. In fact, they can be made on the stovetop or in the microwave, so it's the perfect treat for kids to help make.

There's also no need to boil the liquid mixture for a specific amount of time to make sure they set up, so this version of no-bake cookies is even more foolproof than others you may have tried. However, the peanut butter and chocolate flavor combination along with the chewy oat texture of these cookies are what we all know and love in a no-bake treat.

For those who aren't strictly vegan, the cookies can be made with honey. However, the recipe also works with the equivalent amount of maple syrup or agave nectar. You can also replace the peanut butter with any smooth nut or seed butter. If necessary, make sure the oats you use are gluten-free. Ultimately, this recipe can be made in one bowl or pan, with just about 5 minutes of effort, and they are vegan, gluten-free, or dairy free!

"If you're looking for a treat to satisfy your sweet tooth without having a cheat day, then this recipe is for you. With natural sugars and full of high-quality whole grains, this no-bake recipe will be a new family favorite." —Tracy Wilk

No-Bake Cookies Tester Image
A Note From Our Recipe Tester

Ingredients

  • 1 cup peanut butter

  • 3/4 cup honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar

  • 2 3/4 cups old fashioned rolled oats

  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    No-Bake Cookies (Without Milk)

    Kristina Vanni

  2. Line rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.

    No-Bake Cookies (Without Milk)

    Kristina Vanni

  3. In a medium saucepan, combine the peanut butter and honey over medium heat until melted and combined. Alternately, these ingredients can be combined in a large microwave-safe bowl and heated in 30 second increments, stirring each time, until melted and combined.

    No-Bake Cookies (Without Milk)

    Kristina Vanni

  4. Remove from the heat or from the microwave, and add the rolled oats and cocoa powder. Stir until combined.

    No-Bake Cookies (Without Milk)

    Kristina Vanni

  5. Lightly wet your hands (the dough will be sticky) to form 24 cookies and place on the prepared baking sheet. Flatten slightly to resemble a round cookie. Place in the refrigerator for at least one hour to harden and set. Enjoy straight from the refrigerator.

    No-Bake Cookies (Without Milk)

    Kristina Vanni

Tip

If preparing this recipe in the microwave, be sure to use a hot pad or oven mitt to remove the bowl from the microwave as it can get very hot to the touch.

Recipe Variations

  • If you prefer a nut-free option for these cookies, your favorite smooth seed butter also works well.
  • For those who are strictly vegan, use maple syrup or agave nectar. Make sure your cocoa powder is also vegan as well.

How to Store and Freeze

  • No-bake cookies will last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator. They should be kept in an airtight container.
  • The cookies can also be well wrapped and frozen for up to 6 months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying frozen no-bake cookies.

What can you substitute for oatmeal in no-bake cookies?

Instead of oatmeal, a gluten-free muesli cereal or crisp puffed rice cereal are substitute options. You could also create your own mix of quinoa flakes, buckwheat flakes and millet flakes for the equivalent amount of rolled oats in this recipe.

Can you substitute quick oats for rolled oats in no-bake cookies?

This recipe works with both quick-cooking oats and old-fashioned rolled oats. The old-fashioned oats are a bit thicker so they will lend a heartier texture to the cookie.