These No-Bake Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies are a quick and easy treat that combines the classic flavors of peanut butter and oats with a fun crunch from Reese’s Pieces. Perfect for a sweet snack without needing to turn on the oven!
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup salted butter, cut into pieces
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups quick-cooking oats
- 1/2 cup Reese’s Pieces
Directions:
- Prepare Baking Sheets: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or wax paper and set aside.
- Heat Mixture: In a large saucepan, combine the butter, sugar, and milk. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture comes to a rolling boil. Allow it to boil for 1 minute, then remove from heat.
- Add Ingredients: Quickly stir in the creamy peanut butter and vanilla extract until smooth. Add the quick-cooking oats and stir until fully combined. Finally, fold in the Reese’s Pieces.
- Form Cookies: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheets, forming cookies about 2 inches in diameter.
- Set Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool and set at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or until firm.
Serving:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes (including setting time)
- Servings: 18 cookies
Variations:
- Chocolatey Addition: Add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to the mixture before boiling for a chocolate-peanut butter twist.
- Nutty Crunch: Mix in chopped nuts, such as peanuts or almonds, for an added crunch.
- Coconut Twist: Stir in 1/2 cup of shredded coconut for extra texture and flavor.
Storage:
- Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: These cookies can be frozen for up to 2 months. Layer them between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container before freezing.
FAQs:
Q: Can I use old-fashioned oats instead of quick-cooking oats?
A: Yes, but the texture will be chewier. You may want to pulse them in a food processor a few times to break them down a bit.
Q: Can I substitute the peanut butter?
A: You can substitute the peanut butter with almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or any other nut or seed butter.
Q: Do I need to refrigerate the cookies to set them?
A: No, the cookies will set at room temperature, but if you want them to set faster, you can place them in the refrigerator.
Q: Can I reduce the sugar in the recipe?
A: Reducing the sugar may affect the texture of the cookies, as it helps them set properly. You could experiment with reducing it slightly, but the results may vary.
These No-Bake Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies are a perfect treat when you’re craving something sweet and don’t want to turn on the oven. Enjoy the delightful combination of peanut butter, oats, and crunchy Reese’s Pieces!