3 Ingredient No Bake Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies (V, GF, DF): a one bowl recipe for deliciously soft and chewy peanut butter cookies bursting with oats. Vegan, Gluten-Free, Protein-Packed.
Welcome to my first no bake cookie recipe! Wooohooo!!! Can you guys hear the trumpets? See the parade and feel all the fanfare?
No? Darn it! Well, let’s just imagine all the celebrations are being thrown for an obviously wildly important occasion. Ahem. And I mean, what better reason to celebrate than COOKIES??
Alright, so I know how much y’all love all the cookie recipes here on Beaming Baker—and how much y’all love gettin’ your no bake on. So these 3 Ingredient No Bake Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies have really been a long time coming.
I’ve seen all kinds of awesome no bake cookie recipes ‘round the net… but I couldn’t quite put my finger on how one should…well, happen. There were so many directions to go in: no bake energy cookies, no bake ultra dessert decadent cookies, no bake brownies in the shape of cookies so they totally qualified as cookies (much like this recipe), and well, any of my existing recipes…
Just, you know… not baked.
Okay, fine, that totally does not work. But when all of the cookies you make are vegan, you can really just go for it. Be honest, have you ever scooped some of that vegan cookie dough out of the bowl and just gone to town?
I have. And it was goooood.
But it was still too much fuss for a no bake recipe, ya know? I firmly believe that no bake recipes should be at least 4 times easier than a bake recipe. In fact, I have a very precise equation for achieving this desired level of ease.
Okay, no I don’t. But in theory, I totally could… However, trying to get that exact number of measured ease would, in fact, result in more difficulty due to time spent on calculations. Then, we’d be back at square one. Which also definitely sounds like more math.
And that’s enough math for today, don’t you think? 🙂 And enough questions too… probably. Anyway, I had just created my super simple, super easy to make no bake gluten free peanut butter granola bars, and I knew that those bars were just a hop and a skip away from being amazing cookies.
So I adjusted the amount of dry ingredients (or just ingredient in this case) just a tad, switched up the method a bit because bars sooooo do not equal cookies, and voilà! May I present to you my 3 Ingredient No Bake Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies? Before I get super sidetracked babbling about something else (like these seriously irresistible homemade dark chocolate sea salt KIND nut bars), allow me to share with you all of the finest points about these cookies!
My 3 Ingredient No Bake Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies are:
- super easy to make in just ONE bowl
- ready in minutes
- made with just 3 ingredients
- soft and chewy
- vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free
- tastes like glazed, roasted peanuts in cookie form
- perfect balance of sweet and nutty
- delightfully refined-sugar free
- made with healthy ingredients
- plant-based and allergy-friendly
- great for on-the-go snacking
- protein-packed
- totally cause for a parade, with no math involved, whatsoever
So will you join me in grabbing just 3 ingredients, your healthiest appetite (and by healthy I mean BIG), and get ready for some awesome no-baking? It would be my absolute pleasure to get our homemade snacking on! I can’t wait to hear what you think of this recipe. In the meantime, tell me:
What flavor of no bake cookies would you like to see next?
- chocolate
- trail mix
- dried fruit
- something else?
Sending you all my love and maybe even a dove, xo Demeter ❤
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☀︎ Did you make this recipe? Take a pic and share it on Instagram with the hashtag #beamingbaker and tag @beamingbaker. I would love to see it! ☀︎
SHOP THE RECIPE
Here are a few items I used in today’s recipe. 🙂
OXO Mixing Bowls | Maple Syrup | Cooling Rack
2-Tablespoon Cookie Scoop | GF Rolled Oats (Bulk)
- 1 cup natural, unsalted creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup pure maple syrup
- 2 cups gluten free rolled oats
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper. Set aside.
- In a medium, microwave-safe bowl (large enough to add oats later), add peanut butter and maple syrup. Whisk together until well mixed.
- Heat in 20-second increments in the microwave until warm and fragrant, and the mixture begins to dry out (about 4-7 rounds). Whisk in between heating increments. *Stovetop instructions in Notes.
