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The EASIEST recipe for 3 ingredient no bake peanut butter cookies!

Just a few minutes of prep for chewy ‘n satisfying vegan no bake cookies packed with rolled oats and creamy peanut butter. The best 3 ingredient no bake cookies! Easy to make like my peanut butter granola bars and cookie cups.

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How are you today? Hungry, tired, and perhaps ready for the easiest snack ever? What great timing… I’ve just revved up my easy no bake cookies engine and am about to share…

The best 3 ingredient no bake cookies! Nay, the best 3 ingredient no bake peanut butter cookies! Er… the best healthy no bake peanut butter oatmeal cookies. Oh, boy.

Okay, fine… I may have had one or three too many no bake cookies while testing recipes, but it’s all for the greater (yummier) good, ya know?

So are you ready for the best vegan no bake cookies ever? All you need are 3 ingredients, a few minutes of prep, and an appetite for something healthy and delicious! Let’s no bake these cookies!

3 ingredient no bake cookies in a stack on a cooling rack

What are no bake cookies?

No bake cookies are, quite simply, cookies that are made without any baking involved. Specifically, no bake cookies are made without the use of an oven.

Traditionally, no bake cookies [1] are made with stovetop heating. In traditional no bake cookies, you’d heat sugar, milk, butter and cocoa to create a sticky mixture for your cookies. Here’s one example of classic no bake cookies.

Then, you’d add oats, vanilla and peanut butter into that sticky mixture, thereby creating a cookie dough. You’d let them set, voila, no bake cookies! Here’s another example of no bake cookies.

Today, we’re making an easier, healthy & vegan version of no bake cookies. Today’s no bake cookies don’t require butter or cocoa powder. They’re peanut butter focused and made with just 3 simple ingredients. Check it out below.

Photo of Ingredients to Make Vegan Healthy No Bake Cookies

3 ingredients for no bake peanut butter cookies

These 3 ingredient no bake peanut butter cookies are made with just 3 simple ingredients. Check it out:

  • Peanut butter
  • Rolled oats
  • Maple syrup

how to make 3 ingredient no bake peanut butter oatmeal cookies

Today, we’re gonna learn how to make no bake cookies without milk, no banana and dairy free. These 3 ingredient peanut butter oatmeal cookies are so easy!

Remember, the photo tutorial below is just an overview. You’ll want to scroll to the bottom of the post to see exact instructions and ingredients in the recipe card.

First, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper. You can even use a plate!

Second, whisk together peanut butter and maple syrup in a large bowl.

Two photos showing How to Make 3 Ingredient No Bake Cookies – stirring peanut butter and maple syrup

You want to make sure the peanut butter and maple syrup are thoroughly whisked together, creating a cohesive mixture that’s like soft frosting. ⬇️

closeup of sweetened peanut butter mixture

Third, heat this sweetened peanut butter mixture until warm, fragrant, and just a bit dried out.

Check out the teeny, tiny bubbles that appear when the mixture is ready.

Two photos showing How to Make 3 Ingredient No Bake Cookies – heated peanut butter mixture with bubbles

Fourth, add rolled oats to that same bowl. Then, stir and fold until well-mixed.

Two photos showing How to Make 3 Ingredient No Bake Cookies – stirring oats into peanut butter

Fifth, scoop and drop balls of peanut butter oatmeal cookie dough onto a prepared baking sheet.

Then, grab a fork and flatten no bake cookies to desired thickness. Make a crisscross pattern.

Two photos showing how to make No Bake Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies – scooping cookie dough

Lastly, chill peanut butter oatmeal cookies until firm. Then, enjoy the best vegan no bake cookies!

Don’t forget to try my Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies and my Oatmeal Cookie Bars, too!

