BEST No Bake Cookies made with quick oats, coconut, walnuts, melted chocolate, butter, sugar and milk — a simple and delicious no-bake cookie recipe without peanut butter. These cookies are rich, chewy and easy to make, perfect when you don’t want to heat the oven.
The combination of chocolate and coconut in these no-bake cookies is fantastic. While peanut butter is a common ingredient in many no-bake recipes, leaving it out lets the chocolate, coconut and walnut flavors shine through without one ingredient dominating the taste.
Amazing No Bake Cookies
No-bake cookies are a beloved classic because they require no oven time and use simple pantry ingredients. This version skips peanut butter but still holds together well thanks to melted chocolate and the sugar-butter syrup. They’re ideal for warm weather or any time you want a quick, fuss-free treat.
You can make a batch in under 30 minutes from start to finish. They set as they cool, so plan for a short resting period on a tray before serving. These cookies are chewy, slightly crisp on the edges and full of chocolate-coconut flavor.
No Bake Oatmeal and Coconut Cookie Ingredients
- Butter: 1 cup (for richness)
- Sugar: 2 cups (gives sweetness and structure)
- Milk: 1/2 cup (adds moisture and helps dissolve sugar)
- Coconut flakes: 3/4 cup (for texture and flavor)
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: 1 cup (melts into the syrup for chocolatey coating)
- Walnuts: 1/2 cup, chopped (adds crunch; substitute pecans if preferred)
- Quick oats: 3 cups (use quick oats for best texture)
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon (to enhance flavor)
Which oats are best for No Bake Cookies?
Quick oats are recommended for no-bake cookies. They’re smaller and soften quickly, giving the cookies a consistent texture. Old-fashioned rolled oats can be used, but the cookies will be chewier and have a more rustic bite. Avoid steel-cut oats; they won’t soften enough.
Can these Cookies be frozen?
Yes. Freeze cookies in an airtight container for up to two months. Arrange them in a single layer or place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Thaw at room temperature or enjoy straight from the fridge for a firmer texture.
BEST No Bake Cookies Recipe made without Peanut Butter
These no-bake oatmeal cookies are simple to prepare and perfect for a quick dessert or snack. Yields about 48 small cookies.
Prep Time: 15 minutes • Cook Time: 5 minutes • Total Time: 20 minutes • Servings: 48 • Author: Jessica & Nellie
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter
- 2 cups sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 3/4 cup coconut flakes
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 3 cups quick oats
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, combine butter, sugar and milk. Bring to a boil over medium heat and let it boil for 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent scorching.
- Remove from heat and stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips until fully melted and smooth.
- Add coconut, walnuts, oats and vanilla extract. Stir until all ingredients are evenly combined.
- Scoop roughly 1 tablespoon of mixture per cookie onto the prepared sheet. Shape slightly if needed.
- Let cookies cool and set at room temperature for 1–2 hours, or place in the refrigerator to speed up setting. Enjoy once firm.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- If cookies don’t set, place the tray in the refrigerator or freezer for 15–30 minutes to firm up.
- Use parchment or wax paper rather than aluminum foil; cookies can stick to foil depending on how they cool.
- For variations: swap walnuts for pecans, omit coconut for a classic chocolate-oat cookie, or add a pinch of salt for contrast.
Nutrition (approx. per cookie)
Calories: 125 kcal • Carbohydrates: 14 g • Protein: 1 g • Fat: 7 g
Troubleshooting: What to do when the recipe won’t set?
If cookies remain too soft, chilling them in the refrigerator or freezer will help. Make sure you boiled the butter-sugar-milk mixture for the full minute called for — undercooking that step can prevent the mixture from thickening properly. Use the correct oat type (quick oats recommended) and measure ingredients accurately for best results.
Do No Bake Cookies need refrigeration?
Refrigeration isn’t required but is recommended if you prefer a firmer texture or want to extend shelf life. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days, or refrigerate for longer storage.
How long do no bake cookies take to set?
At room temperature they generally set in 15–20 minutes, though thicker cookies may take longer. Refrigeration can cut this time in half.
More No-Bake Cookies
- BANANA OATMEAL NO BAKE COOKIES
- OREO NO BAKE COOKIES
- LEMON OATMEAL NO BAKE COOKIES
- EASY NO BAKE COOKIE RECIPES
- NO BAKE MUDDY BUDDY PROTEIN COOKIES
- NUTELLA NO BAKE COOKIES
- CARAMEL OATMEAL NO BAKE COOKIES
- CHOCOLATE ORANGE NO BAKE COOKIES
- CHERRY CHOCOLATE CHIP NO BAKE COOKIES
- MARSHMALLOW PEANUT BUTTER NO BAKE COOKIES
Best Ever No Bake Cookies are a hassle-free favorite: oatmeal and chocolate come together with coconut and walnuts for a chewy, satisfying treat. This no-bake cookie recipe is easy to adapt and always worth keeping in your recipe collection.