- Add oats to the peanut butter mixture. Stir and fold until thoroughly combined.
- Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop**, scoop and drop balls of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, evenly spaced apart. Using a fork, flatten cookies to desired thickness.
- Chill in the freezer for 15-25 mins, until firm and completely cooled. Enjoy! Storing instructions below.
- Adapted from my No Bake Peanut Butter Oatmeal Granola Bars.
-*Stovetop Instructions: In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, add peanut butter and maple syrup. Whisk until well incorporated. Stir occasionally, heating until this mixture begins to bubble. Remove from heat and carefully pour over the dry mixture.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 month. After the first day, you can store them at room temperature—they’ll be more firm.
- More no bake Peanut Butter recipes (all v, gf, df): 2-ingredient peanut butter fudge, no bake chocolate peanut butter oatmeal cookie dough bars, no bake peanut butter coconut energy bites.
- Nutrition Info: is an estimate based on 19 total cookies.
-**Since so many folks have been asking, here's the exact scoop that I use and love: 2-Tablespoon Cookie Scoop
© beamingbaker.com. All content and images are protected by copyright. Please do not use my images or recipe without my permission. If you wish to republish this recipe, please re-write the entire recipe using your own words and include a link to this post for the recipe.
If you enjoyed my 3 Ingredient No Bake Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies, you’ll just love these recipes…
☀︎ No Bake Peanut Butter Recipes
4 Ingredient No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars (Vegan, Gluten-Free, Protein-Packed)
2 Ingredient Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge (Vegan, Gluten-Free, Protein-Packed)
Gluten Free Vegan Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies (just for fun!)| Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies| Peanut Butter Coconut Oatmeal Cookies
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This is your first no-bake cookie? Woohoo! Aren’t they the best? I’m loving your super simple version, Demeter! I’ve never had a cookie with just three ingredients before, so this is blowing my mind. Peanut butter and oatmeal were made to be together. What a delicious cookie for Monday! Pinning these beauties! Wishing you happy Monday thoughts!
Yep!!! The first of many to come! 🙂 Especially with the heat coming our way this summer. Glad to be blowing your mind, G! Hope you get to try and just love these. Thank you for pinning! Happy Monday, my friend. xo
Do these cookies need 1/2 cup of maple syrup? Have you made them with with less maple syrup or none? Thank you!
Hi Mary, I haven’t made them with less maple syrup, but I know that a few readers have. Maybe you can leave out a few tablespoons and play around with the amount of dry ingredients? Once you get the texture that you like, you’re all set! Good luck. 🙂
Thanks! I’m going to make them without maple syrup. I’ll adjust the oats and see what happens. 😀
I didn’t heat up the first two ingredients. I didn’t finish reading. I just mixed all together and froze them. Does that make a difference?
What is not to love about this. Super quick cookies and there is peanut butter. Winner all around!
Right? 🙂 Thanks Patrick!
Demeter – I heard trumpets for real!!! Congrats – you rocked the socks off your first no-bake cookie recipe, girl! These look so “meaty” in the best way possible!
Btw, have you tried Cadbury chocolate bars? well, one of my favorite flavors is the fruit and nut Cadbury bar – and if you are wondering why the heck is Shashi telling me this – well, I am telling you this cos I guess I would love to see a fruit and nut no bake cookie on here – maybe?
I hope your week is off to a wonderful start, my friend! xoxo
Aw, thanks Shashi! You’re always the sweetest! 😉 Meaty? Lol!! Thank you, I think! 😉 Oh gosh, I used to have those bars when I was a kid. I was actually thinking of making a v+gf version for the blog! Also, I was totally thinking about making a fruit and nut version of this! Must be the friend connection. Wishing you an awesome week ahead, Shashi! xoxoxo
oh my goodness these look amazing!
Izzy | Pinch of delight
Thank you!