Overhead view of vegan no bake cookies on a black background

q&a for healthy no bake peanut butter oatmeal cookies

  • How do I store these 3 ingredient peanut butter oatmeal cookies?
  • Store your no bake cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 month in the fridge or at room temperature.
  • Can I freeze these 3 ingredient no bake peanut butter cookies?
  • Yes! Store your vegan no bake cookies in a freezer-friendly container for up to 2 months. Just make sure to thaw cookies before enjoying.
  • Are there stovetop directions for these healthy no bake peanut butter oatmeal cookies?
  • Yes! Check out the Notes section of the recipe for directions.
  • Why are these no bake cookies made without milk?
  • Because I can! Lol. J/K! I wanted to reduce the amount of ingredients in these 3 ingredient no bake cookies to as little as possible. Milk is just not needed in this recipe.
  • Can I reduce the amount of maple syrup in these no bake cookies?
  • Yes, you can reduce the maple syrup a bit. Just make sure to balance that out by reducing the oats as well—play around with it! You can also use my Easy Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies, which is made with less sweetener. ๐Ÿ™‚
  • What can I do to reduce the amount of sugar in these no bake peanut butter cookies?
  • Try substituting some or all of the maple syrup in this recipe with this low-carb, low sugar liquid monkfruit sweetener. I’ve used it in a number of keto recipes and had wonderful results.
  • Can I use quick oats in these no bake vegan cookies?
  • I wouldn’t recommend it. Some readers have tried using quick oats with varied success. Stick to old-fashion oats for the best results.
  • Can I use other types of nut or seed butter in these no bake cookies?
  • Yes! If you’re nut-free, use sunflower seed butter. If you’d like to use another nut butter, try almond butter, cashew butter or even pecan butter! 

The best 3 ingredient no bake cookies: delicious no bake peanut butter cookies packed with oatmeal, made with healthy vegan ingredients.

3 ingredient no bake cookies in a stack of 3

📸 Did you make this 3 ingredient no bake cookies recipe? Take a pic and share it on Instagram with the hashtag #beamingbaker & tag @beamingbaker. I’d love to see it! 📸

no bake recipes & more

3 ingredient No Bake Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies: super easy recipe for healthy no bake cookies without milk—the best gluten free vegan peanut butter cookies! #PeanutButter #NoBake #Oatmeal #Vegan #GlutenFree | Recipe at BeamingBaker.com
4.96 from 69 votes
Servings: 20 cookies

3 Ingredient No Bake Cookies (Vegan) – Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies!

The EASIEST recipe for 3 ingredient no bake peanut butter cookies! Just a few minutes of prep for chewy ‘n satisfying vegan no bake cookies packed with rolled oats and creamy peanut butter. The best 3 ingredient no bake cookies!
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 25 minutes
Save this recipe!
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Ingredients 

Instructions 

  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper. Set aside.
  • In a large, microwave-safe bowl, add peanut butter and maple syrup. Whisk together until well mixed. *Stovetop instructions in Notes.
  • 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.
  • Add oats to the peanut butter mixture. Stir and fold until thoroughly combined.
  • Using a medium 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. Enjoy! Storing instructions below.
  • Looking for a lower sugar version? Try this –> Easy Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies

Notes

*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.
Storing Instructions: Store in an airtight container, such as these reusable zip bags, in the refrigerator or at room temperature for up to 1 month. After the first day, you can store them at room temperature—they’ll be more firm.
Freezing Instructions: Store no bake cookies in freezer-friendly container or bag for 1-2 months. Allow to thaw at room temperature for 5-15 minutes before enjoying.
Nutrition Information: is an estimate based on the best-selling, most common brands per ingredient. Also, it’s estimated based on 22 servings per recipe.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cookie, Calories: 115kcal, Carbohydrates: 12g, Protein: 4g, Fat: 6g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 6g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Course: Dessert, Snacks
Cuisine: American
Like this? Leave a comment below!

Alright, so I may have lost control of the introduction to today’s no bake cookies recipe… forgive me. ๐Ÿ˜‰ Wanna make some cookies? ๐Ÿ™‚ I can’t wait to hear what you think of today’s vegan no bake cookies! Thanks for stopping by…

Sending you all my love and maybe even a dove, xo Demeter ❤️

This post may contain affiliate links, which allow me to make a small commission for my referral, at no additional cost to you.

Photo of Demeter, author of the Beaming Baker blog.

