No-Bake Treats

Featured in: Desserts to Satisfy Every Craving

Make these easy no-bake treats in 12 minutes. A yummy mix of peanut butter, cocoa, and oats—all cooked on the stove.
A woman in a kitchen with a stove and oven.
Updated on Mon, 12 May 2025 15:07:42 GMT
Two oat-and-cocoa cookies stacked on parchment paper, with more treats in the background. Pin it
Two oat-and-cocoa cookies stacked on parchment paper, with more treats in the background. | cookingkitchn.com

These stovetop treats blend cocoa, smooth peanut butter, and hearty oats into a speedy, mouthwatering snack. Ready in just 10 minutes without turning on your oven! They've been a go-to family sweet for years - a simple, tasty dessert that always hits the spot.

What Makes This Treat Special

When you're stuck for a fast dessert or snack, these stovetop cookies come to your rescue. They use basic kitchen staples and don't need fancy tools, making them simple for rookies but tasty enough for everyone. The soft, chocolate-peanut butter mix makes them great for parties, kids' lunches, or just snacking whenever you want something sweet.

What You'll Need

  • Salt: 1/4 teaspoon.
  • Old-Fashioned Oats: 3 cups.
  • Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon.
  • Peanut Butter: 1/2 cup creamy.
  • Cocoa Powder: 1/4 cup unsweetened.
  • Milk: 1/2 cup whole milk.
  • Granulated Sugar: 2 cups.
  • Butter: 1/2 cup, unsalted.

Simple Preparation Steps

Form Cookies
Drop spoonfuls onto prepared baking sheets. Let them firm up at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes.
Add Remaining Ingredients
Take the pan off the heat and mix in peanut butter and vanilla until it's smooth. Then stir in oats and salt until everything's well mixed.
Make the Chocolate Base
In a large saucepan, mix butter, sugar, milk, and cocoa powder together. Heat until boiling while stirring non-stop. Let it bubble for exactly 1 minute.
Prepare Your Space
Cover two baking sheets with parchment paper. Get all ingredients measured out before you start because timing really matters.
A stack of three chocolate-covered oatmeal cookies placed on a white parchment paper on a wooden plate. Pin it
A stack of three chocolate-covered oatmeal cookies placed on a white parchment paper on a wooden plate. | cookingkitchn.com

Keeping Your Treats Fresh

Keep your stovetop cookies in a sealed container at room temperature and they'll stay good for 3-5 days. Want to save them longer? Pop them in a freezer container or bag for up to 3 months. Let them sit out for 10-15 minutes before eating.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why is it important to pre-measure?

Getting everything ready first is key. When the hot butter mix is done boiling, you’ll need to act fast so it all blends perfectly before cooling. It helps your treats set right.

→ Does the type of oats really matter?

Yep! Old-fashioned oats give the best texture. Quick oats soak up moisture differently, so you’ll need a smaller amount to avoid dry treats.

→ What ensures the treats set properly?

The trick is boiling the mixture for one minute—no more, no less. Watching the time helps you avoid sticky or crumbly results.

→ What’s the best way to store these?

Keep them in a sealed container at room temperature for up to a week. Use wax paper between layers to stop them from sticking. You can pop them in the fridge for a longer shelf life.

→ Why do they feel grainy sometimes?

If the sugar doesn’t fully melt while boiling, the texture ends up grainy. Keep stirring constantly, and make sure you boil for the right amount of time.

Conclusion

In just a few minutes, you can whip up these no-bake treats using simple ingredients.

Enjoy the rich chocolate flavor combined with creamy peanut butter and hearty oats—all without needing an oven.

No-Bake Treats

Stovetop treats made with oats, peanut butter, and cocoa, ready in 12 minutes. Oven-free and easy!

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
2 Minutes
Total Time
12 Minutes
By: Sophia

Category: Sweet Delights

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 24 Servings (24 cookies)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter.
02 3 cups old-fashioned oats (use a bit less if swapping for quick oats).
03 1/2 cup rich cocoa powder.
04 1 teaspoon vanilla flavoring.
05 1/2 cup whole milk.
06 2 cups white sugar.
07 1/2 cup unsalted butter.

Instructions

Step 01

In a big pot, heat up the milk, butter, and sugar until boiling. Keep stirring and let it boil for about 1 minute. Take it off the stove.

Step 02

Quickly toss in the rest of the ingredients and stir well until it's all blended.

Step 03

Right away, use a cookie scoop to drop portions of the mixture onto lined baking sheets. Give them 5-10 minutes to cool and harden.

Notes

  1. Measure everything out before starting to make it easier.
  2. Cut down oats by 1/4 cup if you'd rather use quick-cooking ones.

Tools You'll Need

  • A large cooking pot.
  • Scoop for cookies.
  • Sheet pans for baking.
  • Wax paper or foil for lining.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains peanuts.
  • Contains milk products.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 176
  • Total Fat: 7 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 25 g
  • Protein: 3 g