Math-free parades are my favorite kind of parades and easy cookies are my favorite kinda cookies, so I will happily join you for both! Before we discuss how ridiculously easy these little cookie cuties are can we gawk at the delicious chewy oat-abundant texture for a moment because that might be drawing me in even more than the simplicity here???? Somehow seeing all those oats poking through makes these feel more breakfast acceptable, don’t you think????? It’s true, there are so many ways to do the no-bake cookie thing (most of mine are basically just larabars shaped into cookies ha????) but I think the granola bar inspired method was a wonderful choice! And I’m sure there will be plenty more no-bake-ortunities (??) around here to try out ALL the ways????
Haha. How’d I guess?? 😉 Oh yeah for the chewy oat-abundant texture. <--- Btw, can that be a thing now? Because that sounds AMAZING. These are totally breakfast acceptable! Looking forward to shocking and awe-ing you in the best way possible with future no-bake-ortunities. (Okay, that was hard to type haha). xoxo
Hello
Hi I’m Vanessa (duh) and I think that recipe is a good idea. Keep it up!
Hi Vanessa! Fantastic! I hope you get to try this one and just love it. 🙂
NO WAY. This CAN’T be your first no bake cookie! I am almost inclined to search your blog for no bake cookies, because you are the no bake queen!! And HOW can you NOT have another no bake cookie on dis blog?! Perplexing! BUT I’m SOOOOO glad you are bringing cookies the no bake love now!! AND they are peanut butter oatmeal cookies!!! YAAAAAAAHHHHSS! It’s like you made these just for me!! You know I’m going to no bake these bad boys up and go to town like nobodies buisness! ALL DA NO BAKE COOKIES FOR MEEE! Nom Nom Nom Nom! Pinned. Obviously! Love ya bestie! XOXOXO
P.S. You already KNOW I’ve eaten all the raw cookie dough straight from the bowl before.. and with my fingers no less. 😉
Yes way!!! 😉 I know, it took me THIS long?? Who knows why or how. Haha. I’m gonna make some soon, I promise! Lol. How’d you know that I made these just for you?? Bestie connection? 🙂 Love ya more! P.S. with your fingers: totally makes it taste better. ????
I LOVE no-bake cookies, especially when they contain peanut butter 😉 I can’t wait to see more no-bake cookies from you – these look absolutely delicious, Demeter! xo
Aw yeah!! Anything with peanut butter is a winner! 🙂 I can’t wait to share them! Thanks so much, Marsha! xo
I love treats which include peanut butter, Demeter! I can start the day with this treat!
Peanut butter’s the best! Awesome! Enjoy. 🙂
Can maple syrup be substituted with honey? 🙂
Hi Francesca, yes, it can! 🙂
Would this recipe work with natural chunk style peanut butter?
Hi Barb, it might work, but you’d have to add in more peanut butter to increase the liquid a bit. Maybe add an extra 2 tablespoons to 1/4 cup of chunky peanut butter, and see how you like the texture. You might have to experiment to get your preferred consistency. Can’t wait to hear how it turns out! 🙂
YES!!Very good and easy. Will be making again and again! Thank you for a simple recipe that really works!
Woohooo!!! The best snacks are the ones that can be made quickly, in my opinion! Haha. Thank you for taking the time to leave your feedback. I truly appreciate it, Tina. 🙂
I made these with 1/2 creamy, 1/2 crunchy PB, because that is what I had. They were very good but next time I will add a little maple extract because I couldn’t taste the maple syrup and I like maple and PB together.
What kind of moderation are you waiting for? It says “awaiting moderation” near my post.
All comments go through moderation before they go on the blog. 🙂 I get quite a few comments, and like to respond to them in order. Thanks for commenting! 🙂
Such a tasty idea to use 1/2 crunchy, 1/2 creamy! Maple and PB really do go well together. Thanks for reporting back! 🙂
How long did you microwave the peanut butter/ syrup for? I did it forever but never got bubbles.