Hi there!

I'm Demeter, it's nice to meet you! Here, you'll find easy recipes that are fun & approachable. I love cozy movies, a good mystery, and chocolate. Welcome!

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236 Comments

  1. Barb says:

    Would this recipe work with natural chunk style peanut butter?

    1. Demeter | Beaming Baker says:

      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! ๐Ÿ™‚

  2. Francesca says:

    Can maple syrup be substituted with honey? ๐Ÿ™‚

    1. Demeter | Beaming Baker says:

      Hi Francesca, yes, it can! ๐Ÿ™‚

  3. Agness of Run Agness Run says:

    I love treats which include peanut butter, Demeter! I can start the day with this treat!

    1. Demeter | Beaming Baker says:

      Peanut butter’s the best! Awesome! Enjoy. ๐Ÿ™‚

  4. Marsha | Marsha's Baking Addiction says:

    5 stars
    I LOVE no-bake cookies, especially when they contain peanut butter ๐Ÿ˜‰ I can’t wait to see more no-bake cookies from you – these look absolutely delicious, Demeter! xo

    1. Demeter | Beaming Baker says:

      Aw yeah!! Anything with peanut butter is a winner! ๐Ÿ™‚ I can’t wait to share them! Thanks so much, Marsha! xo

  5. Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says:

    5 stars
    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. ๐Ÿ˜‰

    1. Demeter | Beaming Baker says:

      Yes way!!! ๐Ÿ˜‰ 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? ๐Ÿ™‚ Love ya more! P.S. with your fingers: totally makes it taste better. .

  6. Natalie | Feasting on Fruit says:

    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.

    1. Demeter | Beaming Baker says:

      Haha. How’d I guess?? ๐Ÿ˜‰ 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

    2. Vanessa says:

      5 stars
      Hello

    3. Vanessa says:

      5 stars
      Hi I’m Vanessa (duh) and I think that recipe is a good idea. Keep it up!

      1. Demeter | Beaming Baker says:

        Hi Vanessa! Fantastic! I hope you get to try this one and just love it. ๐Ÿ™‚

  7. Izzy Bruning says:

    oh my goodness these look amazing!
    Izzy | Pinch of delight

    1. Demeter | Beaming Baker says:

      Thank you!

  8. Shashi at Savory Spin says:

    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

    1. Demeter | Beaming Baker says:

      Aw, thanks Shashi! You’re always the sweetest! ๐Ÿ˜‰ Meaty? Lol!! Thank you, I think! ๐Ÿ˜‰ 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

  9. Patrick@looneyforfood.com says:

    What is not to love about this. Super quick cookies and there is peanut butter. Winner all around!

    1. Demeter | Beaming Baker says:

      Right? ๐Ÿ™‚ Thanks Patrick!

  10. Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says:

    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!

    1. Demeter | Beaming Baker says:

      Yep!!! The first of many to come! ๐Ÿ™‚ 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

      1. Mary says:

        Do these cookies need 1/2 cup of maple syrup? Have you made them with with less maple syrup or none? Thank you!

      2. Demeter | Beaming Baker says:

        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. ๐Ÿ™‚

      3. Mary says:

        Thanks! I’m going to make them without maple syrup. I’ll adjust the oats and see what happens. .

      4. Cassara says:

        I didnt have syrup so I used honey and it works just as well

      5. Demeter | Beaming Baker says:

        That’s so great to hear Cassara! Thanks for letting me know. ๐Ÿ™‚

    2. Cheryl says:

      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?

      1. Cassara says:

        No but if you want to use honey you can they also have a sweeter tast and its more healthy if you want

      2. Michelle says:

        5 stars
        I was only skeptical because I only have powdered PB by Lakanto. I used a little bit of boiled water and syrup to mix it to a creamy PB. I read that the addition of cinnamon powder or cardamom is good so I tried both but liked the taste of cinnamon powder better. I started flattening them to a cookie then I decided to just leave them as energy bites! So yummy! BTW everything was measured as per recipe! Thanks again for your genius, Demeter! โค๏ธ