No Bake Cookies — Just Like Grandma’s! are pure nostalgia and comfort wrapped up in chocolatey, peanut buttery hugs. Every single bite tastes just like afternoons in Grandma’s kitchen, when little hands would sneak warm cookies from the counter long before they were set. This classic cookie is delightfully chewy, perfectly sweet, and bursting with rich cocoa and warm vanilla — plus it comes together in a snap with zero oven drama. Get ready for a family favorite that’s always a hit, travels well, and delivers homemade charm in every bite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of No Bake Cookies — Just Like Grandma’s! is in their delightful simplicity. Each ingredient plays a starring role, creating that unmistakable taste, irresistible texture, and beautiful homey look everyone loves. Here’s what you’ll need — nothing fancy, just pure cookie magic!
- Unsalted Butter: Adds rich flavor and creates that luscious, fudgy base that holds everything together.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cookies and helps them set with that classic old-fashioned snap.
- Whole Milk: Brings creaminess and helps dissolve the sugar and cocoa for a smooth, glossy mixture.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Delivers bold chocolate flavor without overwhelming sweetness; use a good-quality cocoa for the best result.
- Salt: Just a pinch balances the sweetness and deepens all those chocolate and peanut butter notes.
- Quick-Cooking Oats: Provide chewy texture and help the cookies hold their adorable no-bake shape (certified gluten-free oats can be used if you need it!).
- Creamy Peanut Butter: The peanut butter melts into the warm base, giving the cookies richness and their signature taste.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla rounds everything out and adds that craveable, homestyle aroma.
How to Make No Bake Cookies — Just Like Grandma’s!
Step 1: Prep Your Workspace
Start by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes cleanup a breeze and ensures your cookies don’t stick — plus, it’ll make transferring those gooey drops super easy when you get to scooping!
Step 2: Mix, Melt, and Boil
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add your unsalted butter, granulated sugar, whole milk, cocoa powder, and salt. Stir everything together gently as the butter melts and the sugar begins to dissolve. Once everything is mixed and silky-smooth, crank up the heat just a touch to bring it all to a rolling boil. Now the most important step: let the mixture boil, undisturbed, for exactly 1 minute. Not a second more or less! This magical minute is what helps your No Bake Cookies — Just Like Grandma’s! set up with that perfect fudgy firmness.
Step 3: Stir in Peanut Butter and Vanilla
Once your minute’s up, immediately remove the pan from heat and stir in the creamy peanut butter and vanilla extract while everything is still hot. Watch as the peanut butter melts into the chocolatey syrup, creating a glorious, thick, shiny mixture that smells absolutely divine!
Step 4: Fold in Oats
Pour in your quick-cooking oats and gently fold until they’re well coated and evenly distributed. The oats will soak up all the flavors, creating that classic chewy texture that makes these No Bake Cookies — Just Like Grandma’s! truly unforgettable.
Step 5: Drop Onto Sheet and Cool
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop generous spoonfuls of the mixture onto your prepared baking sheet. Try to work quickly — the mix thickens as it cools! Let the cookies hang out at room temperature for at least 30 minutes or until they’re firm and set, resisting all temptation to sample early (if you can!).
How to Serve No Bake Cookies — Just Like Grandma’s!
Garnishes
Top these chocolatey gems with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a few mini chocolate chips for a touch of flair and added flavor. Sometimes, a drizzle of melted white or dark chocolate zigzagged across the tops adds a lovely bakery-style vibe!
Side Dishes
No Bake Cookies — Just Like Grandma’s! are amazing with a cold glass of milk or a cup of coffee for grown-ups. Serve alongside a bowl of fresh berries, or pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a simple dessert that feels extra special.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack cookies in a rustic tin lined with parchment for a homemade gift, arrange on a vintage cake stand for parties, or tuck them into lunchboxes for sweet surprises. These cookies also make perfect building blocks for cookie sandwiches (try marshmallow fluff or peanut butter cream in the middle!) when you want to switch things up.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any cookies left, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Layer between sheets of parchment if you’re stacking them, helping prevent any sticking. The flavors actually get better as they sit!
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze No Bake Cookies — Just Like Grandma’s! Place cooled cookies in a freezer bag or airtight container, separating layers with parchment. They’ll keep beautifully for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature when you’re ready for a treat (or enjoy straight from the freezer for a firmer, fudgier bite!).
Reheating
No heating necessary for these goodies! But if you love your cookies just a tad softer, let them sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes after chilling or freezing. They’ll become perfectly chewy and ready to enjoy.
FAQs
Why aren’t my cookies setting?
This usually happens if the mixture didn’t boil long enough. For No Bake Cookies — Just Like Grandma’s! to properly set, make sure the mixture is at a full rolling boil for exactly 1 minute. Too short and they’ll be sticky; too long and they’ll get crumbly.
Can I use old-fashioned oats instead of quick oats?
Quick-cooking oats are best because they mix easily and create the classic chewy texture. You can use old-fashioned oats in a pinch, but your cookies might be a little chunkier and not quite as tender.
Can I make these cookies nut-free?
Absolutely! Swap in sunflower seed butter or a nut-free spread for the peanut butter if allergies are a concern. The delicious spirit of No Bake Cookies — Just Like Grandma’s! still shines through.
How can I add some fun mix-ins?
Get creative! Stir in a handful of mini marshmallows, shredded coconut, or chopped nuts right after the oats. It’s a wonderful way to put your own twist on No Bake Cookies — Just Like Grandma’s!
Are No Bake Cookies gluten free?
They can be! Make sure to use certified gluten-free quick oats, as regular oats may be cross-contaminated. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so with the right oats, everyone can indulge.
Final Thoughts
No Bake Cookies — Just Like Grandma’s! are a heartfelt taste of simpler times, perfect for any occasion (or no occasion at all). Whip up a batch, share with loved ones, and watch smiles spread — these cookies have a way of turning ordinary days into treasured memories, one delicious bite at a time!
Print
No Bake Cookies — Just Like Grandma’s! Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These no-bake cookies are a classic treat that tastes just like Grandma used to make. With a rich chocolate and peanut butter flavor, these easy cookies are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth in no time.
Ingredients
Cookie Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3 cups quick-cooking oats
- 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Cookie Mixture: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a saucepan, combine butter, sugar, milk, cocoa powder, and salt. Boil for 1 minute.
- Add Peanut Butter and Oats: Remove from heat, stir in peanut butter and vanilla extract. Add oats, mix well.
- Form Cookies: Drop spoonfuls onto baking sheet. Let cool for 30 minutes.
Notes
- Boil the mixture for exactly 1 minute for best results.
- Get creative by adding coconut, nuts, or marshmallows.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge.
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