Thanks 🙂
Hi Casie! I did 2-4 heatings in the microwave. 🙂 You should see the PB maple syrup mixture aerate a bit–not with large bubbles, but lots of tiny ones. Does that make sense? Hehe. Basically, it should get drier and fluff up a bit. As long as you were able to make the cookies, chill them, then enjoy a tasty, chewy texture, you did it right! 🙂
I see a lot of positive feedback here. What nut butter would you recommend substituting for those of us with peanut allergies? I love cashew, but that would be expensive. Almond has a different flavor all together. Maybe a combination of a few?
Hi Desirae! As for a more affordable nut butter option, you might try sunbutter. Okay, it’s actually a seed butter (hehe). It’s a bit more expensive than peanut butter, but cheaper than almond butter. Side note, I think these actually taste great with almond butter, so you can give that a try as well. Can’t wait to hear what you think! 🙂
I just made the no bake peanut butter oats cookie and I love them. Thanks for sharing the recipe.
Hi Angel Love, I’m so happy to hear that! Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts on this recipe. Can’t wait to see what you try next! 🙂
Do these cookies freeze well? They look wonderful.
Hi Marie! A few readers have told me that they do actually freeze well. I think you’d just have to thaw them before enjoying–unless you like your cookies very firm. 🙂 Enjoy!
I hate to be “that girl” haha, but do you think this would fly with regular kraft peanut butter?
Lol. No worries! Hmm… I think it could work–but perhaps with a bit more maple syrup? I’m not completely sure since regular peanut butter is much thicker than liquidy natural. Maybe try making a smaller batch to see how they turn out, and adjust as need be. Good luck, Elisha! 🙂
Made these since we ran out of granola bars! I used crunchy PB (added about 2T – 4T extra per your instructions from other comments) and had some mini chocolate chips (about 1/4 C). They were really yummy! I did keep them in the fridge since they sort of fell apart when soft. Maybe I needed even more PB? My sister came over and loved them! She asked me to make some to bring on our family vacation this year! Thanks for the recipe!
Hi Brianna! So glad you enjoyed them. 🙂 Did you swap 1/4 cup of oats out for the chocolate chips, or did you just add those in on top of the oats? That might be the reason why they fell apart–too much dry. Let me know so we can figure it out together. 🙂 Isn’t it the best when your family loves the recipe too? Thank you for reporting back. Happy no baking! 🙂
Ah. No, I didn’t reduce the oats by 1/4 cup! Will try that next time. Thanks!
Okay, that’ll do it! Too much dry and the cookies will fall apart. Also, melting chocolate would mess up the wet ingredients too. Enjoy! 🙂
Easy quick and yummie. Love that. Next time I will toast the oats in a frying pan. Thinking it will give even more flavour. Will definitely make again.
Hi Jan, it’s so wonderful to hear that you enjoyed these cookies! 🙂 It’s a great idea to toast the oats–I haven’t done that in ages and now I’m wondering why. Haha. Can’t wait to hear how you like them with toasted oats. Enjoy!
Can I use regular pb on these in case that I can’t find any natural pb in the grocery? Thank you.
Hi Maria, funny you should ask, I’ve recently received this question. Here’s what I said: I think it could work–but perhaps with a bit more maple syrup? I’m not completely sure since regular peanut butter is much thicker than liquidy natural. Maybe try making a smaller batch to see how they turn out, and adjust as need be. Hope this helps! Let me know how they turn out. 🙂
Hello! Thank you for this recipe =) I loved it!
I used regular pb and it worked out fine =)
Hi Jenny, woohoo!! I’m so glad to hear it. And finally, I know that regular PB works just fine! Haha. Thanks for reporting back. 🙂
Yeah baby! I work from home but it’s quiet today so I just made a 1/2 batch of these for the first time… they are yummy! Hurrah, will try the choc chip ones next 🙂
Woohoo!! One of the perks of working from home (I’ve totally been there). 😉 Can’t wait to hear what you think of the choc chip ones!
any suggestions on how to make these without a microwave ? Would stovetop work ?
Hi Gretchen, you can find the stovetop instructions in the recipe Notes. Enjoy!
Made these for a vegan party and they were such a HIT! I would recommend less oats because the amount called for had my cookies falling apart a bit but they were soooo DELISH.
So glad you enjoyed them! 🙂 That vegan party sounds like so much fun!
Hi,
OK, I’m going to spoil the party but because I’m tracking my food I’m gonna ask. Calories per cookie?
Hi Victoria, lol on your comment. I have this recipe on my list to calculate. I’m doing this slowly, but surely across the site. Thanks for your patience! 🙂
Just calculated! See in the Recipe Notes for Nutrition Info. 😉
Wow! I was looking for something easy, quick, healthy and tasty…. ran across this receipe and decided to try it… just made them and they are delicious! The kids love them too! Thank you!
Yay!! It’s so awesome to hear that you AND the kiddos loved these, Janelle! Nothing better than making homemade treats the whole family can enjoy. Thank you for taking the time to let me know. Happy no baking! 😉
Hi there
How many calories per cookie?
Thanks
Hi Stacey! I just calculated the nutrition info for this recipe. You’ll find it below the recipe notes. Enjoy!
What could I use in place of the maple syrup? I do NOT like any taste of it at all!
Hi Dixie, you can try using brown rice syrup or agave. I’m not 100% sure how those will turn out, but they’re usually good substitutes. Good luck! 🙂
Can I use white sugar instead of maple syrup?
Hmm… I’m not sure if the white sugar will dissolve properly. You’ll have to let me know how it works out if you try! 🙂
Thank You!! I just made these with regular oats, honey and almond butter. 10-15 minutes from reading the recipe until eaten. I will do variations. We are having snow and cold and it’s stay inside weather! We have various allergies in the family and this recipe could easily become a staple!
Hi Diana! Thank YOU for taking the time to let me know how these turned out! 🙂 Quick recipes seriously are the best, right? Hoping these cookies get you and your family through the cold. Can’t wait to hear about your variations. 🙂
Can I use applesauce instead of the maple syrup?
Hi Rhonda, I’m not sure that would work. Applesauce can be a tad watery and unpredictable. Since this recipe is no bake, it might not be as suitable a replacement. If you try it, let me know how it turns out! 🙂
Hi they look amazing however I would not say they are healthy are they I mean 6g sugar in one! Considering that 25g of sugar is the most an adult should have to stay healthy daily none is better. Just 4 is pushing it. Any way to substitute the sugar .Would icing sugar be less . Maybe nutritionist could say.
Hi….could you use pancake syrup in place of the maple syrup….
Hmm… I’m not sure, Patricia. I’ve never tried it before. If you do, let me know how they turn out! 🙂 Good luck!
I happened across your blog. You are not on my favorites! This cookie recipe will be my very first vegan recipe I am going to try! I can’t wait! Peanut Butter is a daily staple for me lol.
I meant to say NOW one of my favorites!!!!
Hi Robin! What a difference one letter makes! Lol. 😉 Thank you for being so sweet. I’m so happy to have the honor of creating the first vegan recipe you’ll try! Can’t wait to hear what you think. If PB is a daily staple for you, you’ve come to the right place! 🙂 Let me know if you ever need recipe recommendations.
Did you use quick oats or old fashioned?
Hi Denise! I used old-fashioned. Enjoy!
Hi Demeter, holy cow! I LOVE this idea. I have never thought of combining oatmeal in my PB cookies. Also, what a great way to sweeten PB cookies. As a Dietitian, I absolutely love your recipes. We need more bakers like you. Thank you for creating and sharing!
Hi Ariel! So happy to hear that you love this idea! 🙂 PB + oatmeal is absolutely one of my fave combos. Thanks for stopping by!
I love adding peanut butter to my oatmeal in the mornings, so this sounds right up my alley! Wanted to bake something to go with hot cocoa tonight, and this is even better as it is no-bake. Can’t wait to try these!
Peanut butter is totally the best treat to kick off a busy morning! 🙂 Can’t wait to hear what you think, Nichole!
Just made these with my son. They are easy and delicious! We used Jif Natural peanut butter with the same measurements and they turned out great. Thank you for this recipe!
Baking is totally one of the best activities to do with family. 🙂 So happy that you two enjoyed these, Lisa. Happy No-Baking! Can’t wait to see what you try next.
Hiya, this looks fabulous can’t wait to try it out! I have a question though. Can you use Nutella to substitute peanut butter in this recipe? Would it still work as well as the peanut butter did with the maple syrup? Thanks in advance 😊
Hi Claudia, I’m not sure. I recommend making a small, 1/4 batch, just to see if it’ll work! Good luck! Let me know how it turns out. 🙂
Just tried this for the first time today…OMG amazingly easy and so delicious! Thank you for the recipe!!
Yay!! It’s my #1 goal to share the easiest, tastiest recipes ever! 😉 Johnna, I’m so happy that you enjoyed these & grateful you took the time to let me know. 🙂
Once again, your food looks incredible!
Thank you! Happy No-Baking! 😉
I made the cookies for my family and they loved them! I will make them for my brother’s birthday!
That’s so wonderful to hear, Riannyn! 🙂 Please wish your brother a big, ol’ “Happy Birthday!!” for me. Enjoy! xo
Oh my goodness!!
I made these with some modifications 😁
My 87 year old mom lives with us. Be for moving in with us she pretty much ate the SAD. She really enjoyed her sweets.
I added some vegan chocolate chips and used baby flaked oats (mom only has uppers 🙂 )
That taste better than the unhealthy version I use to make 🤗
It’s so wonderful to hear that you and your mom enjoyed my recipe! 🙂 Your modifications sound absolutely mouthwatering. Three cheers for them tasting better than the unhealthy versions you used to make. I really appreciate you letting me know how they turned out! 🤗
I couldnt find the recipe maybe i wasnt looking in the right spot but i scrolled through this whole thing and coulnt find it please help
Hi Kelly! The recipe is at the bottom of the post, well before the comments, and outlined in a thin gray border. Hope this helps! 🙂
I only had enough oats to do half a batch. They turned out so good. I did mine on the stove. It was very fast. It only took a few minutes. I will make these again and share with my friends. Thank you for the recipe.
I’m so glad the stovetop method was still quick and easy for you, Angela. 🙂 Thank you for stopping by and taking the time to let me know how they turned out for you. ☺️
These cookies are a staple at my house-soooo delicious. I also make them with molasses instead of maple syrup.
I’m so happy to hear that, Deb! 🙂 Oh, I bet these are AMAZING with molasses!
I just made these with almond butter and they are delicious. A perfect healthy option to beat a sweet craving! Thanks so much, this one is a keeper!
They’re SO good with almond butter! It’s my pleasure. 🙂 Happy no-baking to ya, Mallory! 💕
Yum! These look great! Do they keep long?
Thanks for sharing! Are they very crumbly?
Gorgeous! I have just gone vegan and have been craving a quick cookie fix and this was ideal so thank you so much for posting. I had to deviate slightly from the recipe and use coconut peanut butter but they are still so divine. Thanks so much xx
You’re so welcome Tara! ☺️ Ooh, coconut peanut butter sounds so good! So glad you enjoyed the cookies!
I didn’t read all the way and microwaved the mixture WITH the oats 🤦🏻♀️… but you know what… still turned out okay! Lol 😂.
Lol it happens to the best of us. I’m glad it still turned out okay. Enjoy! 🙂
Just made these with almond butter and wow, they are so delicious! Since I love cherries and almonds together, I added some dried cherries. Looking forward to making them again with the kiddos.
Woohoo!!! I’m so glad you enjoyed them, Carolyn. 🙂 Oh gosh, I’ve totally got to try them with cherries and almonds!
Just made these with almond butter and wow, they are so delicious! Since I love cherries and almonds together, I added some dried cherries. Looking forward to making them again with the kiddos.
These are great! My nine year old daughter and I made them together and now she’s making a second batch all on her own. Everyone loved them!
Yay! ☺️ I’m so happy to hear both of you enjoyed them Rose! Sounds like you’ve got quite the daughter. 😉 Thanks for stopping by!